‘Nobody has a unique problem’: Waldo and Wolford talk shared solutions
Fire-Rescue International is underway, and with that comes the leadership handoff at the IAFC. Before Chief Josh Waldo hands the baton to Chief Trisha Wolford, the two return to Better Every Shift to reflect on Waldo’s time as president and what awaits Wolford as she steps into the president’s boots — or really, if you know her, high heels. The chiefs discuss the most common issues they see facing the fire service today, and how leaders can lean on each other for best practices, collaborative partnerships and general support.
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.
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Aggressive firefighting: ‘We’ve corrupted the concept’
The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s drives this nuanced discussion of training priorities and go/no-go decision-making.
Resources:
Download: What Firefighters Want in 2025 [eBook]
More data: What Firefighters Want
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the nationwide dedicated communications platform built to support firefighters like you.
Email [email protected] to share your feedback.
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Extra Alarm: How to deliver strong initial on-scene size-up reports
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible conditions, tactical actions and command declaration. He also highlights the value of practicing these reports in training to build confidence and clarity under pressure. Officers are encouraged to use tools like thermal imaging during the walkaround to identify hidden hazards such as basement fires. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion for incoming units and enhance firefighter safety.
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‘You can really decrease your risk’: Dr. Jeff Burgess talks firefighter cancer
“We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the two major categories where firefighters can take action to reduce their cancer risks — exposure reduction and healthy living — and offers simple steps related to both. Tune in to hear his guidance on the following:
PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”)
Overhaul and engineers on air
Plasma and blood donation
Municipal water sources
On-scene decon
Carpet at the station
Resources:
Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study
Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Email [email protected] to share your feedback.
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Extra Alarm: Continuation of command — what happens when the IC goes down?
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operations and various strategies for continuity of command, such as transferring responsibilities to other battalion chiefs, safety officers or rapid intervention team officers. The need for clear identification and communication from the IC is highlighted, along with practical solutions to maintain command structure effectively. The episode serves as a prompt for fire departments to develop or review their contingency plans for unexpected IC incapacitation.
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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