We’re back with Episode 16 of the San Bernardino County Fire PIO Podcast! 
Host Captain Shawn Millerick and the team continue the mission to inform, educate, and entertain.

Episode Highlights

Turkey Day at Headquarters
Shawn Millerick hosts a Thanksgiving episode recorded early so the PIO podcast still drops on time. He shares how a simple sign up for a small office potluck turned into a massive feast that looked more like a Golden Corral buffet. The crew at headquarters earns a well deserved shoutout for putting together one of the biggest spreads he has ever seen.

Inside MIS with Ed Knight
Shawn drags in Ed Knight from MIS, one of the few people left in the building, to talk shop. They cover Ed’s move from the District Attorney’s Office, how multi factor authentication protects the department after a past email breach, the challenge of supporting stations across a huge county, and the nonstop help desk coverage even on holidays. They also discuss upcoming tablet upgrades for apparatus and what it is like navigating the maze of servers and tech that keeps County Fire running.

Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg
Ed shares his takeaways from the leadership retreat, including the long days, the value of learning from mistakes, and his chaotic trip home that put those lessons to the test. From delayed flights to midnight Uber rides, it becomes a story only firefighters and tech crews can fully appreciate.

Tech Corner with Captain Brian Nickles
Brian calls in to break down several major projects including the department’s transition to the new National Emergency Response Information System. He explains how County Fire is helping shape the next generation of reporting and how the new system will finally simplify forms for firefighters. He also covers improvements in cost recovery, ambulance billing, and why even small documentation changes can turn into millions of dollars that support the department.

Mountain Weather with Bobby
Bobby checks in from the snow covered mountains with a backyard weather report and a quick look at life above 6,000 feet. Heavy snow, cleared driveways, and a dash of mountain humor set the tone.

This Day in History and a Macy’s Parade Bonus
Shawn shares the story of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a fun fact about the last wooden escalator in America, still operating inside the historic Macy’s store in New York.

Joke of the Day
The IT department gets the spotlight with a groaner that is perfectly timed for the holiday mood.

Shoutout to the Crews
The episode ends with recognition for firefighters who recently rescued nine dogs from a house fire, a story that made national news on CNN.

Fun Fact
Shawn closes with a quick note that Glen Helen is the largest outdoor music venue in the United States.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• SBCoFD Weather Report video
• SBCoFD Dog Rescue video featured on CNN