Justin Champion

Justin Champion is a combat veteran, firefighter, and unapologetic mental health advocate. He served in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2006, deploying twice to Iraq and once to Bosnia in support of NATO operations. After leaving the military, he committed himself to the fire service—rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief before taking on the role of Instructor Coordinator for the New Mexico Firefighter Training Academy.

With nearly 30 years of combined service, Justin writes and teaches from the real-world trenches. His books and classes cut through the fluff—built to prepare first responders for the job and to fight the silence that surrounds mental health. His message: Train like it matters. Lead with grit. And speak the truth—especially when it’s hard.

Justin’s personal journey mirrors the weight and reality of the job. From leading in battle and on the fireground to silently wrestling with post-traumatic stress, he knows what it’s like to carry invisible scars. There were moments when it almost ended—but faith, family, and raw determination pulled him back. Through that pain came purpose.

Today, his mission is to reach as many first responders as possible—to help them build skills that save lives and courage that saves their own. His platform, From the Ashes, is more than training. It’s a lifeline. A reminder that strength isn’t about hiding your pain it’s about owning it, rising from it, and using it to lift others.