Rachael Staebell didn’t set out to be a trailblazer — she simply showed up, did the work, and followed what felt like home. From her background as a competitive athlete to becoming the first full-time female firefighter in the City of Fountain and now President of Women in Fire, her journey highlights the powerful parallels between sports and the fire service: teamwork, preparation, resilience, and trusting the people around you.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Rachael shares why being willing to go first matters, even when the path isn’t clearly defined, and how the simple but underrated skill of just showing up can change the trajectory of your career. We dive into the idea that if the job constantly feels like too much work, you may be on the wrong path, and why representation is critical — because you can’t be what you can’t see, but once you see it, you absolutely can be it. She also brings a candid perspective on what male leaders must better understand about pregnancy in the fire service, the evolving role of vendors and the unseen network supporting public safety, and the important initiatives Women in Fire is driving today around mentorship, PPE fit, and firefighter health. From mental health and therapy to leadership and belonging, this conversation is about perspective, growth, and building a stronger, more inclusive future for the fire service.

Sheriff Robert Jonsen has spent nearly four decades in law enforcement, but his most important work didn’t begin until 30 years into his career. After experiencing the hidden toll of the job and the “pebbles in the backpack” that leaders carry over time, he realized something the profession had long overlooked: if you want to serve others at your best, you have to take care of yourself first.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Sheriff Jonsen opens up about the reality behind the badge and how mindfulness and breathwork transformed both his performance and longevity in the profession. We discuss the dangers of unhealthy coping mechanisms and what it actually takes to overcome them, as well as the importance of having a support network where you can be fully honest without judgment. He also shares why he converted his book into music albums to create a more powerful and relatable way to start conversations around stress and trauma, and how agencies can “weaponize wellness” to go on the offense when it comes to recruitment and retention. From setting clear expectations for new hires without sugarcoating the realities of the job to building cultures that prioritize well-being, this conversation is about resilience, transparency, and leading people in a profession that demands everything.

Rochester Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano has spent nearly four decades in the fire service, leading with a mindset rooted in purpose, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to serving others in their most critical moments. From growing up as the son of immigrant parents who sacrificed everything to provide a better life, to leading Rochester Fire in one of the most diverse cities in New York, his leadership has been shaped by resilience, humility, and a deep understanding of people. That upbringing continues to influence how he leads today, with a focus on empathy, work ethic, and putting others before yourself.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Napolitano shares what it truly means to be at your best when others are at their worst, and why leadership is demonstrated through actions, not titles. We discuss how his experience running his own business shaped his obsession with customer service, why most leaders still have room to improve in how they serve others, and the small, intentional actions that make people feel valued. He breaks down the balance between being respected and being liked, the importance of mentorship from both sides of the relationship, and how to build a culture that drives retention by making people feel seen and appreciated. We also dive into lessons on patience, enjoying the journey rather than rushing to the destination, and even touch on modern communication habits like responsiveness and read receipts on text messages. From turnaround leadership to leading with empathy in a diverse community, this conversation is about perspective, growth, and lifting others as you climb.

Ryan Monaghan has spent over 30 years in law enforcement, serving across municipal police departments and now as Assistant Sheriff for San Mateo County. Along the way, he has experienced firsthand the differences between working in a city police department and a sheriff’s office, from culture and community expectations to the broader responsibilities that come with county-level service. But one of the most defining moments of his career had nothing to do with a call for service. It was a decision that forced him to choose between protecting his career and standing up for what he believed was right.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Ryan shares the story behind testifying during a high-profile investigation that ultimately cost him his position, and why he would make the same decision again. We talk about what integrity actually looks like when your career, reputation, and income are on the line, and why leadership means speaking up when others feel they can’t. He also breaks down creative ways to gather real feedback from your community after calls for service, the importance of resilience when opportunities don’t go your way, and why a growth mindset and strong mentors are essential to long-term success. From understanding that police officers are human beings asked to do extraordinary things, to embracing the reality that your career path will not be linear, this conversation is about courage, accountability, and leading with character when it matters most.

Police Chief Chris Polen never thought he would become a Police Chief. In fact, early in his career, he didn’t even think he had what it took to be a police officer. Nearly three decades later, he now leads Vacaville Police Department, where he has spent 26 years rising through the ranks and helping reshape what leadership, culture, and service look like in a modern police organization.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Polen opens up about the internal battles that shaped his career, including overcoming fears of public speaking and stepping into leadership despite self doubt. We discuss what it really takes to rebuild a department’s culture after losing nearly 42% of your staff in just two years, and how bringing in a Fortune 500 leader helped introduce a new perspective on values, accountability, and behavior. He shares why leadership is about turning words into action, simplifying your mission to create clarity, and reinforcing the behaviors you want to see every single day. From launching a real time information center and embracing technology to improve community safety, to leading through the loss of an officer and staying present for your people, this conversation is about resilience, culture, and never forgetting your why.

Chief John Donnelly has spent more than three decades with Washington, DC Fire and EMS, leading one of the busiest and most complex departments in the country. From responding to large scale tragedies like the Potomac River mid air collision in 2025 to managing daily operations in a highly visible and politically charged environment, his leadership has been shaped by experience, humility, and a deep commitment to service. His path to becoming Fire Chief was not just about hard work, but about timing, opportunity, and recognizing that no one gets there alone.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Donnelly shares what it really means to lead through moments you never expected to face. We talk about the importance of debriefing critical incidents like the Potomac River collision, why talking through the trauma you carry helps normalize it, and how having a strong team behind you makes leadership possible. He breaks down the power of simplicity in leadership, why “we’re here to help” can guide even the most complex decisions, and what winning in public safety actually looks like when every call starts with something going wrong. We also discuss recruiting and talent pipelines in DC, why culture and values matter more than incentives, and the importance of recognizing people for doing the right things. From building teams to leading through change, this conversation is about perspective, clarity, and staying grounded in what matters most.

Chief Digna Abello made history as the first female Fire Chief of Miami Beach Fire, but her journey was anything but paved. From stepping into a traditionally male dominated profession to becoming a trailblazer in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the country, her leadership has been shaped by resilience, humility, and a deep commitment to her people. Leading in a true melting pot like Miami Beach requires constant adaptability, awareness, and an open mindset to serve a global community.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Abello opens up about the realities of leadership that most people never see. We discuss what it means to be the number one advocate for your firefighters, why safety is an investment and not an expense, and how departments must evolve while still honoring tradition. She shares how Miami Beach attracts firefighters because of its diversity and culture, what it is like leading through financial uncertainty and potential tax cuts in Florida, and the importance of understanding the human dynamic behind every decision you make. From lessons she wishes she knew earlier in her career to the importance of staying grounded in your why as you rise through the ranks, this conversation is about leadership, perspective, and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.

Kory Pearn never set out to start a media company. A fire captain with over two decades in the fire service, his journey into building Crackyl Magazine came after a life altering moment that forced him to confront everything he had built. After nearly losing his life to congestive heart failure, Kory found himself questioning his identity, his pace of life, and the sustainability of how he was living. In an instant, everything he had could have been taken away, including the very things he was working so hard to protect.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Kory shares how that experience reframed everything. We talk about firefighter wellness, why you do not just get lucky in life, and how you must prepare and control what you can before it is too late. He explains the danger of building a life you cannot slow down, why what you are not changing you are choosing, and how dedication without sustainability becomes self destruction disguised as commitment. We also dive into actionable steps for building something on the side while still working in public safety, the importance of curiosity and tenacity, and why you just have to start instead of waiting for the perfect moment. From stoicism and maintaining your why, to managing the balance between work and home life, to even a soft launch of his upcoming book, this conversation is about perspective, discipline, and building a life that can withstand anything, because what you try to avoid may still happen anyway.

Chief Steven Locke has spent nearly four decades in the fire service, rising from a teenager hanging around the firehouse with his father to leading three different departments and serving in national leadership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Along the way, he learned that leadership is less about making every decision and more about empowering others to make them.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Locke shares what most leaders get wrong about leadership and why every chief must evolve from being a micromanager to empowering their team. We discuss the lessons learned from leading three very different departments, what it feels like to supervise former peers after a promotion, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. Chief Locke also reflects on the power of handwritten notes, thanking the people who helped you along the way, separating work stress from your personal life so you can sleep at night, and recognizing when it is time to step aside and let the next generation lead. From saving today for the you tomorrow to learning how to ease up on the gas pedal and enjoy the journey, this conversation is a powerful reflection on leadership, legacy, and finishing a career by lifting others up.

Mayor John Carli’s career began with a simple sentence from someone he had just met: “You’d be a really good cop.” That one comment planted a seed that would grow into a 32 year career in policing, rising from officer to Chief of Police and eventually becoming Mayor of the very city he once protected. His story is a powerful reminder that seeds planted today can grow into trees 30 years later.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Mayor Carli shares the lesson that shaped his life: it is better to be prepared for the opportunity that never happens than to be unprepared for the one right in front of you. We talk about the importance of education and being a lifelong learner, why Chiefs must remain apolitical, and how any day as Chief could be your last. He reflects on leading through national unrest, standing firm on principle in a meeting with the President of the United States, and why words must always be backed by action. From relationship building and knowing your why to living in a three dimensional world reduced to two dimensions through media and social media, this conversation challenges leaders to take a stand, stay humble, think less about themselves, and focus more on climbing mountains instead of ladders.