iCHIEFS

Being a new fire chief comes with plenty of excitement and challenges and the path to becoming fire chief is oftentimes different and unique for each candidate.  Join the iChiefs Podcast hosts and they visit with two newer fire chiefs as they discuss their observations, challenges and opportunities ahead.

Being a new fire chief comes with plenty of excitement and challenges and the path to becoming fire chief is oftentimes different and unique for each candidate.  Join the iChiefs Podcast hosts and they visit with two newer fire chiefs as they discuss their observations, challenges and opportunities ahead.

The topic of recruitment and retention in the fire service is top of mind for nearly every fire chief.  Many departments struggle to attract a sufficient number of applicants to meet their hiring needs, while other fire departments combat high attrition rates that were once unheard of.  This three-part iChiefs podcast series will talk to fire chiefs from across the United States that are facing this challenge with data, action, and transformational leadership.  Listen in to see what your department can learn!  

The topic of recruitment and retention in the fire service is top of mind for nearly every fire chief.  Many departments struggle to attract a sufficient number of applicants to meet their hiring needs, while other fire departments combat high attrition rates that were once unheard of.  This three-part iChiefs podcast series will talk to fire chiefs from across the United States that are facing this challenge with data, action, and transformational leadership.  Listen in to see what your department can learn!

The topic of recruitment and retention in the fire service is top of mind for nearly every fire chief.  Many departments struggle to attract a sufficient number of applicants to meet their hiring needs, while other fire departments combat high attrition rates that were once unheard of.  This three-part iChiefs podcast series will talk to fire chiefs from across the United States that are facing this challenge with data, action, and transformational leadership.  Listen in to see what your department can learn! Instagram: @tucsonfiredepartment Twitter: @TucsonFireDept Facebook: Tucson Fire Department

A short 15-20 minute Q&A with both candidates. Learn more about their history with the IAFC and their goals for the future of the organization. 

Join us as we talk with IAFC Technology Council Chair, Dan Munsey, as he outlines the importance of advancing technology in the fire service. Dan highlights major technology elements that he is seeing as a fire chief and how he deals with the challenges and opportunities. Additionally, he addresses the value and scope of technology gap assessments.  Takeaways:  Role and goals of the IAFC Technology Council Elements and benefits from having a technology-based Strategic Plan How fire departments access resources to assist them with their technology needs  

During this podcast explore how Oklahoma City Training Chief, Brian Brush, has handled our number one priority on the fireground. He'll discuss the project that was started by a chief officer at Oklahoma City, called the Firefighter Rescue Survey. This project attempts to quantify aspects of fireground safety, but most importantly how to save civilian lives.  Takeaways:  Origination of the project Lessons learned from the survey's data What fire service members can do to help move this project forward

During this podcast, Ponderosa (Texas) Fire Chief, Fred Windisch, highlights the outstanding leadership program at the Symposium in the Sun 2021. The program helps to address the unique needs of volunteer leadership in departments.  This year's Symposium in the Sun will offer a new personal coaching and problem-solving opportunity to attendees. Attendees will discover experienced professional coaches to get feedback on their personal development journey, or to discuss a unique issue they are facing in their organization in a private and confidential manner.    You must be a full conference registrant to take advantage of this opportunity. Sign up for a timeslot early - limited slots available! Sign up here!

As we look back today on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we are honored to have Chief Joseph Pfeifer join us for this special podcast. Chief Pfeifer was the first FDNY chief on the scene as the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Chief Pfeifer retired from FDNY in 2018 as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Emergency Preparedness. Listen as Chief Pfeifer outlines lessons learned these past 20 years, how we've built and improved our preparedness and what the fire service should do moving forward.  Chief Pfeifer is also sharing his account of the horrid events that took place on that day in a new book, Ordinary Heros: A Memoir of 9/11, which is available now.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board member, Richard Carrizzo joins us this month. This podcast will look at the genesis of FirstNet, the history of technology for firefighters, real-life examples of how fire agencies are using FirstNet to be safer and more efficient, and future innovations in public safety communications.  Takeaways:  What challenges in communications still exist in our industry? How has public safety communications changed since 9/11 (the past 20 years), Chief Carrizzo will discuss how his department's network has improved operations, andHow technology like FirstNet is helping agencies confront the challenges that COVID-19 presents to operations. 

During this podcast explore how Oklahoma City Fire Chief, Richard Kelley handled the fallout and attention to a personnel matter and incident that went 'nuclear'. This incident involved a child being transported by fire department engine company due to the delay of an ambulance. What unfolded after the incident become public and has lessons for fire chiefs in metro and small departments alike.   Takeaways: Why do certain incidents garner increased attention?Experience in dealing with traditional media (TV and print) and various social media outlets under stressful circumstancesStrategies in dealing with incidents from the onsetAdvice for fire chiefs who will face scrutiny and controversy

In February, the Wildfire Mitigation Awards committee named three individuals chosen to receive 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Awards. This year's recipients have earned the highest commendation for innovation and leadership in wildland fire mitigation.     In the latest iCHIEFS podcast we spoke to two of the award winners about their personal successes and challenges within the wildland-urban interface. As a wildland fire mitigation specialist for the West Region (Colorado) Wildfire Council, Courtney Haynes works with the Colorado State Forest Service to serve a six-county area—called the West Region—roughly 5.6 million acres in size. Jessica Kirby has profoundly shaped public perceptions of wildland fire. As the acting open space management supervisor for the Snyderville Basin (Utah) Recreation District, Jessica oversees 2,300 acres of trails and forest.     Takeaways:    Outstanding or innovative strategies they employed to receive this award  The largest threat facing America's fire service  Recommendations for other departments

In today's world, we are realizing an incredible expanse of available data and the ever-increasing data collection points. The fire service has traditionally collected data to report the incident type and services provided, but industry experts are recommending widening the scope. Why? Because your data tells a story. It encompasses the very essence of daily operations, community care and financial resiliency.  Takeaways:  How data impacts the fire service Performance metrics/outcomes tied to data Biggest challenges of CAD/data analysis and aligning it to financial reporting and/or budgets Best practices for integrating data to GIS, RMS, and billing platforms  Public Consulting Group (PCG) aims to help fire leadership by providing intelligent, focused data analysis as an integral component to risk reduction strategies and overall public safety standards improvements that have positive impacts on communities and the organizations serving them.  Sponsored by: PCG 

This new podcast episode of iCHIEFS spotlights a unique mobile integrated health program happening in the Gainesville, Florida, community. We'll be joined by Ariella Bak, coordinator of Gainesville Fire Rescue's Community Resource Paramedic program, as she shares how her team is redefining the paradigm of EMS and the pertinent role of paramedics.    The podcast will outline:  The Gainesville Fire Rescue's Community Paramedic MIH program Roles and responsibilities Problems addressed for Gainesville Solutions/results have you observed 

We're joined by Dr. Michael Gonzalez, Medical Director for Houston Fire Department, as he details the problems Houston faced with its emergency response system. Dr. Gonzalez will outline: What the city did to improve efficiency, responsiveness and resultsHow mobile technology has helped first responders work more effectively or stay better connected with hospitals during emergenciesBenefits of using telemedicine when responding to a 911 callWhat mobile technologies first responders are using Sponsored by: Panasonic Panasonic offers purpose-built mobile technology solutions that keep first responders more connected and efficient. Designed with the evolving needs of mobile workers in mind and engineered to stand up to the most challenging conditions, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK® devices are part of an ecosystem of hardware, services and software designed to help today's first responders go anywhere and achieve anything. Learn more at toughbook.com.

This podcast spotlights a topic that is essential to all public safety entities. We discuss the importance of AED registry and how information using the PuslsePoint App is making a difference specifically in San Diego and Tallahassee and how it can make a difference in your community. We're joined by Maureen O'Connor, Program Manager with the City of San Deigo and Mike Jachles, Chair of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers (PIO) & Florida PIO Deployment Team. They share how they're saving lives, interacting with the media and making a difference in local government. The discussion will include:  Adding AEDs into your communityApproving AEDs in PulsePointResources for implementationHIPAA ConcernsMedia Relations Sponsored by: PulsePoint

The new episode of iCHIEFS podcasts focuses on the current wildfire situation we faced this fall in the United States. This is an essential topic not only for those fire departments in wildfire-prone areas but for those who are not as accustomed to these issues. Santa Fe County Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg joins the podcast to discuss his experience with wildfire, specifically focusing on the changes in severity, season and complexity. The discussion will include: Work the Wildland Fire Policy Committee does at a national levelWest coast or a global issue?Wildland response resources, specifically the National Mutual Aid System (NMAS)

Lessons Learned from Wal-Mart The new episode of iChiefs podcasts focuses on the private sector and how we can partner together before, during and after emergency response efforts. Faith Newton, Sr. Manager of Emergency Preparedness for Walmart Stores Inc., joins the podcast to discuss how Public and Private sectors continue to partner, plan, and respond as the industry is adapting and changing.   The discussion will include: How events in 2020 have changed the way Wal-Mart respondsHow national disasters impact Wal-Mart's associates and business modelHow data is used to anticipate the next catastropheHow Wal-Mart is working with emergency response agencies at all levels of government

This episode of iCHIEFS podcasts focuses on the PulsePoint app which serves 4,000 communities and boosts more than 2.5 million users. The app harnesses technology and citizen response to provide life-saving assistance to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Richard Price, President of the PulsePoint Foundation discusses key elements of this innovative application.  Which includes:  How this application is being utilized in communities in the US and CanadaEvolution of the app – Verified ResponderResidential Activation due to Cardiac Arrest DataLessons Learned from a Pilot Program Sponsored by: PulsePoint

This podcast will focus on the silver lining of COVID-19 - specifically what good will come from this horrible experience that will improve the fire service. Sara A. Jahnke, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research at the National Development and Research Institutes discusses where science is taking us as an industry, as well as what her organization is doing in regards to COVID-19. Top takeaways: Where is COVID-19 taking the fire servicePolicy, procedures and best practices from science and data Fire department long-term pandemic goals Sponsored by: ESO

Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3), is a new initiative led by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Innovation Center. ET3 offers treatment and transportation alternatives for emergency medical service (EMS) providers serving Medicare Fee for Services (FFS) beneficiaries. Fire Chief John SInclair, Kittitas Valley (WA) Fire & Rescue, Division Chief Peter Lawrence, Oceanside (CA) and Senior Consultant Maggie Dunham, Public Consulting Group, discuss: How departments can participate in ET3 Potential benefits and drawbacks from participating in this initiative The value in testing the viability of alternatives for triage, treatment, and transport The importance of reporting quality and performance measures, HIE, and multi-payer strategies. Where we go from here if the approved projects are successful   To hear past ICHIEFS podcasts, visit blogtalkradio.com/ichiefs  

The economic impact from COVID-19 will be with us for some time. Chief Steve Pegram, Goshen (OH) discusses the work of the IAFC's Economic Task Force to support fire and emergency organizations navigate through these rocky waters. He's joined by Denton (TX) City Manager Todd Hileman who shares short term measures and long term strategies to address the financial fallout and how his city is dealing with the economic challenges and its impact on public safety.  Sponsored by: Change Healthcare

While COVID-19 continues to impact all fire and emergency service agencies, it presents unique challenges for volunteer fire departments, especially when it comes to staffing, equipment, training, and finances. In this latest installment, Chief Kevin Cooney, South Windsor (CT) Fire Department, and Deputy Chief Edward Rush, Elmsford (NY) Volunteer Fire Department join us to discuss: Operational and staffing challengesThe impact on budgets and fundraising activitiesRecruitment and retentionLessons learned and how to apply those moving forwardStrategies for economic recovery Visit the IAFC's COVID-19 Resources website for additional podcasts and webinars. Sponsored by: Change Healthcare

Fire and EMS personnel are confronting first-hand the impacts of COVID-19 every day. In addition to providing response and care to those impacted by the virus, these responders also are dealing with the challenges of ensuring their own health and safety and those of their crews. In this episode, we're joined by Chief of Special Operations John Esposito with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).  New York has been the epicenter for COVID-19 and Chief Esposito shares the unique perspective of dealing with the pandemic on a mass scale and lessons learned that can help other communities and departments. Visit the IAFC COVID-19 Resources website for additional podcasts and webinars.

Fire and EMS personnel are confronting first-hand the impacts of COVID-19 every day. In addition to providing response and care to those impacted by the virus, these responders also are dealing with the challenges of ensuring their own health and safety and those of their crews. In “COVID-19:  “Lessons from the Streets”, we talk with the men and women on the front lines about the challenges of dealing with this large-scale and unprecedented pandemic.  In this episode, we're joined by Lieutenant Sue Stangl and Firefighter/911 Dispatcher Hilton Almond with the Seattle (Washington) Fire Department as they address: 1.       Impacts on their community, workforce, and deployment 2.       Operational changes and innovation ​3.       What other responders need to know to prepare Visit the IAFC COVID-19 resources website for additional podcasts and webinars.

The 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is creating a rapidly changing environment for public safety agencies. What steps should fire chiefs take for planning and response to the pandemic?  How do you maintain continuity of operations while also ensuring the health and safety of your responders?  Listen as Jonathan Greene, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of Emergency Management and Operations at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Chief John Sinclair, IAFC's Coronavirus Task Force Chair and discuss: How long should fire and EMS agencies be planning in terms of impact Best practices for fire and EMS agencies to effectively and safely take care of the public and personnel Recommendations from the IAFC's Guide for Coronavirus Planning and Response For additional tools and updates, visit the IAFC Coronavirus Resources page.

Firefighter deaths from cardiac events is a growing issue and one that can be reduced. This February, Gary Ludwig, IAFC President and Chairman of the Board and Champaign (Illinois) Fire Chief launched his initiative, "If You Don't Feel Well, Don't Make it Your Farewell".  Chief Ludwig is joined by Deputy Chief Ian Emmons, Washington Township (Ohio) to discuss the key elements of this initiative and to share their experiences having lived through or involved with an on-duty cardiac event. Additional topics covered: Bringing greater awareness and attention to this growing problem Changing attitudes among firefighters and leadership in reporting and responding to these types of events Having an administrative checklist to identify administrative processes prior to an on-duty or off-duty related event occurring Reviewing the IAFC's new Cardiac Awareness Toolkit, with sample policies, procedures, guidelines, and resources for chiefs and their team  

Managing media expectations with today's 24/7 news cycle, providing timely and accurate information to the public, tracking and engaging on social media and protecting your department image are all part of the public information officer (PIO) job description.  As chief, what are you doing to prepare your PIOs for these challenges, especially when events require a crisis communications response? Assistant Chief Shelly Jamison, Phoenix (Arizona) Fire Department and Public Information Officer Andrew Little, Tulsa (Oklahoma) Fire Department discuss the key elements of crisis communications and the changing role and responsibilities of the PIO.  Topics addressed include: How fire chiefs can ensure PIOs have what they need to properly process and communicate information to the publicDifferent methods for dealing with incidents of regional and national consequence vs local Monitoring and utilizing social media to identify problems or citizens' concerns during an escalating or evolving eventReputation and image management The skillset and formal training requirements for today's PIO  Looking for more on crisis communications and reputation management?  Check out these resources.  

The challenges with recruiting and retaining firefighters is not limited to volunteer departments.  What can you do to attract and retain qualified firefighters? York City (PA) Fire Chief Chad Deardorff and South Bend (IN) Assistant Chief John Corthier share their departments' challenges with recruitment and retention and how each has responded. Topics addressed include: Recruitment and retention challenges on the career sideInitiatives for improving recruitment and retentionResults and lessons learnedStrategies to engage and retain current and future generations

  The process of assessing risk, matching it with strategic resources, and measuring outcomes, is a key expectation of the modern day fire service executive. Chief Michael O'Brian, Brighton Fire Area Authority (Michigan) and Retired Deputy Chief Mike Cox, Henrico County (Virginia) discuss the elements and value of a comprehensive community risk reduction program and the opportunities it can create. Issues and topics to be addressed: Differences between CRR and traditional fire preventionWhat's on the CRR horizon and how fire chiefs can prepareUsing GIS to align strategic resources and improve outcomesSuccess stories of departments integrating GIS and risk reductionLow-cost analytic tools for departments with limited resources  

First responders focus is on rescuing others, but who is rescuing our rescuers?  In this episode, Retired Assistant Chief Todd LeDuc, Broward County Sheriff's Office (Florida) and Chief of Fire and Emergency Services Dan Kerrigan, Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) discuss a holistic approach to improving physical and emotional wellness of our first responders. Topics covered include: Best practices for fire departments regarding physicalsRegarding NFPA 1582 are there things missing that should be doneHow to develop “buy in” from firefighters to do better medical surveillanceWhat fire chiefs need to know about functional fitnessSteps and best practices that everyone can be doing Resources referenced on the podcast: IAFC Cancer Prevention ResourcesEmergency Services Roadmap to Health and WellnessA Positive Approach to Ensuring Mental WellnessHealthcare Provider's Guide to Firefighter PhysicalsFSTAResearch.org

Ready to pursue your Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification? Tonya Hoover, Superintendent at the National Fire Academy, discusses the big changes coming to the EFO program in early 2020. Changes include: residential courses and blended online learning from home or workprogram shortened from 4 years to 24 monthscohort learning that allows for groups of students to take EFO classes together.completion of a graduate-level thesis as opposed to four Applied Research Projects. You'll also hear from Deputy Chief William Hyde, Rogers (Arkansas) and IAFC EFO Section Vice Chair, who shares how these changes benefit chief officers both personally and also their departments.

Your first 100 days as fire chief are a critical time to make a positive impression and to lay a meaningful foundation for the future.  Having a 100-day plan before you take over is the first step to being successful. Fire Chiefs John Butler, Fairfax County (Virginia) and Al Yancey, Jr., Minooka (Illinois) Fire Protection District share their personal experiences and resources available to help for new chiefs successfully navigate the first 100 days.  Topics to be addressed: Identifying and aligning political, administrative and operational expectationsMaking sure your first impression is a foundational building block for the futureLaying the ground work for a sustainable and enhanced vision for the organizationUnderstanding the acceleration of change and ensuring things can be absorbedDealing with cultural challenges within the organization Chief Yancey also previews, You're the Fire Chief; Now What? -- Guidance for New & Interim Chiefs, a new guide for new chiefs taking the reins of an entire organization which approaches the transition in a format of incident command and the first-100-days method. 

The path to becoming fire chief is often challenging and unpredictable.  With that in mind, how can you best prepare to become a five-bugle chief?   Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Chief Trisha Wolford and Prince William County (Virginia) Chief (Retired) Mary Beth Michos  share their experiences and address key elements of preparation, including:  formal education/training,political and policy development skills and experience,public speaking and communication, work history and reputation, teachable potential, succession planning and job shadowing participation.  Chief Michos also discusses the IAFC's Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), a program which prepares aspiring chiefs to apply for and go through promotion and chief position processes. 

This year's Safety Stand Down theme is “Reduce Your Exposure: It's Everybody's Responsibility”.  The campaign takes place June 16-22 and focuses on firefighters educating themselves, their physicians, and their coworkers about job-related risks; sharing the latest information on exposure to carcinogens, including how to limit exposure; and providing best practices and resources for reducing the risk of cancer to firefighters.  On this podcast, Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht, UC Davis (CA) and Fire Chief (Ret.) Louie Bright, Dallas (TX) Fire and Rescue, share their experiences addressing firefighter cancer and strategies they employed to reduce this risk. They also will review the tools and resources available at SafetyStandDown.org. Safety Stand Down is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC, and is supported by national and international fire and emergency service organizations, including NFPA.