"Flashpoint" was created in 1991 while Paul Messina (Flute/Sax) and George Schoendorfer (Lead/Rhythm Guitars) were playing together in the folk/rock group "Relative Viewpoint". Paul and George, having a deep passion for jazz, discussed forming a group of their own—and Flashpoint was born. When Paul and George—both firefighters for the Miami-Dade Fire Department—originally formed the band, it was composed almost entirely of firefighters (with the exception of Bassist Mark Harris, who is now one of the most sought after studio musicians in Nashville). At that time, the other members were Roman Bas (Percussion) and Pedro Salgado (Drums). With such a strong connection to firefighting, the band was aptly named "Flashpoint"—a common term used in the practice.