SMFR Podcast

Check out this special edition SMFR Podcast about Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety! SMFR Captain & Hazmat Team Coordinator Chris Wells and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Brandi Miller discuss how Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiB) have become increasingly popular over the last decade due to their large amount of energy, small size, and convenient use in everyday items. Unfortunately, fire and life safety education related to these batteries hasn’t kept up with their popularity until recently. Many consumers and first responders were faced with extreme health risks, injuries, and fatalities due to fires involving LiBs with a lack of information preparing them for how to navigate those challenges. From the first sign of a problem, you may have less than 1 minute to escape a LiB fire! Although the devices that contain these unique batteries improve our lives in many ways, it's important to know how we can prevent fires involving these popular batteries; and if a fire does occur, how we should respond to that emergency. Visit https://www.southmetrocrr.org/ to learn more!

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates directly from our Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs. Hear from each leader in their respective roles as they share insights on their vision, key focus areas, and what’s ahead for the organization. In this episode, our guests include Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller, and Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew. Stay informed and get an inside look at the priorities and initiatives shaping South Metro Fire Rescue.

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on Behavioral Health and Wellness at SMFR. Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller introduces our guiding principles and commitment to taking care of our people. You’ll also hear from Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley, who shares his background, vision, and reassurance that resources and support remain strong. Guests include: Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew, and Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley.

Watch or listen in to this special episode of South Metro's Podcast. Hosted by Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckman, this episode dives into crucial topics around the district’s service delivery, sustainability, and funding challenges. With guests including incoming Fire Chief John Curtis, Board Chair Jim Albee, and representatives from Public Alignment, the conversation centers on upcoming financial pressures, the importance of community input, and the path forward to continue delivering world-class emergency services. This podcast episode also discusses findings from the recent community survey and outlines next steps, including public education efforts and stakeholder engagement.

SMFR Division Chief of Operations Mike Mullane and Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke unveil the new Fire Ground Operations Manual, addressing past shortcomings and highlighting significant improvements. A SOG Working Group has unified various manuals into one comprehensive document. Key updates include order of arrival assignments and clearer building identification terminology. The manual is set to be released on March 15, 2025.

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for important updates on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rank structure, highlighting its evolution and the need for reevaluation due to growth and challenges. Key topics include recruitment and retention, a reevaluation of the EMS Lieutenant job description and proposed operational changes to enhance efficiency. The importance of self-awareness during these changes is emphasized, along with a call for involvement in future steps. Guests include Emergency Services Deputy Chief John Curtis, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Operations Chief Mike Mullane and EMS Lieutenant Dusty King.

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on the 2025 budget approval along with important information about legislative impacts and long term budget planning. Podcast topics also include upcoming plans for community engagement through public opinion research and polling in the communities SMFR serves. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo.

Division Chiefs Richardson, Powell, Mullane and Pietrzyk answer questions that have come in and discuss their roles/share goals within their respective divisions of Line Support, HPO, Operations and EMS. This episode highlights training initiatives, including wellness programs and cognitive performance improvements. New EMS equipment has been implemented to enhance patient care. Staffing models and recruitment strategies are examined, alongside the EMS rank structure. Questions include: What are each of you focusing on in your respective divisions? Would South Metro consider a lateral academy process again? Is the EMS Rank Structure here to stay? Are there any changes being made? Why does the dive station staffing model not include a hard staffed 4 divers at each station?

This podcast shares important updates on assessment centers, promotional packets and testing for SMFR Personnel. Guests include Division Chief of Human Performance & Optimization Andy Powell, Battalion Chief of Training Jeremy Bartell and EMS Training Battalion Chief Glen Maxson.

South Metro Fire Rescue discusses the recent Special Session, House Bill 24B-1001 Legislation and its impacts on budget planning. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Chief Government Affairs Officer Mike Dell’Orfano, Lobbyist Camille Driver & Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo. Time codes: :04 Welcome and Introduction :37 Introduction to Lobbyist Camille Driver 1:45 Updates with the recent special session & legislation 3:54 What is HB24B-1001? What are its impacts? 4:55 Further look at Special Session 6:47 How is legislation impacting SMFR’s budget planning and revenue? 8:15 Future impacts to SMFR and personnel 9:20 Plans and strategy ahead for funding needs 9:45 Looking ahead to 2025 11:28 Conclusion and recap

In this episode South Metro's three Deputy Chiefs, Chief Matt Weller, Chief Kristin Eckmann and Chief John Curtis, sit down to talk about current initiatives at SMFR and action plans moving forward. Those initiatives include collective bargaining, the new fire chief process, and results of the culture survey. 00- Introduction 1:09 Chief Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Internal Services explains what his roles entails 2:38 Chief John Curtis explains his role as Deputy Chief of Emergency Services 4:10 Chief Eckmann covers her role as Deputy Chief of Community Services 5:52 Open dialogue about how they work together to improve SMFR 7:07 Culture Survey- how it came about, what it entailed and feedback 8:19 - Four key takeaways from culture survey 9:30- Chief Curtis talks about the line initiatives and what his department is working on since survey 12:25- EMS rank structure is explained, along with how this is being addressed 13:28- Culture retribution is discussed as a key point from the survey 14:50- Open dialogue about how SMFR is working to bridge line and staff disconnect 17:49 Tackling these issues and how to provide relevant training is discussed 21:00 Continued communication about survey results and how they’re working through solutions 22:00 Collective bargaining agreement is discussed 27:25 New fire chief search 30:46 How the 12 competencies for a new chief were decided upon 31:45 Chief Eckmann talks about leadership styles and questions people have had 32:19 Chief Weller discusses his focus on stability 34:00 Chief Curtis on building positive culture and accountability when showing up to work everyday 36:17 Chief Eckmann talks about optimism and humility 38:20 Open dialogue about values and work ethic 39:45 Closing remarks

In this episode, we dive into the budget process, including strategy, timeline, process and how the political landscape plays a role in the process. We discuss how we got to where we are today, and where we are going in the future. Chief Kristin Eckmann hosts this podcast, with Deputy Chief Matt Weller and CFO Dillion Miskimins. Timecode 0:06 Chief Eckmann Introduction- Setting the stage 0:45 Chief Eckmann- Planning the 2024 budget brought a lot of variables 1:07 Dillon explains what the 2024 budget process entailed and how we got to where we are today 1:40 Political landscape and bills impact on budget process 2:05 Proposition HH 3:45 Timing and impact of legislation while budget planning 5:30 Different scenarios in budget process 6:35 How 2024 budget planning was different then years past 7:30 Adoption of 2024 budget and what it included 9:03 Initiatives that were priority- cardiac screenings, capital projects plan, 10:08 Capital projects plan including cardiac monitors, Station 15 rebuild, facility improvements, apparatus replacements 10:32 Chief Weller talks about why cardiac screenings became a priority and how SMFR has started that 12:35 Station visits and identifying capital improvements needed 15:48 Process and importance of backfill in the budget 20:25 Dillion explains process and timeline for 2025 budget 25:40 Long-term budget planning and management 29:30 Closing remarks

We are looking back at a devastating incident that occurred in our fire district 5 years ago. On May 7th 2019, the STEM School Shooting forever impacted the community we serve and the South Metro individuals who were involved in the response. We are reflecting on the events that occurred that day, but also discussing what has changed in our organization and training model since then to prepare for the future.

After several unifications over the years and combining many different forms of fire department operations, episode four of South Metro's Around the Kitchen Table Podcast focuses on the project to revise, revamp and rollout updated versions of SMFR's Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) with safety at the forefront. In this 30 minute episode, you will hear from Division Chief of Operations Jeff Tasker, Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke and Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis. Time Codes: :40 Chief Curtis Introduction - origin, focus and direction of the SOG Revision Project 4:00 Introductions from Chief Tasker and Chief Burke - setting the stage 6:20 Background on rotational position assignment for Chief Burke 7:00 Started with evaluating SOGs - applying to critical factors & tasks, along with decision making support 11:07 Importance of support and empowerment for critical thinking 12:28 Workflow and new format of revised SOGs. Written with a purpose - input received from subject matter experts and approved by Chiefs at all levels 15:00 Staging the rollout, color coding 17:20 Collaborative approach with the project 20:25 Kudos from Chief Tasker 20:50 Kudos from Chief Burke 21:10 Importance of passing along lessons learned and experience to younger generations in the fire service and supporting those promoting in rank 23:10 Other updates from Chief Curtis - budget process and philosophy, legislation, State of the District (PACE acronym), academy plans for 2024 27:28 Closing Remarks

We're taking the national conversation about Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) local on episode three of South Metro’s Around the Kitchen Table Podcast. You'll also hear some tailboard talk about first due fires in Station 21s district. This episode features insight from A shift Lieutenant Nick Bjork and C shift Firefighter Paramedic Meghan Pudliner, both operating out of Station 21, along with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis. Time Codes: 1: Introduction/Chief Curtis covers PFAS Overview, SMFR Cancer Policy, single layer bunker gear thought process, IAFF Film BURNED 10: Lt. Bjork covers history of bunker gear at SMFR, what has changed/stayed the same, current status, line conversation about gear 22: FF Paramedic Pudliner covers background details on the SMFR Wear Study, traveling to bunker gear vendors around the country, takeaways from those visits 28:15: Single layer timeframe 32: Cultural shifts impacting how gear is utilized 38:12: Rumors to truths - PFAS is not just in the fire service 40:30: Breathability of gear 42: Fact sheets from GoreTex (Linked below) 43:50: Other background information from FF Paramedic Pudliner and importance of utilizing both sets of bunker gear 47:40: Changes seen with hoods and gloves 52:40: Cleaning expectations for bunker gear 53:50: Lt. Bjork goes through AAR of first due fires in 21s district 1:09:50: Closing Remarks CLICK HERE (https://www.goretexprofessional.com/about-us/research-and-insights/pfas-gore-firefighting-products) for educational resources from Gore's website, the manufacturer of SMFR's moisture barrier.

Listen in to episode two of South Metro’s newest podcast season Around the Kitchen Table as District Chiefs Jake Mayhew, Scott Sarver and Dave Mueller talk about where their focus is for 2023 and what goals are ahead. Roundtable topics include DC initiatives, communications, safety, efficiency, leadership, consistency and more across A, B and C shifts. Division Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis also talks through some rumors to truths along with various other important discussion points.

It is a common saying in the fire service that the world’s problems can be solved around the kitchen table. Whether that be a tool for teaching, sharing lessons learned, diving down “what if” rabbit holes or just gathering to share a meal and getting to know those around you. With this new podcast season, we want to bring the kitchen table talk of South Metro to you as we navigate through key topics, rumors to truths along with projects and initiatives going on in our organization and specifically in Emergency Services. In this episode we are talking with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis, Operations Chief Jeff Tasker, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Line Support Scott Richardson and Division Chief of Human Performance and Optimization Andy Powell.

Our organization has grown a lot over the years. In order to stay up to date with that change and growth, we are always looking towards ways we can improve and keep up with the demands of our fire department. SMFR Communications is excited to bring you our latest podcast episode focused on multiple important areas of our organization – Finance, Facilities and Capital Improvement Projects. Join Chief Financial Officer Dillon Miskimins, Chief Kevin Milan, and Facilities Director Randy Nejbauer on Episode 6 of the SMFR Podcast. Click the image below to listen in on the conversation! Episode 6 Topics & Time Codes: :25 - Opening and Introduction 1:38 - Dillon discusses 10 year capital improvement plan 4:22 - Chief Milan discusses focus for capital improvement projects 7:45 - Station 15 construction plans 10:11 - Needs for other stations 12:00 - Health and wellness initiatives in stations 14:21 - Randy discusses sleep study initiative, construction changes in/around stations & facilities updates 18:30 - Takeaways from sleep study (Station 23) 20:16 - Findings from Station 35, future plans 22:39 - JSF updates 24:34 - TJTC updates 25:36 - Training needs assessment 26:43 - Memorial for Chief Jackson at TJTC 27:49 - Plans for Mineral HQ 32:55 - Process for considering/prioritizing capital projects 34:54 - Financial demand for hiring - juggling retirements, new employees and academies planned ahead 36:49 - Budget cycle, timeline and process 38:28 - Security updates at facilities 41:30 - Fun fact and closing

In recent months, South Metro has experienced a lot of change with an organizational restructuring of our fire department and the introduction of a three deputy chief model. This has been on everyone’s minds and that's why Episode 5 of the SMFR Podcast is focused on the vision and direction of this new model. Tune in to hear Episode 5 featuring SMFR's Fire Chief, Chief Baker, along with our three deputy chiefs – John Curtis, Jon Adams and Kristin Eckmann.

If you want to be in the know on what's ahead for Fleet and Special Operations, you won't want to miss Episode Four of the SMFR Podcast. Join Fleet Manager John Frank and Special Operations Chief Scott Richardson as they gear up for new apparatus ahead and talk through the process and timeline for ordering everything from front line units to specialty apparatus and potentially electric vehicles in between. Episode 4 Topics & Time Codes: 1:26 - John Frank talks through apparatus ordering process 5:16 - Apparatus replacement plan (5-10 years out) 10:18 - Where units go when they are no longer needed at SMFR 11:48 - Keeping up with the needs of our growing organization and district 16:31- Chief Richardson Introduction 17:00 - Tiller details - background, timeline & approval 21:09 - Plan and reasoning for tiller location consideration 23:04 - ARFF apparatus updates 25:11 - Plan for Regional ARFF Training Center 26:03 - HazMat38, Dive Team resources, MedCat, Wildland Type III and VIs 29:58 - Current Focus for Special Ops 31:30 - Impact of Fuel Costs 32:37 - Electric vehicle consideration options 36:18 - Employee and resource hiring/retention in Fleet and Special Ops 39:16 - Fun Fact 41:19 - Closing