The Baker Podcast

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Brian K. Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), for an important conversation on firefighter behavioral health and wellness. Topics will include the value of firefighter mentorship and resources to support the next generation of firefighters. The discussion will also explore strategies for managing work-related stress and trauma throughout a career in public safety, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and insights from Brian’s own career in the fire service.

Biography:

Brian K. Rice has been involved with the California fire service and the firefighter labor movement for more than three decades. He spent over 30 years with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, rising to the position of Deputy Chief of Operations. He was also twice elected president of Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522, serving a total of 12 years in the position. In 2018, Brian was elected president of California Professional Firefighters, representing over 38,000 front-line firefighters and paramedics across the state. As CPF President, Brian is a statewide leader in advocating for firefighters’ wages, hours, and working conditions. He has championed efforts on firefighter cancer research and prevention and expanding behavioral health resources for active and retired firefighters. Additionally he serves as co-chair of the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee — which sets professional standards and improves education and training for fire service throughout the state — as well as chair of the non-profit California Fire Foundation, which provides support for families of fallen firefighters, delivers disaster relief for California communities, and awards grants to help strengthen community safety.

Contact Brian: (916) 287-1663

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/11-cpf-president-brian-k-rice

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chief Damon Covington of the Oakland Fire Department for an in-depth discussion on career opportunities in public safety with the Oakland Fire Department. The conversation highlights the value of mentorship, developing future leaders from within through succession planning, and recruiting community members who care deeply about the profession and the citizens they serve.

They also discuss removing barriers to recruitment, utilizing virtual testing to become a firefighter in today's fire service, and Chief Covington shares his personal journey into public safety—along with why placing service before self remains essential to the profession.

Biography:

Damon Covington is the 32nd Fire Chief for the Oakland Fire Department. Prior to this appointment, Chief Covington served in an array of capacities over his 25-year career with Oakland Fire, including Firefighter-Paramedic, Fire Engineer, Lieutenant of Fire, Captain of Fire, Captain of Training, Battalion Chief, Special Operations Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and most recently Interim Fire Chief.

Chief Covington's educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Master's degree in Executive Public Administration from Golden Gate University. Chief Covington is also a graduate of Harvard University's Senior Executives for State & Local Government (Class of 2023) program at the Kennedy School of Government. 

Chief Covington was the President of the Oakland Black Firefighters Association from 2016-2022 and previously served as the Chair of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, respectively. Additionally, he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor for Merritt College where he lectures in the undergraduate Fire Science program. 

Chief Covington is a member of several professional organizations, California Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), California Professional Firefighters (CPF), and IAFF Local 55. 

Chief Covington moved to the East Bay during his early childhood, graduated from Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, and is the proud father of one son.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/10-fire-chief-damon-covington

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest CAL FIRE Director (Retired) Ken Pimlott as they discuss the challenges of leadership during a time when wildland fires became more intense and destructive, and fire seasons evolved into a year-round reality. The conversation explores the pressures of leading through escalating risk, limited resources, and the growing demands placed on firefighters.

Director Pimlott also reflects on several noteworthy accomplishments from his tenure, including advancements in the Employee Support Services (ESS) Program, the Aviation Program, firefighter PPE, wildfire mitigation through prescribed fire and fuels treatment, and the development of Exceptional Leadership Courses.

Throughout the discussion, Director Pimlott shares hard-earned leadership wisdom: the value of partnerships; the importance of building strong teams—sometimes over a shared box of Cheez-Its—because no one can do it alone; the courage to try new ideas, make mistakes, and course-correct; and the responsibility to share successes as a team while owning failures as a leader.

Biography:

Chief Pimlott began his fire service career in 1984 as a reserve firefighter in Contra Costa County, California. He joined CAL FIRE in 1987 as a seasonal firefighter, and ultimately worked his way through the ranks to Director and California's State Forester, a position he held from 2010 until his retirement in December 2018. Chief Pimlott has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Resource Management from Humboldt State University and is a Registered Professional Forester in California. Under his leadership, CAL FIRE and the State of California battled historic wildfires and an unprecedented bark beetle epidemic while at the same time increasing the pace and scale of forest management and fire prevention. Chief Pimlott participated in numerous committees at the State and national level and testified before Congress on numerous occasions. Chief Pimlott continues to work on fire and forest management initiatives and is currently assisting El Dorado County with wildfire preparedness and resilience programs.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/9-director-ken-pimlott

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Erik Scott, Los Angeles Fire Captain II/Paramedic and lead Public Information Officer (PIO), for a powerful discussion on firefighter mentorship. This episode explores the critical role of motivation, trust-building, and professional relationships—both within the organization and across the communities firefighters serve.

Captain Scott also reflects on the Palisades Fire, sharing firsthand insights into the resilience of first responders who faced horrific, chaotic conditions on the front lines. Drawing from his book, Calm Amidst Chaos: A Frontline Memoir of the Palisades Fire and the Voice That Guided a City, he offers a behind-the-scenes account of the January 2025 Palisades Fire—one of the most complex and demanding emergencies the region has ever encountered.

Biography:

Erik Scott is a Captain II / Paramedic and the senior, longest-serving lead Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department. With more than two decades of fire service experience, he has become a trusted voice in times of crisis—most notably during the Palisades Fire, when his calm, clear updates guided millions through one of Southern California's most challenging wildfire emergencies.

A qualified Type 1 PIO—the highest level of certification—Scott has responded to nearly every type of emergency imaginable, working alongside the dedicated men and women of the LAFD. He began his career as the Top Overall Recruit and went on to earn degrees in Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Services Management, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His professional development includes serving as a UCLA paramedic instructor, training as a Terrorism Liaison Officer, and completing the West Point LAFD Leadership Academy.

Scott has conducted tens of thousands of media interviews with local, national, and international outlets, and is frequently deployed to support major wildfires and large-scale disasters as part of Incident Management Teams. A sought-after speaker on crisis communication, he continues to highlight the teamwork and dedication of firefighters and partner agencies, embodying leadership, clarity under pressure, and genuine concern for the communities he serves.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/8-fire-captain-ii-erik-scott

Join host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chaplain Jim Cook as they discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the fire service. This episode covers the work of the California Fire Chaplain Association, the Federation of Fire Chaplains, and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in such a demanding profession.

As we enter the holiday season, let’s remember to take care of one another—so our brothers and sisters can go home and take care of their families.

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988

Biography:

Chaplain Jim Cook retired from CDF/Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department as a Battalion Chief after 36 years of service. He has been involved in the Volunteer Reserve Chaplain program in Riverside County since 1997 and has helped develop an effective chaplaincy for his department. Their chaplains have supported mutual aid needs for San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and statewide. Chaplain Cook has been a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains since 2003 and is currently serving on the FFC Board as the past President. He is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and President of the California Fire Chaplain Association. He holds an A.A. degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and serves as the Pastor at Cabazon Fellowship, in Cabazon, California.

Jim is married to Roxie, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage this year. Together, they have six children and six grandchildren. Roxie has been an integral supporter of Jim's chaplain ministry and the FFC community.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/7-fire-chaplain-jim-cook

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department (AZ) Assistant Chief Rayne Gray as we dig into what truly shapes our profession: mentorship, and the constant ebb and flow of leadership changes that test our adaptability and resilience. We talk about the recruitment and retention challenges we're facing in Arizona, and across the nation, and why solving them requires every one of us to step up and leave this job better than we found it.

Chief Gray and I challenge the next generation to lead from right where they stand, not waiting for a bugle to give them permission. And we have a little fun discussing those moments we all experience, the "FFTs," the First Freaking Times, when growth demands we stretch into the unfamiliar.

So grab your gear, settle in, and get ready for a conversation that's equal parts gritty, inspiring, and grounded in the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service. Let's get after it.

Biography:

Assistant Chief Rayne Gray, MAS, CFO, is a U.S. Marine veteran and 28-year fire service leader who rose through every rank in the Phoenix Fire Department, ultimately serving as Deputy Chief over the Regional Dispatch Center before joining the Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department. A committed lifelong learner, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration, a Master of Applied Science in Fire Service Administration from Arizona State University, and multiple professional certifications. Chief Gray is an experienced instructor and curriculum developer, has taught throughout Arizona, serves on state and national training committees, and hosts the Fireground Fitness Podcast. When not on the job, he's often found outdoors hiking, cycling, or climbing with the enthusiasm of his ever-energetic chocolate lab.

Professionally network with Chief Gray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayne-gray-ms-cfo-96314815/

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/6-assistant-chief-rayne-gray

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Captain II/Paramedic Tim Werle as they discuss mentorship in the fire service, practical leadership lessons, and the growing role of GIS and intelligence tools on the modern fireground. Together, they explore how to understand people more deeply—reading personality types, building strong interpersonal skills, and leading with clarity under pressure.

Tim and I originally met at a California Fire Chaplain Association, Advanced Chaplain Training class at the Ben Clark Training Center in Riverside, California, in March 2015. We have been friends ever since, and I consider Tim one of my valued mentors, not only in the fire service but also in life.

Biography:

Tim Werle, a seasoned firefighter, incident management specialist, Urban Search and Rescue Technician, and paramedic, boasts an impressive career spanning 32 years. As a Fire Captain for the Los Angeles Fire Department, Tim's leadership has been instrumental in handling critical emergencies.

His expertise extends to serving on Incident Management Teams (IMTs) as an Incident Commander, Plans Chief, Engine Boss, and as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist for over a decade, enhancing emergency response through technology.

Tim's commitment extends beyond the frontlines; he collaborated with UC San Diego on the innovative WIFIRE tool in 2015, aiding in wildfire rate prediction, and went on to design the FIRIS program Fusion Center, advancing California's emergency response capabilities.

Currently, Tim owns Initial Incident Support, LLC, providing data and intelligence Fusion Centers, ensuring swift information dissemination in critical situations.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/5-fire-captain-tim-werle

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Deputy Director of Communications & Emergency Incident Awareness, Chief Nick Schuler, as they discuss the importance of communication and public information, firefighter mentorship, leadership lessons, and seeking continuous professional development throughout your fire service career.

Biography:

Chief Schuler currently serves as the Deputy Director of Communications for CAL FIRE. As a key member of the department's executive team, he provides essential guidance on crisis communications strategies to the Director/Fire Chief and collaborates closely with the Governor's Office, the California Natural Resources Agency, and various state, local, and federal agencies. Chief Schuler has played a critical role in managing the Department's statewide communications strategy during some of the largest disasters in California's history, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major fire sieges, and other all hazard incidents and initiatives.

Chief Schuler began his career with CAL FIRE in 1998 as a Fire Fighter I in San Diego. His professional growth included a promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer, where he gained diverse experience across various disciplines, including Schedule A, Schedule B, Helitack, and training cadres. In 2004, he became a Fire Captain, taking on roles such as Camp Captain, Station Captain, and Administrative Captain, where he was instrumental in developing the San Diego Unit's first Public Information Program.

In 2009, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, initially overseeing the Public Information Program before transitioning to a field battalion for four years. By 2015, Chief Schuler had advanced to Northern Division Assistant Chief in San Diego, managing Rainbow Conservation Camp, two field battalions, and various unit programs, including the Deer Springs Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement. In 2018, he took on the role of Southern Division Deputy Chief, overseeing two conservation camps, three field battalions, the San Diego Emergency Command Center, Emergency Medical Services, the dozer program, Public Affairs Bureau and a variety of department working groups.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Schuler has dedicated over 18 years to Type 1 Incident Management Teams, holding key positions such as Public Information Officer, Operations Branch Director, Operations Section Chief, and Deputy Incident Commander. His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in numerous teaching cadres and working groups, including the creation of the department's current funeral and memorial policy.

Chief Schuler holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Emergency Management and Fire Science. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles City Fire Department Leadership Academy and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Public Information Officer (PIO) by the Center of Public Safety Excellence. His achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the 2020 Directors Leadership Award for Superior Performance, a Letter of Appreciation from the Director of Presidential Advance in 2020, Congressional and Senate Recognition for Outstanding Community Service in 2018, and accolades for superior accomplishment and innovation in 2011.

Chief Schuler is a member of several professional organizations, including the California Public Information Officers Association, National Association of Government Communicators, National Information Officers Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), California Professional Firefighters (CPF), and CAL FIRE Local 2881.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/4-deputy-director-nick-schuler

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Laramie County Fire Authority (WY), Fire Chief Jason Caughey, as they discuss firefighter mentorship, his internship with the Phoenix Fire Department (AZ), and leadership lessons from Chief Alan V. Brunacini. They also discuss national recruitment and retention issues, as well as volunteer and career opportunities, and why now is a good time to apply and become a resident firefighter with the Laramie County Fire Authority.

Biography:

Chief Caughey has over 20 years of experience as a Fire Chief and over 30 years in emergency services. For the past 14 years, Chief Caughey has served as the Fire Chief of Laramie County Fire Authority in Cheyenne, Wyoming. LCFA is a combination fire department consisting of 120 members and 7 fire stations.

Chief Caughey is a published author and international speaker who focuses on honoring our traditions but leading change. Chief Caughey has a bachelor's degree in fire science and has his Chief Officer designation through CPSE and his Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy.

Chief Caughey previously served as an executive leader with a regional business where he developed his leadership and vision skills with an emphasis on service, ownership, and vision.

Chief Caughey has presented on leadership, culture, vision and change in over 25 states and 7 countries.

Fire Chief Jason Caughey Email: [email protected]

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/3-fire-chief-jason-caughey

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest California State Fire Marshal, Chief Daniel Berlant, as they discuss the foundation and history of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, firefighter mentorship, and leadership lessons on the importance of communication, customer service, consistency, and trust.  They also discuss recruitment and retention, as well as career opportunities, and why now is a good time to apply for a position in the California fire service.

Biography:

Daniel Berlant was appointed State Fire Marshal by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 6, 2023.

Chief Berlant began his career with CAL FIRE in 2001 as a volunteer and was hired in 2002 in the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit. In 2005, he began working in the CAL FIRE Communications Office as a Fire Prevention Specialist in Sacramento. 

After several fire sieges and extensive work in the public information function, he was promoted in 2008 to Department Information Officer and was tasked with serving as CAL FIRE's main spokesperson. In 2014, he was promoted to the Chief of Public Information overseeing the Sacramento and Region staff of the Communications Office. In 2016, Chief Berlant was promoted to Assistant Deputy Director at the Office of the State Fire Marshal over the Wildfire Planning & Engineering, and Fire Engineering & Investigations Divisions.

In 2022, Chief Berlant was promoted to Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation, which was new to the Department after being established through the passage of Assembly Bill 9 (2021), which created the Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division within the Office State Fire Marshal.

In January 2023, Chief Berlant was designated Acting State Fire Marshal, in addition, continuing to function as the Deputy Director over Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation. 

Chief Berlant holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis.

Show Notes: https://thebakerpodcast.com/blog/chief-daniel-berlant