Better Every Shift

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor details the ongoing problem of apparatus rollover accidents. He discusses several recent incidents, what went wrong, and what drivers must consider when operating fire apparatus. Chief Bashoor also explains the 3 Gs of highway incidents: Get there, get done and get out. 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.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief John Dorman digs into the debate about balancing education and hands-on training, outlining some of the ways higher education can complement fireground skills. Dorman details what firefighters should look for in a higher education institution or program, plus the pros and cons of online learning versus in-person courses. 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.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Madison (Wis.) firefighter and fitness expert Aaron Zamzow takes a big picture look at firefighter fitness and the health culture that can help firefighters improve their physical and mental health. Zamzow and Bashoor share their fitness journeys, including the eye-opening stories that propelled them into a health-focused mindset, and discuss their current workout regimens. Zamzow outlines key steps for firefighter fitness and exercises to prolong a firefighting career. The pair also address the role of fitness in helping firefighters (and really everyone) emerge from the “COVID cocoon” of the past year. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief (ret.) Peter Van Dorpe, president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, addresses the pandemic’s impact on training efforts, key research types that firefighters of all levels should embrace in training, how to not feel intimidated by research, and much more. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Kirk McKinzie, a fire captain (ret.) with the Cosumnes Fire Department, and Cosumnes Firefighter Justin Quarisa share their experience bringing immersive learning to the California fire department, how it complemented the department's hands-on training, and what's next for smart firefighting concepts. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

The "Firefighter 3 crew" -- Matthew Hennessy, Andrew Beck and Ben Willey -- talk to Chief Bashoor about all the firefighter life skills that no one taught you in Firefighter 1 and 2, specifically, who's in charge of the remote, laundry etiquette at the station, and other lighthearted lessons all new firefighers should know. The crew also explains how these lighthearted lessons can translate into meaningful mentorship between new and existing members. Learn more about Firefighter 3 and download a Firefighter 3 PDF with firefighter life skills at www.firerescue1.com/FF3. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Ian Emmons speaks with Fire Chief Marc Bashoor about what fire service leaders are doing to prepare millennials to become the next generation of leaders. They address the unique motivations and value sets of millennials and how leaders can be mindful of these different approaches in order to best prepare them for leadership roles that others can emulate. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor outlines what he sees as the next "giant leap" in public safety, one that could reduce the disconnect across agencies and lead to positive systemic change for first responders: a single federal parent organization to oversee all fire and EMS. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Broom, who also works in financial services, discusses how firefighters can conduct a financial size-up, tips for strengthening financial health, what firefighters need to know about selecting the right pension, and financial concerns to address leading up to retirement. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas details the department's vaccine distribution plan for members, which focuses on education, influence and incentives. He reflects on the LAFD members who lost their lives to COVID-19, and shares a message that one member expressed prior to his passing. Chief Terrazas also explains how the department has responded to the mental health impacts on members during the ongoing crisis. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Chief Bashoor weighs in on the hotly debated news of an Oklahoma City firefighter being disciplined for his decision to transport a burn victim in the fire engine after waiting 20 minutes for EMS to arrive. While the parents expressed their gratitude for the firefighter's proactive move, the firefighter was disciplined for violating department policy and state law. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Prince George's County Fire Chief Tiffany Green talks with Chief Bashoor about professional development in the fire service, detailing the department's fire cadet program, and shares her experience being the first female African-American chief of the department. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Chief John B. Tippett, Jr., the director of fire service programs for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), addresses how the principles of crew resource management can improve safety on the fireground, and shares some of the newest initiatives of the NFFF. Read more from Chief Tippett at www.firerescue1.com/columnists/john-tippett. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the current Constitutional crisis facing the country and the protests at the U.S. Capitol, where hundreds gathered to dispute the recent presidential election results. Chief Bashoor addresses the responsibility of first responders to serve their communities, and country, with honor; how to avoid the traps of social media; freedom of speech debates; and much more.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett reflect on a most challenging year, discussing the unprecedented challenges fire and EMS personnel faced due to COVID-19 and civil unrest, while also considering some of the bright moments from 2020, including words of encouragement from fire service leaders.

Mike Pertz, a firefighter-paramedic with the Avon Lake (Ohio) Fire Department, offers tips to prospective firefighters facing challenges joining the ranks, addresses some of the misconceptions recruits have about the fire service, and tackles the key reasons members ultimately leave the fire service, and what leaders can do to keep them interested in a career in firefighting.

Gordon Graham, a risk management expert and co-founder of Lexipol, delineates the 10 families of risk, identifying the single risk that poses the biggest threat to firefighters as well as the fastest-growing risk within the fire service. Graham offers advice to all levels of fire service personnel about how to stay safe and out of trouble.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor breaks down the U.S. Fire Administration report summarizing the fire service line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) in 2019, spotlighting the decrease in death totals, highlighting commons causes and reinforcing the push to "Get Below 50" LODDs in a single year.

Dr. Burton Clark, a 50-year fire service veteran, tackles firefighter behavior and organizational culture in order to help identify what prevents firefighters from taking proper safety precautions, even when they know it's the right thing to do.

Dr. David Black, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Cordico, discusses mental fitness within the fire service, addressing why firefighters don't seek help for behavioral health concerns, as well as how firefighters and fire service leaders can help each other and themselves when stresses grow.

Firefighter James Pribyl shares his experience as a volunteer firefighter with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and its connections to his time as an active-duty Marine for 19 years. Pribyl also shares an honest look at a typical day of a volunteer firefighter, based on his FireRescue1 article "I am your local volunteer firefighter."

Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Deputy Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder details the problem with "personality-based mutual aid," how crews can integrate policy into daily operations, tips for maintaining fire department relevance, and the key issue that keeps fire chiefs up at night -- and how to solve it.

Graham addresses how public safety agencies can employ training and policies to ensure their response efforts have a synergistic effect, rather than three agencies operating in silos. He also shares details about the Lexipol Connect Virtual User Group Conference on Oct. 14, 2020.

Chief Randy Bruegman discusses the recent CPSE/ICMA white paper “21st Century Fire & Emergency Services,” designed to stir debate, create dialogue and promote conversations about the changes facing the next generation of leaders, not only in the fire service but also in local government.

Keith Stakes, a research engineer with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute, describes the recent studies into coordinated fire attack, looking at the impact of ventilation on single-family home fires, multi-family dwelling fires and strip mall fires.

Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Division Chief Greg Ward explains the origins and purpose of the department's Tactical Firefighting (TAC Fire) Teams, which function as a critical element of the police department's SWAT Team, to respond to mass violence incidents.

Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles Ford examines the unique challenges facing fire chiefs in the modern era, from COVID-19 to civil unrest, and how leaders can best navigate the challenges of politics and budgets during such unique times.

Fire Chief Jason Caughey discusses a variety of volunteer fire department challenges, plus how to manage different generations among volunteers while always maintaining the public's trust.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the fact that some fire service leaders face a new challenge in being deemed ‘guilty by association’ during recent national emergencies. Music by David Hyde

Linda Willing tackles fire service diversity, of both members and opinions, plus challenges facing women in the fire service, generational differences and mentoring the next generation.

Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research, explains what we know about the likelihood of COVID-19 surges, and tackles antibody testing reliability.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor explains that fire/EMS departments will not be immune to the sweeping cuts many communities are beginning to experience; as such, it's key to find ways to prove your worth, cut where you can, and maintain the safety of your members. Music by David Hyde

As the conflagration continues, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor underscores that it's time to focus on your members, budget, planning for the future, and strong leadership. Music by David Hyde

Cathie Patterson, the branch chief for fire grants at FEMA, helps departments better understand the grants process, including how the peer review process works and grant pitfalls that can hinder grant success.

Todd LeDuc, Executive Assistant Fire Chief (ret.), Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, tackles the top three health issues facing firefighters: cardiac issues, cancer and behavioral health challenges, and share strategies for staying healthy on the job.

Division Chief Kent Davis discusses the Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Department’s Police Assist Companies (PAC) and how it was used during the recent police violence protests in Charlotte, specifically during an alarming incident where crews were trying to conduct a confined space rescue while being harassed by protesters.

Lt. Jonathan Baxter, the Homeland Security Operations and Public Information Officer with the San Francisco Fire Department, details the firefight to contain the massive Pier 45 fire in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of the city – a firefight that also involved protecting the World War II-era SS Jeremiah O’Brien, which is docked at the pier.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor asks, are you driving in the fast, slow or center lane in your organization? Music by David Hyde

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chair Steve Hirsch shares an insider’s perspective on volunteerism in the fire service, how to stem declining numbers, ideas for root success strategies for recruitment and retention efforts, and the future of the fire service.

In this Rapid Response to the massive Los Angeles blast that injured 12 LAFD firefighters, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor says explains why seeing the signs and signals of environmental change is like recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack. Read the full article: firerescue1.com/columnists/marc-bashoor/ Music by David Hyde

Dr. Terry Jodrie, a paramedic and medical director, describes his deployment with the International Medical Corps to help treat patients with COVID-19 in New York City.

Fire departments are under the microscope, so we must follow the rules and provide accurate information Music by David Hyde

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute and a FireRescue1 board member, talks about the history of the institute, FireCARES and NFORS, and how implementing real-time data in the resource decision-making process can significantly impact firefighter safety.

It’s time to get serious about long-term plans for navigating the pandemic. Music by David Hyde

Sorting through the maze of public health information overload and overlap so firefighters understand best practices related to COVID-19 exposure and isolation. Music by David Hyde

The more of you who break social distancing orders, the more first responders who will become sick and unable to serve. Music by David Hyde

Some members of the Administration and Congress have suggested that first responders could receive hazard pay during the pandemic. Fire Chief Marc Bashoor offers his analysis. Music by David Hyde

Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer discusses fire service generational differences, interpersonal communications, how firefighters learn, mentorship and mobile integrated healthcare.

IAFC President Gary Ludwig talks about the association’s campaign “If you don’t feel well, don’t make it your farewell,” focused on stayed attuned to cardiac health symptoms.

CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb talks about important CFSI initiatives and what fire chiefs – and firefighters at all levels – should know about navigating the world of fire service politics.