First Due Command Post Podcast

Kevin Sofen, Director of Innovation at W.S. Darley, sits down with host Tom Louis to discuss current and emerging technologies affecting today's fire service.

Artist Paul Combs sits down with host Tom Louis to discuss his latest projects and provide a glimpse into his "Be The Target" presentation.

Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, sits down with host Tom Louis for a deep discussion about preventing suicides in the fire service.

Fire Service Legend Dennis Compton sits down with host Tom Louis to share his tremendous wisdom, the importance of getting involved outside of your agency, and the value of introspection for all of us.

Tate Preston, Health and Safety Manager for the James B. Beam Distilling Company shares what's it's like to run a distillery fire and life safety department. There's many similarities to a traditional fire department and there are some unique aspects he'll dive into with host Tom Louis.

Jordan Long of RevitalColorado sits down with host Tom Louis to share the story of this exceptional outdoors-based retreat program for supporting the mental health of first responders.

Retired Fire Chief and noted leader, author, and lecturer Randy Bruegman joins host Tom Louis for a conversation about excellence and leadership for the 21st century fire service.

Industry legend, Gordon Graham, shares his wisdom, candor, and a new legacy project about how and why his seven steps for sharing knowledge can improve any organization, reduce risk, and save lives.

The founder and CEO of First Responder Coaching, Jennifer Anderson, sits down with host Tom Louis to discuss the powerful impact life coaching is having on improving the mental well-being of first responders across the country.

Former Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Ed Mann sits down with with host Tom Louis to discuss the challenges (sense of identity, mental health, finances, etc.) that we inevitably face when deciding to retire from one of the world's most noble vocations.

Paul Wind, founder of Battalion 1 Consultants, joins host Tom Louis for an engaging conversation on compelling ways fire departments can justify their existence through top-notch programs, policies, plans, and procedures.

Deputy Chief Greg Rogers of the Spokane Valley Fire Department (WA) sits down with host Tom Louis to share the many successful and innovative programs being used by one of the nation's most progressive Community Risk Reduction agencies. Chief Rogers will inspire you to improve your own agency's CRR program. Don't miss this episode of The Command Post Podcast.

Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort , sits down with host, Tom Louis, for an inspiring conversation on why customer service matters more than ever.

Kate Kapalo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha and National Fire Academy Instructor shares her passion, expertise, and extensive research about pre-plans and technology in the fire service. Link to Kate's research (well worth your time!): https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katelynn-Kapalo

Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Charles McGarvey sits down with host Tom Louis to share how resilience helped him lead his department during two LODDs in one month during his time as fire chief of the Lower Merion Fire Department.

Fire service legend Chief Billy Goldfeder sits down with host Tom Louis to share his personal journey of surviving prostate cancer and to talk about his new website https://www.40plusfire.com that is designed to raise awareness and provide resources about prostate cancer for firefighter.

Dr. Burton Clark, former Management Science Program Chair at the National Fire Academy, sits down with host Tom Louis to discuss the state of the American Fire Culture. He shares his observations and presents challenges to the status quo, both within the fire service and the public's perception and expectations. Join them for this thought-provoking conversation.

Denis Onieal, retired assistant United States Fire Administrator, sits down with host Tom Louis to share his wisdom about effective decision-making and the role data plays in today's fire service.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the United States Fire Administrator, sits down with host Tom Louis to discuss the future of fire service data and other exciting initiatives brewing at the USFA that will impact the American fire service.

Joe Powers, Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal for the Charlottesville Fire Department (VA) joins host Tom Louis for a conversation about what innovative and progressive Community Risk Reduction looks like in the 21st century.

Neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, PhD., sits down with host Tom Louis to share evidence-based practical ways to optimize your cognitive health for mental performance and well-being.

Dr. Matt Hinds-Aldrich sits down with Tom Louis to discuss why NFIRS still matters and why it needs to improve to meets the needs of the 21st century fire service. Here's Matt's excellent paper on NFIRS: https://medium.com/@dr._matt/now-is-the-time-to-finally-fix-nfirs-2e6040dbb2cd

Ben May, Member of the Board of Directors for the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), joins host Tom Louis for an engaging conversation about data's role is helping the fire service remain "America's Most Trusted Brand".

Maia Dalton-Theodore, Director of Behavioral Health for Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Lt. Miguel Tittman, Health and Wellness Officer for AFR join host Tom Louis for an in-depth discussion about how Albuquerque Fire Rescue's groundbreaking program is helping personnel maintain their mental health now and into retirement.

Captain Mike "Elvis" Castillo sits down with host Tom Louis for an engaging conversation about Mesa's exceptional Command Response Vehicle program that serves the East Valley of the Mesa/Phoenix metropolitan area.