Andy Starnes

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 since 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 faith-based devotions. His work has been featured in numerous fire service publications, Euro Firefighter 2, and other fire service textbooks such as the recent “Book of Search” by Firehouse Vigilance. 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, Taiwan, Spain, across South America, and Poland. Insight Training LLC instructor cadre consists of members from around the world and are fire service veterans who 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. His work has assisted in developing numerous fire service products, including several thermal imaging cameras from various manufacturers, since 2013. He regularly consults manufacturers and assists with product development. Insight Training LLC developed the first thermography-based firefighter certification credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer-reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute. Insight Fire Training also works in collaboration with manufacturers and training centers around the globe.

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. Andy Starnes was inducted into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders by the National Fire Heritage Center at FDIC in 2023. Andy was most recently nominated as one of the top 20 influencers in the fire service for Fire Safety Journal Americas in January of 2025.