In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Claus sits down with two remarkable leaders from the Nashville Fire Department—Director Chief Swann and Deputy Director of EMS Fred Smith. Together, they recount the harrowing experience of responding to the Covenant School shooting on March 27, 2023, an event that forever changed many lives. Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith reflect on the importance of leadership, preparation, and the power of teamwork in times of crisis.

Fred Smith provides a deeply personal account of how receiving a thank-you card from a six-year-old girl named Kaylee, who included a Bible verse from Esther 4:14, gave him a renewed sense of purpose after the tragic event. The card reminded him and his team that perhaps they were meant to be there in that moment to make a difference, even when faced with unimaginable heartbreak. This reflection underscores the profound ‘why’ behind their service, offering a powerful reminder to all leaders about the deeper purpose that calls them to act, especially in the darkest moments.

Both Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith emphasize the value of training, trust, and community relationships. Their leadership lessons remind us that continuous preparation and building strong connections with partners are crucial to effective crisis response. Equally important is the emotional resilience required to lead teams through difficult times, ensuring that both leaders and frontline responders have the support they need to recover from traumatic events.

As the episode closes, Eric Claus highlights how the purpose-driven leadership exemplified by Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith can inspire others in emergency services to find strength and meaning in their work, even during moments of tragedy. This powerful episode is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of first responders who serve their communities every day.

Leadership Applications:

1. Purpose in Crisis: Remember your deeper ‘why’ during tragic events—your role may be the difference in that critical moment.

2. Trust Your Team: Empower your team to lead and rely on their training during moments of crisis.

3. Emotional Support: Leadership requires not just operational strength but also supporting your team through the emotional toll of traumatic events.

4. Community Relationships: Build strong relationships with partners before a crisis strikes to ensure smooth collaboration during critical incidents.