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