About Us
Joseph DeVito began his fire service career at age 17, following in his father's footsteps with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department on Long Island. What started as a passion became a lifelong career, leading him to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District in Florida. After beginning as an EMT with Lee County EMS and becoming a paramedic, Joe returned to his true calling—the fire service. He has served as a firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, and has been a captain for more than a decade. He served as interim Battalion Chief for 5 years and was Operations Division Supervisor for Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach.
For more than 15 years, Joe has dedicated himself to the study of thermal imaging and fire behavior. Influenced by Kill the Flashover and mentored by Andrew Starnes (he will be forever grateful), he developed a passion for helping firefighters understand not just how to operate a thermal imager, but how to use it to make better fireground decisions. His mission is to transform thermal imagers from a tool firefighters carry into skills they trust.
Joe has presented to fire departments and conferences across the United States and has been featured on podcasts, webcasts, in magazine articles, and throughout the fire service media. Whether teaching a recruit class or speaking at a national conference, his goal remains the same: provide practical, experience-based education that improves firefighter safety and performance.
He is the author of The Basics to Build On: Thermal Imaging and holds numerous certifications, including Level I Thermography, CPSE Fire Officer, Florida Fire Officer II, Instructor II, Live Fire Training Instructor, and EMS Instructor. Despite more than three decades in the fire service, Joe still considers himself a student of the profession and remains committed to learning, teaching, and giving back.
“The advanced level is mastery of the basics.”
— Ray Mancini
Mission
To improve firefighter safety and performance by delivering practical, evidence-based education in thermal imaging and fire behavior that builds confidence, enhances decision-making, and saves lives.
We believe a thermal imaging camera is one of the most powerful tools a firefighter carries—but only when the firefighter behind it understands its capabilities, limitations, and application. Through engaging, hands-on training, we equip firefighters with the knowledge to make better decisions on the fireground and return home safely after every call.
Vision
To become a leading source of thermal imaging education in the fire service, creating a culture where every firefighter is trained to use thermal imaging with competence, confidence, and purpose.
We envision a fire service where thermal imaging is no longer an underutilized piece of equipment but an integrated part of size-up, search, fire attack, ventilation, rapid intervention, and firefighter survival. By advancing education and challenging outdated practices, we strive to raise the standard of training across the profession.
Core Values
Safety First
Every lesson, every class, and every conversation is driven by one goal: helping firefighters go home after every shift.
Knowledge Through Understanding
We teach the why, not just the how. Understanding fire behavior and thermal imaging leads to better decisions under stress. We feel one must fully understand the basics to build on them. We stress the basics because many firefighters have little to no training with thermal imagers, yet they use them every shift.
Integrity
We present honest, evidence-based information. If the science changes, so do we.
Practical Application
Training should prepare firefighters for the realities of the fireground. Every concept must have a purpose and a practical application.
Continuous Improvement
No firefighter, instructor, or organization has learned it all. We are committed to continual learning, refinement, and growth.
Service Before Self
Our success is measured by the firefighters we help and the departments we strengthen—not by recognition but by results
Passion for the Profession
We believe the fire service deserves instructors who care deeply about the craft and are committed to passing knowledge to the next generation. We have been students of thermal imaging and fire behavior since 2016.
Our Promise
We don't just teach firefighters how to use a thermal imager. We teach them how to think with it.
Our team
Our strength lies in our dedication to the fire service. Set up by Joe DeVito, the team strives to bring in the best education across various methods, from lectures to workshops to hands-on live burn training.
Joseph DeVito
Founder / Lead Instructor
Josephine DeVito
Marketing and Bookkeeping
Adjunct
Instructor
Adjunct
Instuctor