The Chief Exchange

In Episode 34 of The Chief Exchange, Alec Wons speaks with Fire Chief John Butler of Fairfax County, Virginia, about his comprehensive approach to leadership in the fire service. Chief Butler delves into his "Wellness First" philosophy, highlighting the importance of health and well-being for both individuals and teams. He also discusses the critical role that diverse talent plays in building a successful department, as well as the connections between the Marines and fire service. Listen in for insights on how to prepare for the largest threats currently facing fire departments worldwide, and learn the difference between output and outcomes.

In Episode 33 of The Chief Exchange, Alec Wons sits down with Sheriff Robb Tadelman of McHenry County, IL, to explore the role of leadership in law enforcement, especially during times of crisis. Sheriff Tadelman shares the importance of empathy in public safety, how police social workers are changing the game, and the impact of focusing on officer wellness. Tune in to hear how McHenry County has achieved a remarkable 72% decrease in recidivism rates and how promoting resilience in your department can lead to healthier, more effective teams.

In Episode 32 of The Chief Exchange, Fire Chief Jack "J." Taylor of Pearland Fire Department, TX, sits down with Alec Wons to share his journey from football to fire service and back again. Chief Taylor dives into the leadership lessons he's learned on and off the field, including his 'secret sauce' for boosting the quality of recruits at Pearland Fire. Listen in as they discuss the parallels between sports and firefighting, why communication is key, and how even inaction is a form of action.

In Episode 31 of The Chief Exchange, Alec Wons sits down with Fire Chief Jason Wells of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to dive into the complex world of fire leadership. From the importance of having a diverse command staff to secrets for winning budget battles, Chief Wells shares actionable strategies for leading effectively. Learn how to combat rising call volumes with low staffing, tackle sleep deprivation, and improve the health and wellness of your firefighters. Don’t miss his advice on creating a mentorship culture that thrives and preparing recruits for success in your department.

In this episode of The Chief Exchange, former Aurora Police Department Chief Kristen Ziman, the first woman in the department's history to serve as Lieutenant, Commander, and Chief, sits down with host Alec Wons. Kristen reflects on her groundbreaking career, how she navigated the emotional aftermath of mass shootings and the importance of controlling your mindset. She shares key insights on how "fear is a liar" and why playing the 'Worst Case Scenario' game helped her make tough decisions. Kristen’s inspiring leadership story is one of resilience, courage, and belonging in a male-dominated field.

This episode features 10 guests who are all subject matter experts (SMEs) in their field of health and wellness. Dive deep with Dena Ali, Aaron Zamzow, Megan Lautz, Katie Dennison, Dan Kerrigan, Kepra Jack, John Miclot, Dr. Anne Germain, Frank Leeb and Chuck Downey. We discussed the topics of cancer, mental health, sleep, hydration, exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, heart rate variability and more on first responder health and wellness.

In Episode 28 of The Chief Exchange Podcast, Alec Wons sits down with Deputy Chief Brian Edmonston of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. Chief Edmonston shares his insights on the importance of prioritizing physical fitness programs in fire departments and strengthening community risk reduction programs. He emphasizes the value of maintaining an "always learning" mentality and adopting proactive health habits. Discover why it's crucial to flip your internal switch of motivation and how to navigate the challenges of leadership in this engaging conversation.

In Episode 27 of The Chief Exchange Podcast, Alec Wons sits down with Kevin Kesselman, Chief of New Jersey Institute of Technology Police Department. Chief Kesselman shares his insights on the evolution of policing, discussing the contrasts between autocratic and servant leadership, and the importance of empathy in modern law enforcement. He also explores effective strategies to increase the number of women officers and the impact of community engagement versus community policing. Additionally, learn how one police dog can transform an entire community. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

In Episode 26 of The Chief Exchange Podcast, Alec Wons sits down with Michael DeStefano, Assistant Chief at Brevard County Fire & Rescue. Chief DeStefano shares his insights on what it means to be a true leader, how to build a robust training program, and ways to energize your department through competition. He also provides valuable tips on overcoming limiting beliefs. Tune in to gain practical leadership lessons and strategies for fostering a dynamic and motivated team.

In these few minutes, recent fire academy graduate, Alex Brown, answers the following questions about why he decided to become a firefighter:

What made you go from being a D1 soccer player and recent college graduate to being a firefighter?

What inspired you to become a firefighter at Chattanooga Fire Department in Tennessee specifically?

What misconceptions did you have about being a firefighter that were not true after joining your department?

What would you say to other people our age who are considering a career in the fire service, but haven't made the jump yet?

Hopefully this information is helpful to Chiefs across the county when appealing to new recruits and for those who are considering a career in the fire service!