FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the sh...
Extra Alarm: Borrowing from business simply doesn’t work for the fire service
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Johnny Torgeson, the assistant chief of operations for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire & Emergency Services in California. Torgeson emphasizes the need to reject traditional business-derived leadership models and instead lead differently. The chief explains how to “disrespect the norm,” reinvent your position and put in the work toward a more unconventional approach that doesn’t rely on tools from books that aren’t meant for fire officers or theories that have yet to be realized as successful tools for the fire service. Most importantly, we shouldn’t copy-paste the leadership patterns of our predecessors. Read the original article on FireRescue1.
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14:44
San Diego Fire Rescue chiefs talk recruitment, wellness and community connection
There’s a lot going on at San Diego Fire Rescue, as we hear from Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone with the health and safety office on this week’s Better Every Shift. The department leaders outline a host of unique programs and efforts focused on members. They also address the recent L.A. wildfires (to which San Diego sent resources), plus the debate about DEI that emerged amid the incident. Some topics we hit on the show:
Recruitment: Breaking down barriers to reach potential members
Wellness: FD training modeled after a Division 1 athletic program
Family dynamics: Launching a “2-in/2-out” event for couples
DEI: “No standards have changed”
Outreach: Reintroducing the FD to the community
WUI fires: Game-changing weather where Mother Nature is going to win
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 [email protected] to share your feedback!
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1:08:56
Extra Alarm: ‘The Great AI Lie’ – greater efficiency does not always equate to improved mental health
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Chad Crouse, who addresses the impact of AI on mental health and productivity in the fire service. He observes that fire chiefs tend to use time saved by AI to do more at work rather than focusing time saved on personal wellness. Highlighting a cultural expectation that productivity equals success, Chief Crouse calls for a shift in how we deploy technology in order to reclaim time for personal health and relationships. Read the article on FireRescue1.
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10:05
Introducing the Firefighter Mayday Survey with Lt. Bassel Ibrahim
Orlando Lt. Bassel Ibrahim is carrying the mayday research torch through the launch of the Firefighter Mayday Survey. The project is a variation and continuation of Don Abbott’s Project Mayday following the chief’s death in 2022. Ibrahim shares what drove him to take on such a huge project, which shares real-world mayday and near-miss data to improve firefighter safety, training and tactics. We dig into all things mayday research, plus all this:
Proactive vs. reactive RIT
RIT’s role as jack-of-all-trades
Switching radio channels
The problem with LUNAR
Ibrahim’s own mayday experience
Why “without data, there is no progress”
Watch FireRescue1’s on-demand webinar featuring Lt. Ibrahim: “Mayday survival – personal experiences, practical tactics.”
BONUS: Take the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey.
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 [email protected] to share your feedback!
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1:07:31
Extra Alarm: ‘I will stay connected to the members’ -- a challenging goal for newly promoted leaders
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Eric Linnenburger, who focuses on the importance of genuine connection for newly promoted fire service leaders. Linnenburger identifies the challenges leaders face in maintaining a meaningful connection with their teams, backed by What Firefighters Want survey data that reveals a significant disconnect between fire chiefs and line personnel. The chief also shares practical recommendations for building trust and enhancing relationships within the team, emphasizing the necessity of human skills and leading by example rather than from behind a desk.
[Note: The What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey is now live. Share your voice here.]
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
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