Firehouse Talk: Tales from the Fire Service

The Firehouse Talk podcast is dedicated to preserving fire service history in general and firefighter stories in particular. Firehouse Talk is primarily focused on the human interest part of the fire service as opposed to strategy, tactics, apparatus and equipment. More information is on the website FirehouseTalk.com. The show is produced by Chuck Hampton, a former Battalion Chief who served over 37 years with the Dallas Fire Department.

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Firehouse Talk: Tales from the Fire Service

Battalion Chief Mark Berry

July 17, 2025 • Chuck Hampton • Season 2 • Episode 4

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The year is 1978. A young kid from the projects rides his bicycle for miles. Parched, he stops at a fire station in search of a drink of water and his life is forever changed.

Mark Berry is now a battalion chief with the Dallas Fire Department and our story starts with a fatal house fire he responded to just hours before our interview.

Other topics covered: Mark's backstory, including growing up in the projects, being mentored by firefighters, playing college football, a stint in the NFL, returning to his first love (the fire department), and much more.

Chief Berry currently serves as Battalion 6 in Oak Cliff. A long-time member of Special Operations, he also serves as a Task Force Leader on the Urban Search and Rescue Team.

Photographs and additional information related to this episode are on the website at this link: FireHouseTalk - Chief Mark Berry

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Visit www.firehousetalk.com for more information