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Smart Firefighting
By Smart FirefightingEducation
Smart Firefighting episodes
- Episode 286: Building Simple, Scalable Tech for Firefighters and Warfighters with Paul Couston
Here’s why technology must fit seamlessly into firefighter operations:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
- Why simpler technology drives better adoption
- Proof that science alone isn’t enough without operational usability
- How to push through resistance and set the stage for safer operations
Hear from Paul Couston - the co-founder and CEO of Ascent Integrated Tech.
Paul shares his journey from dropping out of engineering school to building rugged solar generators for the Air Force before launching Ascent. He reflects on the early iterations, lessons from failed prototypes, and the importance of designing technology that is operationally relevant and firefighter-driven.
Paul explains how Ascent pivoted from bulky systems to smartwatches, creating a simple, scalable accountability tool that firefighters and incident commanders can use every day. He also discusses leadership, change adoption, and his vision for TAK and wearable tech to reshape safety in both the fire service and the military.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
40 min - Episode 285: TAK for First Responders with Brian Alligood from Draper Labs
Why does the TAK ecosystem work?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
- How can partnerships close the tech adoption gap
- How Draper Labs builds tools for firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement
- What real collaboration actually looks like
Hear from Brian Alligood from Draper Labs.
Brian shares how his team is building and adapting TAK tools to support first responders, especially those in smaller or under-resourced departments. He brings experience from years of work in space and deep-sea navigation systems, now applied to the practical needs of people on the ground.
The episode highlights what it takes to move technology from federal labs to local agencies and why Draper invests in listening to end users from the start. It’s a grounded conversation about tech, community, and the realities of making useful tools for public safety.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
17 min - Episode 284: Using TAK to Navigate Crisis Zones with Free Burma Rangers with Miles Vining
How can open-source tools make a real difference when traditional systems are failing?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
- How is TAK filling a critical gap in humanitarian coordination?
- How Free Burma Rangers are rebuilding maps from scratch using TAK and local knowledge
- Why verified, time-stamped information matters more than ever
Hear from Miles Vining from Free Burma Rangers, a conflict relief organization working in some of the most remote and dangerous regions of Burma and beyond.
Miles breaks down how TAK is being used in the field—not just for coordination and logistics, but for mapping areas that don’t even exist on public maps and documenting war crimes with precision. From carrying casualties out of the jungle in handmade stretchers to overlaying satellite imagery in unmapped regions, Miles shares what it really looks like to operate in places most people never see.
The conversation brings attention to the gaps in humanitarian aid, the role of open-source tools like TAK, and the need for more medical and volunteer support in conflict zones.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
21 min - Episode 283: CoTAK and the Push for Real-Time Emergency Coordination with Ben Miller
How can you focus on the mission, not the noise?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
- How did Colorado build a shared infrastructure for all public safety agencies?
- What’s the next evolution of PPE?
- Insights on enabling true tech adoption
Hear from Ben Miller - the Director of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting.
Ben breaks down how CoTAK is helping bring TAK technology into daily operations for fire, law enforcement, and search and rescue teams across Colorado. He explains how CoTAK’s centralized, state-funded model is removing barriers to adoption and turning TAK into real-time software PPE for public safety.
The conversation digs into practical use cases, how agencies can manage data overload, and the leadership required to make meaningful tech adoption happen. Ben also shares why free isn’t the same as valueless, and why it’s time to rethink what modern protective equipment looks like.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
14 min - Episode 282: How TAK Started and Where It’s Going with Ralph Kohler
How did TAK become a widespread, indispensable tool for military and civilian first responders?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How TAK got started and its evolution
Insights on the open ecosystem that’s allowed TAK to grow
Why machine learning and shared data are the next frontier
Hear from Ralph Kohler - the Principal Engineer/Senior Advisor at Air Force Research Laboratory.
Ralph shares the story behind TAK: how it started as an idea during early deployments in Afghanistan and grew into an ecosystem now used around the world. He walks through the decisions that made TAK what it is today, including the importance of open intellectual property, community-driven development, and real-world feedback.
The conversation covers key moments in TAK’s evolution, how it's bridging military and civilian use cases, and why shared tools like TAK can unlock innovation across sectors. Ralph also offers a grounded perspective on where the ecosystem is heading next—from machine learning to augmented reality.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
28 min - Episode 281: Action Demonstrates Priority in the Fire Service with Erin McGruder
Let’s talk about practical, hands-on firefighter training:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
What is durable learning, and why is it essential for firefighters?
How to create a culture of psychological safety?
Which data-driven tools can supplement training and help tackle evolving fireground hazards?
Hear from Erin McGruder - the Instructional Program Manager at Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute.
Erin shares her extensive experience as a firefighter, instructor, and National Fallen Firefighter Foundation advocate. She dives into transforming fire service training from outdated approaches to durable learning focused on real-world readiness.
Erin emphasizes how culture and technology must work together to drive meaningful change. Her insights offer a call to action for leaders and learners committed to firefighter safety and growth.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
45 min - Episode 280: The Hottest Issue in Firefighting with Ryan Darley
What kind of fires burn hotter and faster than anything firefighters have faced before?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why battery fires require new tactics and tools
Why departments need ongoing training and industry insights to stay ready
The tactics that can improve safety and response
Hear from Ryan Darley - Fire Sales Leader at W.S. Darley and Company and firefighter for Plymouth Fire Department.
Ryan shares his unique journey from working in the family business to hands-on firefighting. He highlights the growing challenges posed by battery fires from EVs, scooters, and household devices.
Ryan breaks down the tools, tactics, and ongoing training that firefighters need to stay ahead of evolving threats. This conversation gives frontline responders the insights to be prepared for what is fast becoming one of the toughest challenges in the fire service.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
28 min - Episode 279: Law Enforcement Embraces Tech-Driven Drone Support with Zach Finfrock
Is technology a part of the job now?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How drones are a low-cost, high-impact alternative to traditional air support
The real-time collaboration tools that are changing how agencies work together
Why resistance to change can cost your department more than you think
Hear from Sergeant Zach Finfrock from the Clarendon Hills Police Department.
Zach shares how drones are becoming essential tools for modern policing. He walks through the evolution of their drone program, the creation of a dual-purpose patrol vehicle, and how agencies can start small and scale thoughtfully.
The conversation covers the practical impact of drones in missing person searches, scene overwatch, and multi-agency coordination. Zach also dives into real-time crime centers, AI’s growing role in law enforcement, and why embracing new tech is about being ready for what comes next.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
27 min - Episode 278: Harnessing Tech for Real-World Firefighting Challenges with Kevin Swat
Tech isn’t just a toy. Tech helps save lives. Here’s how:
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
Why drones and ROVs are critical tools that provide real-time eyes in otherwise inaccessible places
How wearables are a safety net for firefighters
Insights on department-wide technology adoption
Hear from Lieutenant Kevin Swat from Mount Prospect Fire Department and the Team Manager for Medical Division, Illinois Water Rescue One.
Kevin shares his perspective as an end user on how emerging technologies like underwater ROVs, drones, and wearables are reshaping real-world fire and rescue operations. His insights shed light on bridging the gap between tech innovation and field realities, while exploring how drones can save critical time and reduce responder risk.
The conversation touches on how SARCOP and satellite connectivity are vital in maintaining command and communication in chaotic environments. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these tools, backed by solid buy-in from leadership to the field, are revolutionizing rescue work.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
50 min - Episode 277: Space-Based Forest Fire Monitoring with OroraTech with Thomas Grübler
How is forest fire monitoring changing for the better?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
In this episode:
How space-based technology is changing forest fire monitoring
How OroraTech's shoebox-sized satellites provide real-time insights for better decision-making in wildfire response
How wildfire analytics, like fire-weighted power, help incident commanders understand fire behavior
Hear from Thomas Grübler, Co-founder, previous Chief Strategy Officer, and current CEO of OroraTech.
Thomas introduces their innovative space-based technology for forest fire monitoring. OroraTech uses a combination of data from public satellite sources and their own shoebox-sized satellites to provide continuous fire observations with high image quality. This data enables incident commanders to make better decisions by offering insights into fire perimeters, growth patterns, and fire types, whether canopy or ground fires.
Thomas emphasizes the importance of wildfire analytics and the need for ongoing innovation in the field of firefighting. He also credits XPRIZE for helping raise awareness and supporting demonstrations of OroraTech's capabilities. Looking ahead, Thomas is excited about the launch of a new fleet of satellites and sees promising opportunities for profitability in the space industry. He invites fire chiefs, fire communities, and corporations to explore partnerships with OroraTech.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
- AFAC25 Conference
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is, or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
14 min
About Smart Firefighting
From the publisher's feed
Smart Firefighting Podcast covers real-world deployments of smart technologies through conversations with technologists, innovators, companies, and forward-thinking public safety and government…
agencies. Learn from interviews with leaders as they share their insights and offer their expertise every week!
Host Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who loves to explore change management and technology in public safety.
Host Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who loves to explore change management and technology in public safety.
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