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, ...
May 26, 2021•16 min
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 memb...
May 16, 2021•38 min
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 wa...
May 12, 2021•44 min
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...
May 02, 2021•41 min
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Scottsdale (Arizona) Assistant Fire Chief Eric Valliere explains this year's Safety Stand Down theme, "Rebuild Rehab," so members stay healthy on the incident scene. Chiefs Bashoor and Valliere talk about the physical issues that can arise when rehab efforts are not prioritized, ideas for integrating rehab activities into training, and where fire departments can learn more about the Safety Stand Down. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored ...
Apr 27, 2021•45 min
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Assistant Chief Dan Rogers explains discusses his article, “And that’s OK: Not all volunteers want to operate like FDNY,” which generated considerable debate and discussion among FireRescue1 community members. Rogers underscores that volunteers have lives beyond the station walls, and we can’t force them to all have the same level of commitment and passion, even if it means frustration when fewer members show up to non-fire calls. Chief Bashoor reads so...
Apr 21, 2021•47 min
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, s...
Apr 13, 2021•13 min
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 ext...
Apr 07, 2021•55 min
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 fir...
Mar 31, 2021•38 min
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...
Mar 16, 2021•48 min
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 sa...
Mar 14, 2021•38 min
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...
Mar 09, 2021•27 min
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....
Mar 03, 2021•28 min
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 a...
Feb 23, 2021•13 min
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 saf...
Feb 17, 2021•42 min
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...
Feb 09, 2021•31 min
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 communicatio...
Feb 03, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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 ww...
Jan 28, 2021•25 min
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...
Jan 20, 2021•26 min
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.
Jan 12, 2021•10 min
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.
Dec 29, 2020•39 min
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.
Dec 15, 2020•27 min
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.
Dec 02, 2020•31 min
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.
Nov 19, 2020•7 min
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.
Nov 18, 2020•28 min
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.
Nov 03, 2020•27 min
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."
Oct 20, 2020•21 min
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.
Oct 07, 2020•37 min
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.
Oct 01, 2020•14 min
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.
Sep 22, 2020•26 min
