iCHIEFS

Ben May is one of the most unique voices in the fire service.  Join us in this iChiefs Podcast as our hosts visit with him about his experiences and the lessons he has for fire service leaders.

The iCHIEFS Podcast welcomes Fire Chief Kris Blume from the Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Chief Blume has managed three new fire station builds, a new public safety village, and a 40% increase in staffing over the first three years of being a fire chief.  Chief Blume discusses his experience and challenges with “all gas, no brakes” and what he learned as a fire chief who moved his family from sunny Arizona to southwestern Idaho.

Chief Alec Oughton - Aurora (CO) Fire Rescue

Whether you're an experienced officer or just starting your career, this podcast is your guide to excelling in the fire service. Fire Chiefs David Becker and Keith Padgett discuss the restructured Officer Development Program.  Covering everything from team dynamics, and effective communication, to how the new delivery models will work, both Online and Hybrid.  The podcast provides valuable insights to elevate your leadership skills, as well as offers a transformative experience. Leadership in the fire service starts here. Chief David Becker, Acting Director of Education and Training - IAFC Keith Padget, Academic Program Director - Columbia Southern University

Chief John Butler - 2023-2024 President, IAFC

Dr. Candice McDonald is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).  Join our hosts and she discusses the work of the NVFC and the current state of the volunteer fire service community.

Listen to our visit with Fire Chief Michael O’Brian of the Brighton Area Fire Authority (MI) as we talk about Lithium Ion Battery fires and what the fire service needs to know.  Chief O’Brian is a recognized expert for codes and battery fires, serving as the International Director for the Fire and Life Safety Section of the IAFC and on a variety of committees for the ICC.

On this podcast episode, listen to our visit with the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy, Eriks Gabliks.  Superintendent Gabliks shares with us his priorities for the professional development at the NFA, as well as updates on the Executive Fire Officer Program.

In this episode, our hosts visit with Fire Chief Donna Black of the Duck (NC) Fire Department.  Chief Black is the current IAFC President and a long-time member of the IAFC Board of Directors.  Hear about her vision for the organization, current efforts, and insight into the fire service by listening to this episode.

In this episode of the iChiefs Podcast Series, Chief Trey Mayo of the Winston-Salem Fire Department discusses a fire chief’s nightmare. On January 31, 2022, the department responded to a large fire in a fertilizer plant. Eventually, the incident would force the department to abandon the area and evacuate residents. Listen about this incident and learn about the difficult decisions made by the women and men of the WSFD.