Following in his father’s footsteps, Willie is a 2nd generation firefighter. He has 25 years experience as a firefighter/EMT. In 1991, he was hired by an urban Department in Virginia where he currently holds the rank of Captain. His career boasts 15 years experience as a Company Officer having held the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain. In addition, he has held assignments in various types of stations to include single Engine, Ladder, Combination ( Engine/Ladder, Engine/Medic Unit) and as a Battalion Aid.

Captain Wines currently runs or is involved with several Fire Service related Blogs / web sites to include Ironfiremen.com and FireProductReview.com . He covers a variety of topics such as Firefighter safety, training, news, information, humor, product reviews, life as a firefighter and more. He does this with his unique style of writing while adding his personal opinion and, at times; sense of humor. He is a motivational speaker for the Fire Service and teaches / speaks on subjects such as Strategy / Tactics, and Social Media in the Fire Service with partner Rhett Fleitz (Lt. Rhett Fleitz of FireCritic.com).

He is a member in good standing of IAFF Local-1132 and very active in many Firefighter Events across the Nation. He works with companies such as MN8-FoxFire to bring new, innovative and potently  life saving   technology to the Fire Service. He assists organizations such as The Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Committee and The National Firefighter’s Endowment.

He has been married for 25 years to his wife Donna. They have 2 beautiful (adult) Daughters, Randi-Jo and Reba as well as a grandson, Wesley; who is better known as “The Buckaroo” and can often be found in the pages of Ironfiremen.com

Rhett is a Lieutenant with an urban fire department in Virginia. He regularly posts news, information, humor, and opinion on FireCritic.com. He has been in the fire service since 1997. Rhett also teaches across the Nation on Social Media in the Fire Service and motivational talks for firefighters with Willie Wines Jr.

Rhett also runs VAFireNews.com, FireProductReview.com, and Daily911Deals.com among other web sites. He got involved in blogging and fire service web sites in 2005.

Rhett has been a local IAFF officer and is a proud member of IAFF Local 1132.

Rhett has worked with so many great companies online and enjoys assisting with marketing for start-ups. He is involved with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Firefighters Endowment. His travel takes him to most of the large firefighting shows across the Nation as well as many other events.

Rhett is happily married to his wife Becky. They celebrate their 10^th anniversary in 2012. They have two children – Preston, 9, and Jade, 7.