It is with deep sadness that we embrace the unexpected passing of Captain William “Bill” Gustin, a distinguished, esteemed, and respected figure in the American Fire Service. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Captain Gustin profoundly influenced firefighters both nationally and internationally. His extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication were instrumental in shaping numerous training programs, including his significant contributions to CountyFireTactics.com’s High Rise Operations Conference (HROC). In the Isakson household, he was affectionately referred to as Captain “G,” symbolizing the close bonds he formed within the fire service community.

Captain Gustin’s commitment to continuous learning and excellence set him apart as a mentor, teacher, and hero. His leadership and passion for the profession have left an indelible mark on countless individuals he guided throughout his remarkable career. His legacy is evident in the thousands of firefighters he trained and the numerous lives he impacted.

In honoring Captain Gustin’s memory, we are reminded of the importance of seeking support during challenging times. No one should face their battles alone, and resources are available for those in need. While his absence leaves an irreplaceable void, his influence will resonate for generations. Let us pay tribute to his legacy by upholding his dedication to education, safety, and the enduring spirit of the fire service.

Rest in peace, Captain Gustin. Your legacy lives on in every firefighter you mentored, every life you touched, and every lesson you imparted. The fire service stands stronger because of your contributions, and your impact will be felt for years to come.

Instructor Bio | Captain Bill Gustin is a 49-year veteran of the Fire Service. He began his career in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter in the Chicago area. He is a third generation firefighter; his Dad and Grandfather were officers on the Chicago Fire Department. He began his career with the Miami-Dade Fire/Rescue Dept. in 1978, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1983 and to Captain in 1986. Captain Gustin instructs firefighter recruits and newly-promoted fire officers as a lead instructor in Miami-Dade’s Officer Development Program. He has taught fire science classes, industrial fire safety and shipboard firefighting for Miami-Dade College. He also conducts training programs for firefighters throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, Captain Gustin has taught forcible entry techniques to local and federal law enforcement agencies. He is a contributing editor and a technical editor for Fire Engineering Magazine and an advisory board member for the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference.

Captain Gustin has worked as an instructor and advisor for the U.S. Agency For International Development and has conducted training programs for fire brigades in several Caribbean countries. He was also a member of Miami-Dade’s international Disaster Response Team and participated in the rescue of people trapped in collapsed buildings resulting from earthquakes in the former Soviet Union in 1988 and in the Philippines in 1990. He was also a member of the FEMA working group that established the organization and standards for Urban Search and Rescue Teams that respond to domestic and international disasters. Captain Gustin was named Florida’s firefighter of the year in 1990 for rescuing a women and her child who were trapped between a fire and iron burglar bars on the windows and doors of their home.