Better Every Shift

IAFC CEO Rob Brown discusses the future of the IAFC, plus emerging fire service issues

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with the International Association of Fire Chiefs' new CEO, Rob Brown. The two discuss the future of the IAFC, emergent issues for the fire service, Brown's fire service background, and the honor and responsibility Brown feels to serve as CEO for the association. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

‘I‘d say America is still burning‘: Chief Bashoor reflects on seminal fire and life safety report

In light of the new NFPA report 'Fire in the United States Since 1980, Through the Lens of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem,' Fire Chief Marc Bashoor considers the progress we have achieved and the problems that still exist in the fire service since the seminal report 'America Burning.' This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Pete Piringer talks PIO life and offers tips of the trade

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, renowned PIO Pete Piringer offers a look into the life of a public information officer. He shares how he found himself in the PIO position and reflects on some of the more challenging events he experienced, namely 9/11. Piringer details communications about high-profile incidents, offers tips of the trade, and shares guidance for new PIOs. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Sean Duncan details how and why firefighters should follow PPE decontamination protocols

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Homeland-Six CEO Captain Sean Duncan tackles some of the key issues related to firefighter PPE decontamination and how it relates to cancer prevention. He details some of the ways advancements in PPE can help keep firefighters safe, and looks ahead for PPE trends. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Chief Nathan Trauernicht: Inside a university fire department

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht tackles a variety of topics: What it's like to lead a university-affiliated fire department; key fire department programs that align with the university's mission; how the department handled the COVID-19 pandemic; life in the wildland-urban interface; and more. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Jim Pauley and Russ Sanders explain how firefighters can get involved in the NFPA

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, NFPA President Jim Pauley and Metro Chiefs Executive Secretary Chief Russ Sanders break down the mission and vision of the National Fire Protection Association, the standards version of "how a bill becomes a law," plus how firefighters can -- and should -- get involved in the standards process. Learn more: Metropolitan Chiefs Section: nfpa.org/metro NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem: nfpa.org/ecosystem NFPA LiNK: NFPA.org/link This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Unpacking mobile integrated healthcare in the fire and emergency services

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses a hot topic in the fire and emergency services -- the increased focus on mobile integrated healthcare. Chief Bashoor explores how the city of Oakland, California, is integrating MIH into its service delivery, and calls on fire service leaders to explore MIH options. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Fire Chief Trisha Wolford tackles cross-generation supervision in the fire service

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Trisha Wolford, fire chief in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and chair of the IAFC’s Professional Development Committee. dives into the hot topic of cross-generation supervision in the fire service. Chiefs Bashoor and Wolford consider whether "traditional" or stereotypical characteristics of different generations hold true or if they are used too often as a crutch for poor leadership. The chiefs also explore how to best supervise all members, regardless of age and experience. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

NVFC leaders Sarah Lee and Kevin Quinn detail the organization‘s current transition plans

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Bashoor speaks with National Volunteer Fire Council interim CEO Chief Kevin Quinn and incoming CEO Sarah Lee about the organization's leadership transition following the untimely passing of CEO Heather Shafer, plus the vision for the future of the NVFC and how the organization is marking its 45-year anniversary. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Superintendent Eriks Gabliks shares what‘s ahead for the National Fire Academy

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, National Fire Academy Superintendent Eriks Gabliks reflects on his career and what it's been like to take the reins at the academy. He addresses the impact of COVID-19 on training activities and when the academy will be back in person. Gabliks also details some of the changes ahead to the EFO program and outlines some of his personal goals as superintendent. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.