At GORUCK, we’ve always admired the grit, determination, and teamwork that firefighters bring to their roles every day. Their work is relentless, physically demanding, and often comes with little recognition.
This National First Responders Day, we’re highlighting two firefighters, Battalion Chief Eric Wheaton from the Winter Park Fire Department in Florida and Samantha McChesney Hamilton from Concord Fire Department in Massachusetts. Both of them have not only committed their lives to serving their communities but have also made GORUCK gear an integral part of their training and daily routines.
Eric Wheaton: 18 Years of Service and Counting
Eric Wheaton is a second-generation firefighter with 18 years of experience under his belt. Currently a Battalion Chief at Winter Park Fire Department in Central Florida, Wheaton’s role is all about teamwork and resilience. “We live with each other a third of our lives,” he shares, describing the deep bond among his team. When emergencies arise, it’s crucial that his crew operates as one, watching each other’s backs and adapting to the unknown.
"Firefighters are constantly preparing for the unknown," Wheaton explains. "Unlike a professional football team that knows who they're playing, where the game is, and when it will happen, we never know when or what emergency we’ll face." This constant state of unpredictability requires firefighters to train across multiple disciplines and stay mentally sharp.
One of the challenges firefighters face that the public may not realize is the sheer physical toll of the job. A firefighter's gear alone can weigh over 60 pounds, and additional tools can add over 100 pounds more. Add to that the extreme heat of Florida and the unknown hazards inside burning buildings, and it’s a physically grueling role. Mentally, firefighters often deal with trauma and sleep deprivation, which can compound the emotional toll of the job. For Wheaton, fitness and family are key in maintaining mental well-being.
And this is where GORUCK comes in. Wheaton uses GORUCK gear every day—from his MACV-2 Safety Boots to his GR2 as his go-to firehouse bag. Training with a Rucker, which mimics the weight of his SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), prepares him for carrying heavy loads on the job. "GORUCK’s sandbags are critical to my training because they shift and force me to engage all my muscles, just like the gear I carry in real life." The ruggedness and functionality of GORUCK gear ensures Wheaton is always prepared—whether for an emergency or a workout.
Samantha McChesney Hamilton: Finding Strength in Teamwork
With just three years as a firefighter, Samantha McChesney Hamilton has already gained valuable insights into the importance of teamwork and resilience. "Everything we do in the fire department is done as a team for the betterment of the community," she says. Hamilton, who serves with the Concord Fire Department in Massachusetts, believes that resilience is more than individual strength—it’s about the collective ability to rise together, adapt, and support each other.
Physically, the job requires Hamilton to be ready for anything, from lifting heavy equipment to working long hours in extreme conditions. But the mental side of the job is even more challenging. First responders face hundreds, if not thousands, of traumatic events over their careers, far more than the 2-3 and average person experiences. "This takes a toll emotionally, but maintaining both physical and mental health is key to staying prepared," she says.
To stay at her best, Hamilton focuses on balance—good sleep, managing stress, eating well, and staying fit. GORUCK’s gear helps her stay well-rounded, both on and off the job. "GORUCK is built tough, which is exactly what I need for the demands of my job," she explains. From the sandbags she uses in her station workouts to the durable boots she wears on shift, GORUCK gear supports every aspect of her training. The rucks serve as her go-to for carrying extra items (like her dog) or adding weight for a quick workout.
Both Wheaton and Hamilton exemplify the resilience and dedication it takes to be a firefighter. Their commitment to their teams and communities runs deep, and we’re proud to be a small part of their journey, helping them stay prepared for the challenges they face each day.
