Andy Starnes is a lifelong student of the fire service and has been involved with the fire service as a volunteer since 1991, a career firefighter 1998, and retired as a Battalion Chief after 25 years of service in 2023. He graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration. Andy and his family (wife Sarah of 20 years and their daughter Emma) reside in Shelby NC. 

Andy has published numerous works in various fire service publications and textbooks. He is a fire service website contributor on the topics of thermal imaging, fire behavior, leadership, behavioral health, and faithbased devotions. His work has been featured in numerous fire service publications, Euro Firefighter 2, and other fire service textbooks. He has trained and/or assisted departments with Thermal Imaging Training in all 50 states and numerous other countries. 

Insight Training’s Thermal Imaging Curriculum is in use in Canada, Germany, and Poland. Insight Training LLC instructor cadre consists of 15 members from across the US and are fire service veterans that are Level 1 Thermography Industrial Certified or Tactical Firefighting Thermologist Certified from WKU.  

Andy currently serves as the owner/operator/instructor of Insight Fire Training and is Level II Thermography Certified and he provides training internationally. He consults manufacturers and assists with product development. Insight Training has assisted with the development and testing of five thermal imaging cameras. Insight Training LLC developed the first Thermography based firefighter certification credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute. 
Andy is passionate about Fire Behavior and assisting in instructing others on understanding the complex terminology of modern fire behavior on a regular basis. He serves as a board member on the non-profit organization 5-Alarm Task Force which raises funds to support first responders, is a Master Craftsman with Project Kill the Flashover, and supports numerous first responder charities through Insight Training He has been featured on numerous podcasts and presented tactical thermal imaging courses at numerous fire service conferences across the globe. 

Affiliations:

• Max Fire Box

• Smooth Bore Cartel

• Brothers in Battle

• MayDay Mindset

• International Fire Rescue Training HOT Day