Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio and ready to inform, educate and entertain with Episode 21 of the PIO Podcast.

Episode Highlights

Transition to Planning and long term projects

Ryan Beckers shares an update on his move from PIO duties into the Planning Section, discussing what the transition looks like, upcoming projects, and the importance of seeing the big picture beyond day to day operations.

Spark of Love documentary and telling the bigger story

The group reflects on the completed Spark of Love documentary, highlighting the amount of work that goes into the program and how it extends far beyond toy collection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating both the public and department members on how these programs truly function.

PIO perspective during disasters

Ryan explains the Public Information Officer role during major incidents, focusing on balancing accuracy, timing, and responsibility. He talks about staying ahead of information, resisting media pressure to exaggerate, and ensuring the department tells its story honestly and professionally.

Flooding response and damage assessment operations

The conversation shifts to recent flooding impacts in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, and surrounding areas. Curtis Markloff walks through how damage assessment teams operate, what they look for, and how devastation can be both obvious and subtle, especially when water damage affects structures that are still standing.

Understanding damage categories

A detailed breakdown of damage classifications is shared, from superficial damage to destroyed structures. The team explains how inspectors determine percentages, how flooding assessments differ from fire incidents, and why local knowledge of terrain and structures matters.

Damage Inspection Teams explained

The episode offers a behind the scenes look at damage inspection teams, training through Cal Fire, data collection, quality control, and the massive effort involved in scrubbing reports, verifying addresses, and matching photos to properties.

Community interaction and public service

Curtis Markloff talks about interfacing directly with residents during inspections, entering homes when permitted, answering questions, and connecting people with available resources. The public relations aspect of being boots on the ground during recovery is highlighted.

Station support and teamwork

Shout outs go to crews at Station 14 and Station 10 for their support and hospitality during operations, reinforcing how teamwork across stations makes large scale responses possible.

Rose Parade float duties

The episode takes a fun turn as Curtis Markloff shares his unique old man hobby of driving a Rose Parade float. He describes the logistics, overnight operations, limited visibility, teamwork between drivers and spotters, and what it is like being part of one of the worlds most iconic events.

Wrapping up with laughs and reflections

The show closes with more firehouse humor, reflections on teamwork, and appreciation for the people who keep things moving, whether in emergency response, public information, or behind the scenes.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Spark of Love Documentary