Better Every Shift

“There’s always a better way to do something; we just haven’t discovered it yet.” Chief Danny Kistner, the new director of fire service programs for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, underscores the need for continuous improvement, especially when it comes to finding new ways to reduce firefighter LODDs. Kistner details the threefold mission of the NFFF, highlighting that while supporting firefighter families after a tragedy is the core mission, the foundation is also deeply committed to preventing such tragedies in the first place. Kistner outlines many vital NFFF programs and how all firefighters can get involved, whether becoming an advocate, offering department training, encouraging safe practices or any one of the many other means of support.

Learn more:

Fire Programs and Events

Fire Hero Learning Network

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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“We often do what is inspected, not what is expected.” Preet Bassi, CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, joins the show this week to talk fire department (and personal) accountability and improvement, specifically through the process of accreditation and credentialing. Bassi underscores that if a department doesn’t have a way to track their practices and progress, it could go from being a progressive, emerging department to one that’s considered old school before its leaders realize the speed of regression. Bassi also delves into AI in the fire service: how departments are using AI in their workflows; the power of getting to the correct answer, just faster; and her plug for “more human humans.”

Bonus resources: Arthur J. Glatfelter Fire & Emergency Services Scholarship Foundation and CPSE scholarships.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.

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This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief (ret.) Greg Rogers, addressing the critical issue of conflicting orders in fire department operations and underscoring the importance of adhering to the established chain of command. Rogers acknowledges the tendency of individuals to obey authority figures, even when orders are conflicting or unsafe, as demonstrated by infamous Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments. This behavior can lead to dangerous situations on the fireground, especially when orders are issued by officers outside a firefighter's direct chain of command. The article provides a real-world scenario where a firefighter receives conflicting orders from two different officers, leading to a failure in executing a critical task and endangering lives, plus guidance for ensuring a strong chain of command.

The National Firefighter Registry is back! The registry – a massive project to understand and reduce risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters – was temporarily offline following layoffs at several NIOSH programs. Fortunately, the administration has restored the NFR employees’ positions, and the site is back up and running.

Dr. Kenny Fent, the NFR team lead, joins the podcast to detail the program, which helps connect the dots between cancer and firefighting well beyond previous studies. The good news: Nearly 25,000 firefighters have already signed up. The goal: 200,000 in order to really dial in the types of cancer that impact firefighters the most – and why. As Zam says, the NFR is the “freaking easiest way” to help your fellow firefighters now and in the long run, so register today!

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

“You’re not Superman; you can’t carry it all.” Sarasota (Florida) Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine urges all listeners, no matter your rank, to carve out time to focus on your behavioral health. If you don’t know where to start, this year’s Safety Stand Down offers a variety of resources centered on the theme “Break the Stigma: Behavioral Health RESET” – Recognize, Educate, Strategies, Empower and Training. Use the resources for your personal health needs, and share them with your crewmembers as part of the annual weeklong event, June 15-21, when all fire and EMS departments are encouraged to suspend non-emergency activity to focus on this central theme.

Get Firefighter Safety Stand Down resources.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.

Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Jeffrey Bryant Jr., a firefighter/paramedic with the Aurora (Illinois) Fire Department. Bryant outlines strategies for a three-person engine company, highlighting the roles of the officer, driver and firefighter, and their tasks in search and suppression. Bryant underscores the importance of training crewmembers to adapt to staffing levels while still prioritizing life safety. He also tackles how two-in/two-out policies can affect decision-making.

It’s a special show this week, as Dr. Reggie Freeman returns to talk all things higher education and help us celebrate a milestone moment for Zam. It was Chief Freeman who, during his first appearance on Better Every Shift, encouraged Zam to go back to school – and he did. Zam and Freeman share their personal education journeys, detail what they have learned about how they learn, and encourage all fire personnel to consider what’s stopping you from taking the next step in their leadership development.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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“There’s a job for everybody” at the volunteer fire department. That’s Chief Reid Vaughan’s perspective on recruitment. Cuba, Alabama, where Vaughan serves as fire chief, doesn’t have a lot of financial support, meaning officials have to get creative about how to best serve the community. Vaughan shares volunteer recruitment strategies plus smart ways to do more with less. We dig into all this plus:

Chief Vaughan also shares his experience receiving the IAFC Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award and encourages listeners to nominate a deserving chief this current award cycle. Nominations close May 9.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.

Email [email protected] to share your feedback!

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Eric Latimer, who uses the metaphor of pruning a rose bush to emphasize the importance of evaluating and updating fire department practices, policies and technology. Pruning is necessary to eliminate outdated methods and make way for new, more efficient practices. Areas for potential pruning include outdated policies, unsafe practices, irrelevant tools, and administrative methods that fail to leverage new technologies. Continuous and mindful evaluation led by adaptable and communicative leaders can lead to a more efficient, effective and safer fire department. 

It’s Draft Day – a perfect opportunity to spotlight one player who has chosen to support the fire service through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” program. Colts center Danny Pinter, who has several ties to the fire service, honors fallen firefighters on custom designed cleats each season. Zam and Janelle met Pinter a recent National Fallen Firefighters Foundation event where Pinter connected with the fire service leaders and the loved ones of fallen firefighters, reinforcing his commitment to the cause. We dig into Pinter’s support for the fire service, plus a host of football-to-fireground lessons.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Email [email protected] to share your feedback!