Better Every Shift

Aggressive firefighting: ‘We’ve corrupted the concept’

The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s drives this nuanced discussion of training priorities and go/no-go decision-making.

Resources:

• Download: What Firefighters Want in 2025 [eBook]
• More data: What Firefighters Want

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the nationwide dedicated communications platform built to support firefighters like you.

Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Extra Alarm: How to deliver strong initial on-scene size-up reports

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible conditions, tactical actions and command declaration. He also highlights the value of practicing these reports in training to build confidence and clarity under pressure. Officers are encouraged to use tools like thermal imaging during the walkaround to identify hidden hazards such as basement fires. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion for incoming units and enhance firefighter safety.

‘You can really decrease your risk’: Dr. Jeff Burgess talks firefighter cancer

“We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the two major categories where firefighters can take action to reduce their cancer risks — exposure reduction and healthy living — and offers simple steps related to both. Tune in to hear his guidance on the following:

• PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”)
• Overhaul and engineers on air
• Plasma and blood donation
• Municipal water sources
• On-scene decon
• Carpet at the station

Resources:

• Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study
• Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.

Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Extra Alarm: Continuation of command — what happens when the IC goes down?

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operations and various strategies for continuity of command, such as transferring responsibilities to other battalion chiefs, safety officers or rapid intervention team officers. The need for clear identification and communication from the IC is highlighted, along with practical solutions to maintain command structure effectively. The episode serves as a prompt for fire departments to develop or review their contingency plans for unexpected IC incapacitation.

‘As goes the Metro, so goes the global fire service’: Inside the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

“Metro Chiefs is leading the fire service — and I know there are other entities that would argue that, but I’ll take that to the bank.” Fire Chief John Butler, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association,” emphasizes the influence of the association, which represents just 1% of departments but covers 50% of population. Part of Metro’s influence stems from its unique governance, with its “two parents” — the IAFC and the NFPA. Chief Otto Drozd, Metro Chiefs executive secretary, also explains why the association acts as a “safe space” for fire chiefs to share challenges and ideas. We dig into this and more:

• The associations quest to grow membership

• Why relationships are “high octane” for Metro

• How to tap into Metro Chiefs resources

• What’s on the agenda for the next Urban Fire Forum

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

‘We rehearsed this’: Chief Eric Morgenthaler talks mayday command

In the nanosecond after hearing the mayday, Castle Rock (Colorado) Battalion Chief Eric Morgenthaler went from “Is this really happening?” to “I know what I need to do.” His crew had trained repeatedly on scenarios just like this — a firefighter through the floor. Morgenthaler shares a play by play of the mayday as well as his command mindset throughout the event. Additionally, Castle Rock Fire & Rescue has developed an after-action review and video so others can learn lessons and best practices from the incident.

Watch: Firefighter Mayday – After Action Review video

Download:

• 1907 Tee Lane Mayday AAR

• Fire Command Ready: Building Bench Strength

Sponsor shout-out: This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Pulsara. Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass-casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. One Tool. Every Day. Regardless of Event. Learn more at Pulsara.com.

Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Extra Alarm: Emergency logistics — who’s your go-to officer?

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Paul Fawcett, tackling the critical role of logistics officers in emergency response operations. Fawcett addresses the necessity for a logistics team to manage and streamline complex responses, highlighting their responsibility to provide supplies and ensure that facilities, food, sanitation, lighting, power and communication needs are met. Additionally, learn about training resources offered by FEMA and other institutions to equip logistics officers for their roles.

Content read by Chief Marc Bashoor.

‘Come from curiosity’: Chief Corey Smedley on earning trust as an outside hire

“Everybody’s going to be a leader.” Fire Chief Corey Smedley encourages his entire workforce to step into their own leadership roles and not be afraid to make mistakes. Smedley, who is nearing one year as fire chief for Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire & Rescue, is the organization’s first outside hire for the top spot. The chief reflects on how he worked to learn the in-and-outs of the department’s culture and the importance of asking questions from a place of curiosity, not judgment — key steps in securing a “soft landing” for a new chief. We dig into all this and more:

• Smedley’s self-assigned first year grade

• How he navigated a series of tough situations, even tragedies, over the past year

• The role of thought partnerships and intel briefings

• The power of public health programs

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. And don’t miss these upcoming savings:

Independence Day (ALL Brands)

• 10% off sitewide

• Dates: 7/1-7/4

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Member Appreciation Week (TFS)

• 12% off sitewide + free shipping on $120+

• Dates: 7/7-7/11

• Code: MEMBERPERKS

• Exclusions

Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

‘Sleep washes the brain’: How shift workers can improve sleep

The recipe for sleep health: “Build a sleep window, protect the sleep window, and let your sleep accountant balance the books.” On this Better Every Shift playback, we revisit one of our most enlightening episodes, as Dr. Glenn Landry — a self-proclaimed “sleep geek” — details how shifter workers can improve their sleep. He explains the science behind how to prepare the body for sleep, when to nap and why sleep is a “team-based sport.” Landry also shares information about a curriculum for shift workers that’s essentially “Netflix for sleep health.”

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.

Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Extra Alarm: The do’s and don’ts of commanding your first fire

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Senior Captain Chris DelBello, who focuses on the dos and don'ts for commanding your first fire, including checklists for before, during and after the incident. Other topics addressed: pre-fire preparations, such as sharing expectations with firefighters, familiarizing oneself with command worksheets, and practicing size-ups; common mistakes to avoid, like being overly restrictive or switching command modes frequently; and the importance of post-fire reviews and learning from the experience.