In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Ken LaSala, the IAFC’s Director of Government Relations and Policy. Ken is an incredibly valuable member of the Metro team. He is instrumental in helping chiefs from across the country navigate the political and legislative waters, influencing a variety of issues that significantly impact the nation’s fire service.

This episode is part 2 of our wellness mini-series, sponsored by LifeScan Wellness. In this episode, we are joined by industry research partners to discuss occupational cancer - including our "why," the current research, and the actions that can be taken to mitigate risk.

This is the first in a series of special episodes related to firefighter health and wellness, sponsored by LifeScan Wellness. In this episode, we are joined by LifeScan CEO Todd LeDuc, Retired Fire Chief Don Lombardi, and researchers Dr. Sarah Jahnke and Dr. Brittany Hollerbach to discuss the important topic of behavioral health.

In this episode, we visit with Bert Brugghemans, the Chief Fire Officer for Brandweer Zone Antwerp in Belgium. We discuss similarities and differences between the US and parts of the European fire service.

In this episode, we sit down with retired Fire Chief, respected author, and fire service statesman Dennis Compton. Chief Compton brings over four decades of distinguished service, including 28 years with the Phoenix Fire Department and six years as Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona. Beyond his operational leadership, he has authored numerous books and articles on leadership and performance.

We explore his unique perspective on leadership, the lessons he learned through his time in Phoenix and Mesa, and his views on how the fire service is evolving today and into the future. Chief Compton’s insights, shaped by experience, scholarship, and national influence, offer inspiration and guidance for leaders at every level.

In this podcast, we explore the topic "Artificial Intelligence in the Fire Service." Our guest, Fire Chief Dan Munsey from the San Bernardino County Fire Department, explains how his organization has adapted, even thrived, in the changing environment.

In this podcast, we explore the topic "Innovations in Emergency Medical Service." Our guests, Fire Chief Randy Royal and Deputy Chief Jayme McConnellogue from the Colorado Springs Fire Department, explain how their organization has adapted to the changing environment and improved patient outcomes.

Today’s topic is another one that is important to the metropolitan fire chiefs…and that is really about the basics…or “Metro Chiefs 101.”

With us for a conversation on this topic is Retired Metro Chief and former Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs, Russ Sanders. Also with us is the current Executive Secretary for the Metro, Retired Metro Fire Chief Otto Drozd.

Today’s topic is another important to metropolitan fire chiefs around the globe, but more importantly their staff and the communities that they serve. It is a topic that is the foundation of our relationship with our members and the neighbors we care for. …and that topic is ”ethical leadership”:

With us for a conversation on this topic are two amazing fire chiefs and humans. Fire Chief Richard Kelley from the Oklahoma City Fire Department and Fire Chief Tom LaBelle from the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System.

Richard A. Kelley joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1991 and was appointed Fire Chief in September 2017.  He promoted through the ranks in suppression and also held the positions Special Operations Coordinator, Technical Rescue Station Officer, Ride-out Officer, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief of Support Services and Deputy Chief of Operations.

Tom LaBelle is the Chief of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System (PWCFRS) with over 30 years of service in Fire and Emergency Services. In his role as Chief, he oversees the PWCFRS which is comprised of over 750 career and 200 volunteer personnel.

Today’s topic is one that is important to metropolitan fire chiefs around the globe. It is a topic that is a fundamental challenge for, not only metro fire chiefs but governments, corporations, institutions, and even families…and that is ”effective communications”

With us for a conversation on this topic is Fire Chief Steve Dongworth from the Calgary Fire Department.

Steve is passionate about leading a cultural transformation that creates a psychologically safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where all members see that their diversity is embraced and they are given every opportunity to succeed, where they feel valued, and most importantly feel a true sense of belonging.