Better Every Shift

There are countless benefits to higher education for firefighters – not only understanding the profession better but also becoming a better communicator, both verbally and on the written page, and enhancing critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Today's podcast features Bryon Gustafson, assistant professor and director of the Master of Public Safety program at the University of Virginia, about the benefits of higher education for firefighters, plus some of the leadership challenges currently facing the fire service. Dr. Gustafson has served in a variety of public service roles, mostly on the law enforcement side, but he got his start in the fire service. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor unpacks the issue of what we call ourselves, specifically related to the use of the word "firemen" vs. "firefighter" in the names of fire service associations and organizations.  This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Bill Jenaway addresses the epidemic of roadway response struck-by incidents as well as a new nationwide database that allows first responders to voluntarily report such incidents at ReportStruckBy.com. Dr. Jenaway is the project manager of the Federal Highway Administrationi-Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association’s (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) Traffic Incident Management Struck-by Reporting Project and an active member of the ESRI team. Jenaway spent over 40 years in the insurance industry, first managing national risk control specialist operations for two major insurance carriers, followed by his role at VFIS, managing its education, training and consulting services. With 50 years of Pennsylvania fire and EMS experience, Jenaway has served as chief in two communities and currently is assistant chief of safety in Upper Merion Fire & EMS in suburban Philadelphia. In addition, Jenaway is has served as the president of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), has experience as an adjunct professor of Risk Analysis and Public Safety at three universities, authors the monthly Safety 101 Series in Pennsylvania Fireman magazine, and is in his third year as a local elected official. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor outlines the importance of MCI training, underscoring that it's vital to training for low-frequency events, like MCIs, that have the potential for high-risk consequences. He also suggests a monthly and quarterly schedule for how often to train on MCI events. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Robert Weisbaum, EMS & Fire Chief for the Crested Butte Fire Protection District in Colorado, tackles a unique challenge facing the firefighters and its broader impact on the fire service as a whole. Specifically, Weisbaum and Chief Bashoor discuss the affordable housing crisis that affects so many across the country, including firefighters. Weisbaum explains the approach his department has taken to securing affordable housing for firefighters, and how this approach helps with broader recruitment and retention efforts.  [Read next: Why I proposed my title be ‘EMS & fire chief’] This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor explores fire protection systems in residential areas as well as larger facilities, like the Walmart distribution center. Are fire protection systems ever a waste of money? This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, FDNY Captain John Haseney tackles an important question: What is stopping fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices?  Captain Haseney has been with the FDNY since 2005, currently serving as the captain for Engine 38. He is a founding member of the department’s Contamination Reduction Workgroup. Haseney got his master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he wrote a thesis titled, “Overcoming Implementation Barriers Within the Fire Service to Reduce Firefighter Cancer Rates.” The thesis identifies seven barriers that are preventing fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices. Read the full thesis here. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.   Before we tackle each, can you share a bit about why you wanted to study this topic?   How did you tackle this topic? What was your methodology of study?   Let’s go through these implementation barriers one by one, and if you can provide a possible solution to each or a takeaway for fire departments, that would be great:

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Otto Drozd, the executive secretary of the NFPA/IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Having served as fire chief at four metro fire departments, Drozd speaks to the unique challenges of leading large fire service agencies, the variations from state to state, and how fire chiefs can make a difference at each department, even if through varying approaches. He details the work of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and what it's been like stepping into his new role as executive secretary. Drozd also tackles the importance of community outreach and community risk reduction (CRR) efforts, even amid the ongoing global pandemic. He speaks to issues of ISO ratings; accreditation, both on a personal and professional level; and active shooter events, including his involvement in NFPA 3000. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell shares her experience as the newest U.S. fire administrator, a position she began in October 2021 following her time with the International Public Safety Data Institute. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell addresses several topics: Two major fatality incidents in the past several weeks; How past experience prepared her for the role as U.S. fire administrator; What to expect for the mission and vision of the USFA during her tenure; The role of data in the USFA and the broader fire service; The new USFA podcast; and What fire departments can continue to do to lessen the impact of COVID-19. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder details his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. He shares what the experience has been like for him and his family, and how he worked with a team of doctors and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to get the best guidance about how to proceed with his treatment options.  Chief Goldfeder also shares a new initiative, 40PlusFire, a resource center where firefighters can learn about prostate cancer. The website is geared toward male firefighters over the age of 40 who are seeking information about prostate cancer prevention, risks and solutions.