Side Alpha Leadership

In this engaging conversation, Dave McGlynn and I explore the multifaceted world of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, mental health awareness, and the innovations in training. They discuss the significance of networking at events like FDIC, the challenges leaders face in supporting their teams, and the necessity of self-care for those in leadership positions. The dialogue is rich with personal anecdotes and insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone in the fire service. In this conversation, Dave and I discuss the need for improved training in the fire service, particularly at the National Fire Academy. They emphasize the importance of leadership development, proactive training, and the challenges posed by budget constraints. The discussion also touches on their upcoming book project focused on training and leadership in the fire service, highlighting the need for collaboration and innovative training methods.

In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Joe Grossi share insights from their firefighting careers, focusing on the challenges of urban environments and the importance of effective decision-making. They discuss innovations in equipment, the balance between traditional and modern forcible entry techniques, and the need for ongoing training and adaptability in the field. Additionally, they highlight the role of social media in connecting the firefighting community and the significance of maintaining safety protocols. 

I'm thrilled to chat with Mike Nasti, a dedicated fire officer from the Washington metropolitan area in this episode! Join us as we explore Mike's incredible journey in the fire service, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and the power of learning from our mistakes. We dive into the rewarding yet challenging transition from firefighter to officer.   Together, we discuss the pressing need for modern recruitment and training standards to draw in the right talent and ensure a bright future for the fire service. Our conversation emphasizes the value of continuous training and the importance of setting clear expectations for officers to foster effective leadership.   We also spotlight the culture, standards, and accountability that are vital in our field. Our discussion includes strategies for attracting talented individuals, nurturing a positive atmosphere, and balancing bold firefighting techniques with safety. Lastly, we reflect on the significance of traditions, pride, and personal responsibility in shaping a supportive and efficient fire department. Tune in—there's so much to learn and celebrate!

Summary In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Rob Policht discuss the evolution of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of education, critical thinking, and collaboration in training. They explore the challenges of budgeting and apparatus costs, the need for better retention strategies for volunteers, and the significance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience. The discussion highlights the changing dynamics of the fire service, particularly with the new generation of firefighters who seek to understand the reasoning behind their training and operations.  

In this episode of Side Alpha Leadership, host David Polikoff speaks with Anthony Rowett, a captain in the Mobile Fire Rescue Department. They discuss Anthony's journey from a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey to his current role in Alabama, the unique challenges of firefighting in a port city, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the fire service. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges, the significance of training, and empowering junior firefighters to take initiative. In this conversation, David Polikoff and Anthony Rowett discuss the importance of training, leadership, and mentorship in the firefighting community. They emphasize the need for senior staff to participate in training exercises, the significance of preparing future leaders, and the development of policies and standards within fire departments. The discussion also highlights the value of tradition and history in the fire service, as well as current initiatives aimed at providing accessible training opportunities for firefighters.

This month I had the honor to speak with FDNY Chief John Norman (ret). Take what you learned and pay it forward. Make the fire service better than you found it. Cherish the kitchen table talks and strive to learn something new every day.  This is the best job in the world, and it is a blessing to be part of it.

This month I welcome Dr. Shelley Wheeler back to the show. This show is all about making decision on the fire ground. We offer advice to the new officer on making critical decisions with little information. We discuss Recognition Prime Decision model. This model is what firefighters use on the scene when we have little information. This model is rooted in knowledge, skills and experience.

This month i talk with Capt. Mike Burkett. Mike is a Captain with the Baltimore City Fire Department assigned to Truck 5 and an instructor with Capitol Fire Training.  Mike and I discuss being the Truck boss. Crew expectations Operating in commercial and residential structures Searching vacant  training to keep your crew sharp  

Sleep deprived, anxiety and inflammation ,CBD is helping first responders as well as nurses and doctors cope with the stresses our work hands us. Jon Vought and I discuss the stresses our job has. John is the owner of Rescue 1 CBD. His product is 100% THC free. Jon and I dig deep into what his product is, what it does and how it is helping. Feel free to contact Jon on: Instagram @rescue_1_cbd YouTube @rescue1CBD Web site rescue1cbd.com

This month i sit down with Stephanie White. We discuss CBD in the fire service, the kitchen table, keeping a heathy shift and changing the culture by looking at the past. We are firefighters, our job is to go into burning buildings and put fires out. It seems we have steered away from our past culture of being aggressive firefighters and morphed into a culture of safety. We need to steer the fire service back to the 70's and 80's and be the firefighters the public counts on us to be. Our newest rookies are coming into this job ready to be aggressive, we must teach them and drill it into their heads, we are firefighters our job has inherent risk, and we accept that risk to get the job done. Teach them right make them firefighters.

Tactical Considerations for Garden Apartment Fires   One of the more complex fires we are faced with is fires in garden apartments. This month I welcome back Capt. Bobby Eckert of the Camden New Jersey Fire Department. Bobby and I dig deep into the subject.   Garden Apartments are in all areas of the country. Firefighters must be proactive and preplan these structures before the alarm is ever answered. Take advantage of running non fire calls in these buildings and get the layout of the complex and the individual apartment units. This preplan will pay dividends when you pull up to a job at 3am.   Bobby and I discuss: ·      Pulling long lines ·      Laddering the building ·      Apparatus placement ·      Command considerations ·      Building construction ·      Fire spread   Small fire can grow and spread quickly if engine and truck companies are not aggressive with their tactics.

This month I ask the questions, why are people reluctant to make decisions? How do we overcome the fear of making a decision on the fireground? what tools can we use to help people to make quick decisions with less than perfect information. I enlist the help of Deputy Chief Shane Darwick. Shane is a longtime friend, mentor, and teacher. Shane can keep calm, filter out the external noise and distraction on chaotic emergency incident and instill command presence. Shane offers over 40 years of experiences in the fire service to answer my questions on the art of decision making.

This month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation.

This month I speak with Steve Jones. Steve retired from Montgomery County MD as the Operations Deputy Chief. Steve and I have known each other for many years. We both started as High School Cadets for the fire department. Steve talks about his career in the fire service and what he learned along the way. He used what he learned as he progressed through the ranks to the number 2 spot in the county.  Steve has the old school mentality when it comes to firefighting and lives by the simple philosophy, treat people how you want to be treated.  Steve shows no signs of slowing down. He accepted the position, Director of Fire and Rescue in Dover Delaware. Steve will be the first career leader in this new combination system.

In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson. Chief Gibson is  assigned to the Training Academy in Montgomery County Maryland. As chiefs we demand our people to train every day and be the best. Your people expect you to be equally trained to be the best. Chief Gibson discusses the new line officers training program, the advancements in command officers command competency program and continuing professional development.  For more information on these programs contact Chief Gibson at Rafael.gibson@montgomerycountymd.gov 

In this episode I sit down with my dad Mike Kerr. We discuss the fire service back in the day and how it has changed. My dad tells his story about his love of the fire service as a kid and how he got started as a volunteer in Prince Georges County in Greenbelt, to becoming a career firefighter with the DCFD as a Tillerman at T12.  Our family moved from Prince Georges County to Montgomery County, where he became a volunteer with the Burtonsville Vol. Fire Dept. He moved through the volunteer ranks and eventually became the longest serving chief. He honed his leadership skills and became a respected Chief through the county. 

This month I had the pleasure to speak to Asst. Chief Siddiq. We discussed a lot of topics. Change in the fire service is hard and you will be met with resistance if you try to go big right away. The key is to start small, get buy from those closest to you. Be honest with your reason for change. Making decisions will come easier through training. Members will gain confidence with their skills and feel at ease making decisions. Let you firefighters plan and run drills. Finally, as a senior member of your organization you need to train you subordinates to one day move into your position. This new generation will want to know the reasons why we do the things we do. Take the time to explain and be patient, remember you were the new guy once.

This month I have Stephnie White back on the show. We discuss the new firefighters coming into the service. Are they too soft or are we projecting our rookie time onto them and is that fair? We discussed station members' expectations of seinor staff and vice versa.  if station members run for cover when the chiefs come to the station, the chiefs have a huge communication issue. we discussed how to overcome that communication gap.

This month I welcome back Dr. Shelly Wheeler. Shelly is a Captain assigned to the training academy in Montgomery County Maryland. Shelly and I talk about how to make morale good in the fire service, foster a culture where firefighter make decision and prepare them for the next step in their careers. Start the officer prep the moment firefighters come off probation and continue until they sit for their first promotional exam.

This month I welcome back RJ (Robert James) we dig into the topic of being a mentor. It is important to take the new firefighters under your wing, guide them and set them on the path to be successful. It is everyone's job to ensure we are turning out the best firefighters. Remember your rookie is a reflection of you and your shift.  In the 2nd part of the show, we discuss officer development. The fire service drops the ball when it comes to teaching firefighter to become officers who can make quick decisions with imperfect information. What does the perfect officer development school look like? How long should it last? Sure, it will cost money, but you can put a price on well trained fire service leaders.

This month I sit down with Chief Dave McGlynn. We talk about his new book "The Training Officer" Being a training officer is hard work, but rewarding. We talk about the culture of the fire service. Many say we need to change the culture of the fire service, but I don't believe that. I think we should always try to enhance the culture of the fire service and strive to make it better, but not change it. The fire service has a rich history and the culture is a large part of it.

You need to invest in your people to know when something is wrong. Firefighters are reluctant to ask for help, so you need to spot trouble and get the help members may need. When you promote to a leadership position you are always on duty for your people. You have to answer the phone when someone reaches out to you. You may be their last call when their whole world is falling apart around them.  As a leader you are always on, you accept that role when you are in that position. Make sure you know the resources available in your department to get the help your people need.

This episode I speak with Steve Prziborowski. Steve and I talk about the low recruitment numbers in the fire service. Many jurisdictions are struggling with recruiting the number of potential candidates to come to the job.  Once again I discuss officer development and how to get experience to become a successful officer.

This month I talk with Steve Hamilton. Steve explains the complex incidents the police face and how the fire department fits in to help. There are many hurdles to overcome: building trust building relations training together knowing each others limitations having each others backs There is a role for the fire department during active shooter incident, barricade incidents and SWAT/SRT callouts.

This month I go solo with no guest. I took the time to answer some questions from listeners from social media. I touch several subjects  Promotion exams Dealing with difficult people Recognize your shortcomings  What made me decide to be a chief My advice to the new firefighter How do we make training friendly to volunteers  

This month I speak with Stephanie White. Stephanie is an 18 year veteran career firefighter in the Washington Metro area. She hosts a podcast on Fire Engineering called "5 after Midnight" Stephanie and I talk about EEO in the fire service and how it falls short in the fire service. Although we follow the laws there are gray areas that EEO does not account for. As firefighters and officers we must navigate the gray areas. Strive to be good human beings and trust that each person on your shift has you back during an emergency. We discuss moving forward in the fire service and how to attract new firefighters of all sex, race and religions without having politicians change physical entrance requirements to achieve their vision of a diverse fire service. We close with being a mentor and leader for the next generation.

This month I speak with Jessica Shafer. Jessica talks about her time as a young Coast Guardsmen to being the first female commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment. She navigated many hurdles to become a respected officer in the Coast Guard. Her thought about leadership, self-reflection and desire to be better everyday, made her the strong person she is today.

I welcome back Dr. (Capt.) Shelly Wheeler We talk about risk management, how we approach it on the fire ground and how the business world deals with it. Our fire service has evolved over the years, but the dangers are still there. We have become a smarter service and we still do the job, accept the risk, but now we are armed with the lessons from the past. Our job will always be dangerous and we are still aggressive and will never lose sight of our mission.  

On this episode Frank Ricci and I offer advice on dealing with a boss who only has his interests in mind. How can the Sr. firefighter approach the officer to initiate a conversation. What to do if there is a trust issue with line officers or chief officers and how to have effective conversations. Frank and I offer advice on starting the conversations in a respectful way and getting the positive results.

I welcome Asst. Chief Justin McCarthy of the New Haven Fire Dept. to the show. Justin and I talk about the lack of leadership training in the fire department. What would a good leadership class would look like. How do we encourage our people to make decisions and not live in fear of getting in trouble.  Never forget we are always students and we must strive to learn everyday  

I took the show in a different direction this month. As emergency service workers and military, we are exposed to terrible things. There are times we need help to cope and process. We are fortunate to have Behavioral Health Specialists imbedded in the fire service, police force and military to help. I had the pleasure of speaking to Frederick County's Behavioral Health Coordinator Natalie Bowers. Natalie discussed her work and what she offers to the men and women of Frederick County Fire and Rescue. We don't have to suffer alone there is a path to good mental health for us and our families.  This is such great information in this podcast. Please take the time to listen. There are links on my Facebook as Instagram to seek addition help and information.

Sam and I talked about what to do when the boss has his hands in your job and how you can resolve the issue. Good respectful communication is key. Most likely the boss does not realize he is micromanaging you.  As an officer you need to make decisions. it is ok to make mistakes. Own your mistakes and share what you learned with your crew and peers.

I welcome Dave McGlynn to my show. Dave is the Training Assistant Chief at Letterkenny Army Depot. Dave shares his experience as a chief on how to overcome shortcomings, lack of experience and administrative  knowledge through training, putting your ego in check and asking for help. Having pride in your company is great, make sure your pride does not blind you to learning new things. 

RJ and Sam join me in the studio to discuss combination fire and rescue system and the challenges that arise in these systems. COVID has eased up and we are being called to teach more. We talk about upcoming classes we are teaching and how training helps bring career and volunteers together to focus on the fire service mission. 

Frank Ricci and I discuss firehouse communications. There are many ways, as leaders we communicate with our officers and firefighters. It is an art and as a boss you have to learn how to master it. The kitchen table is a great place to have discussions and learn to listen to your people. Mastering 1 on 1 communications allows you to gain great insight as to what is going on inthe stations and resolve conflicts and finally stop rumors that are false and offer insight on things that are true. Being a great communicator and listener grows your leadership credibility. 

Part 3 of my interview with Dave Braun. Dave has a great story that you have to hear. Make sure you listen to part 1 and 2.  To all the leaders out there, make sure you are there for your people. Make sure you recognize when they are in need of help.

I continue the podcast with Dave Braun. 

Dave Braun joins me on the show again. David dives deep into his personal life through all the ups and downs and how he succeeded as a Marine, husband, dad and a firefighter. He tells all the lessons he learned along the way.

In this episode I take a different direction. I had the pleasure of talking to my long time friend Kemo. Kemo was the guitar play in our band. Kemo has been busy over the last 30 years including music, stand up comedy, recording a parody album, being a dad and a husband. We reminisce about the band days being on stage and just having fun.

This month I reflect on 2021 what has happened along the way what is up with me and what the future brings. I have no guest this month, it is just me and the podcast is short only 2o min. So enjoy and  will see you in 2022!

In this episode I once again speak to Retired Battalion Chief Frank Ricci about making yourself, as well as your organization successful. As a leader there are time you have to set yourself up for success. When you are interviewing for a new job or promotion you need to tell your bosses who you are what you have done and how you are the right person for the job. As a leader you understand that you are not the most important person. You should be making the organization successful by your actions.  

I am happy to have Robert James (RJ) Fire Lieutenant and President of Capitol Fire Training. We discuss being the new officer and building you influence through staying humble, staying enthusiastic, and lead by example. RJ talks about his role as a newly promoted Lt. and succeeding by sticking to his core values.

Sam and I talk about taking the assessment center, thinking like the officer you want to be and once you're there how do I earn leadership credibility.  Set good, reasonable and realistic expectations and you are on the path to success. 

In this episode I have a great conversation with Jason Gardner. Jason and I discuss being a good parent and taking care of yourself.  The leadership traits you show at work are the same you must strive for at home. Setting a great example at home helps shape you kids. Whether you believe it or not, your kids are watching and listening to you. You must take care of yourself to stay strong, live long and enjoy life.

In this episode I talk with Lt. Nick Pappa of the New Britian Fire Department. Nick brings the leadership perspective from the eyes of a line officer. Nick talks about being able to control the things that are in your control and not get hung up on the things you can't control.  We talk about building relationships with your crew and with your bosses. Gaining leadership credibility and empowering your people to take control of projects.

In this episode I had the pleasure to speaking to Batt. Chief David Griffin PhD of the Charleston SC Fire Department.  David talks about the Principles of Leadership and being a  Servant Leader. We took this position to serve the public and the men and women on the job. Be humble, mentor your people and set up the next generation to take your job when you're gone. 

You own your own firefighter training company. The pandemic hits. What do you do? You write a 3 volume book and keep right on teaching. This month I speak with Bobby Eckert. Bobby is a Captain with the City of Camden Fire Department in NJ.  Bobby owns Eckert Fire Tactics. A firefighter training company. When you leave your fire training academy you know just enough to get you in trouble. Bobby takes your basic skills and enhances them with real world tactics.   Bobby talks about his view as a Captain and how he leads his shift while gaining their respect.

In this episode I am joined by Chief Anthony Avillo Anthony is a retired Deputy Chief of the North Hudson Fire Department in New Jersey.  He is the co author of the the book Full Contact Leadership and Fireground Strategies. He is a long time presenter at FDIC. Anthony talks about the Prime Directive and asks "are you ready to go to work, if not you culture is broken"

I had a great talk with Frank Ricci. I continue to talking about communication. Being able to talk and listen are core skills you must possess to be a successful leader.   Being able to make decisions is key when operating on the fireground. Decision making starts when you are a new firefighter and you continue to hone that skill as you move forward in your career, so you can make decisions with incomplete intel. As better information comes in you will be able fine tune your decision making on the fly.

If you read any NIOSH report you will find that a lack of communications was a factor in most firefighters injuries or death. In business poor communications can cost money and people their jobs. Being a skilled communicator is an art. You have to be a good talker, but more importantly you have to be a good listener. You have to put your ego in check and be open to what others have to say. In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Sam Villani about talking with your people and listening them. The power of accurate fire ground communications and empowering your people to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas.  

My guest Clay Anderson talks about being a servant leader and having a good dose of humility. Clay is active in the Navy and working on his Masters Degree in Leadership. He gives his views on servant leadership and humility. A servant leader displays the following characteristics: Empowerment Standing back Humility Authenticity Courage Accountability Interpersonal Acceptance Stewardship Just to name a few.