Smart Firefighting

Episode 144: How TEEX Testing & Innovation Center Fosters Progress with Ray Ivie | TSI Mini Series

Want to know how to get involved with advancing public safety?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the eighth episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
What is TEEX Tested?
How TEEX guides start ups & public safety through technology adoption
How to get involved & vet your technology at Disaster City
Find out from Ray Ivie: Test & Eval Director at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service - TEEX. Working across A&M system facilities - including Brayton Fire Training Center, Disaster City, Bush Combat Development Center, Internet Tech Eval Center, A&M Engineering, Bush School of Public Service and Health Science Colleges - to support research and conduct assessments, Ray plans, coordinates, & executes operational assessments of products & solutions for the emergency responder / public safety communities. He additionally teaches undergrads at the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership and grad students at the Bush School of Public Service.
To name just a bit of his quite extensive background, Ray was the former Senior VP / GM of Network Solutions Group at CACI International; led groups of business divisions providing expertise & technologies for enterprise IT solutions for IC, DOD & other USGOV agencies; plus served as President of the Integration & Operations Solutions Group a LGS Innovations (former Bell Labs-Federal), and Director of Geospatial Solutions for General Dynamics Mission Systems, Advanced Information Systems - leading strategic opportunities with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), other IC agencies & DoD.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
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Episode 143: Technology As An Enabler for Public Safety with Stefan Truthän | TSI Mini Series

Since we cannot deinstall and reinstall the fire department...
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the seventh episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
Why are global meetups important?
How can the fire service explore evergreen solutions?
How is adopting technology a big challenge AND solution?
SFF met up with Stefan Truthän - the progressive driving force and visionary behind hhpberlin who has been responsible for the operational and strategic development of the company since 2008. As Chief Organizational Architect, Stefan has been an integral part of the engineering firm since 2002. With his unconventional solutions and great passion, he helped hhpberlin grow rapidly and wants to set decisive impulses for the future of public safety.
Over the past 30 years, Stefan has also been a volunteer firefighter in various roles plus joined the advisory board of INTERSCHUTZ in Hanover as well as the conference advisory board of INTERSCHUTZ USA.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
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Episode 142: Ensuring Relevant & Valuable Technology for Public Safety Operations with Sai Narain | TSI Mini Series

How can we ensure that technology is relevant for public safety operations?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the sixth episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
What is the 3 horizon framework?
How can we improve that framework?
How can we embrace ambiguity?
Hear from Microsoft's Director of Technology Strategy and Public Safety & Justice Sai Narain.
Sai has led high performing project teams developing technology strategies to solve strategic planning problems for Fire Chiefs, EMS Managers & 911 Centers across North America. Given his successful track record in technology leadership, sales & marketing, program/account management, and strategic planning in the Public Safety industry, Sai clearly possesses a strong background in technology innovation, a talent for connecting people and ideas, and experience in leading organizations reach new levels of success through technology management and solutions-based architecture.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
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Episode 141: Advanced Technology to Address Real First Responder Problems with Andrew Leaman | TSI Mini Series

If we don't ask the hard questions, then we won't solve the hardest problems...
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the fifth episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
A peak into new technology that provides the ability to see through smoke
Should first responder rethink how to use their hands & eyes during fires?
Why is it important to consult first responders throughout the engineering process?
Get the scoop from Andrew Leaman, Canadian entrepreneur & VP of Fire & Defense Solutions at Longan Vision. Based at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, Longan Vision is a provider of design and sales of enhanced vision and communication devices. They provide advanced products to face extreme challenges, and are building an ecosystem of linked products to enhance communication and efficiency.
Leaman's focused on making first responders' lives safer with technology and team building. At Longan Vision, one of their key values is working with their community partners to continue to adapt, evolve, and work together to make lives better.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
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Episode 140: Catalyzing First Responders with Technology Summit International with Scott Roseberry | TSI Mini Series

Tech won't solve all of your problems, but will help you find solutions if you know how to use it...
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the fourth episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
What is Technology Summit International (TSI)?
What is the difference between being data-driven and data informed?
Why is funding still the biggest challenge?
Learn from Scott Roseberry, an experienced Battalion Chief with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in not only Fire Service, Emergency Management, Disaster Response, Leadership, and Project Management, Scott is strong military and protective services professional with a Master of Public Administration - MPA focused in Public Administration from University of Texas - Permian Basin.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Episode 139: How Proactive CRR Efforts Improve Emergency Resource Allocation with Bryan Norris | TSI Mini Series

By the way: CRR = community risk reduction!
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the third episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
How the definition of "emergency" is changing
How to use technology to run high call volume
Why limiting resource strain should be the goal
Get some insight from San Antonio Fire Department's Chief Bryan Norris. Chief Norris has served SAFD for the past 20 years, moving up the ranks from firefighter to Division and then Assistant Chief before he became Deputy Chief in 2022. Given his background, he's had a wide range of responsibilities, such as but not limited to planning and analytics, administrative functions for the Emergency Services Division, plus safety, communications, and technical services for the Community Risk Reduction Division and Office of Emergency Management.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Episode 138: How Public Safety Can Optimize Fire Ground Data & Decision-Making with Alex Gorsuch | TSI Mini Series

How can you maximize brain power - and what does that really mean?
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the second episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
How to use data to make informed decisions
Why customer feedback should be the design philosophy
How to reduce first responders' cognitive load
Hear from Alex Gorsuch, the co-founder and CTO of Ascent Integrated Tech which builds the unifying command dashboard for warfighters, firefighters, and SWAT officers by providing actionable insight on the health, environment, and location of the operator.
Alex led the development and deployment of many low SWaP-C ruggedized autonomous systems, diagnostics, human performance technology, and sensor arrays for defense and first responder operators. He also taught customer discovery plus tech and venture development for 5+ years, for the Army Research Lab, Department of Homeland Security, National Science Foundation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and more. Currently, Alex is writing "Hyenas Eat Unicorns: A Carnivore's Workbook for Mission-Driven Tech Entrepreneurship".
Follow Ascent Integrated Tech: LinkedIn | Twitter
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Episode 137: Leveraging Free Tools to Empower Public Safety Operations with Cory Claborn | TSI Mini Series

Sometimes you don't need to go bigger, but just need to start small...
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the first episode of our TSI Mini Series. Hosted in Texas during October 2022, Technology Summit International - IAFC's newest conference - brought the tech of the future to today’s fire and emergency service professionals — helping them reduce risks to their communities, improve their ability to respond to emergencies, and save lives.
In this episode:
- How to find a clear solution to a defined problem
- Why understanding the science behind fire enables fast decision-making
- How to plan without a budget
Current Secretary of the IAFC Tech Council and Battalion Chief Cory Claborn joined the fire service in 2020 as a volunteer firefighter while attending Stephen F. Austin State University. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. After college, he went to a fire academy and paramedic school before getting hired by Wylie Fire Rescue in 2004.
At Wylie Fire Rescue, Cory is in all aspects of emergency response, including special operations. He has also had a heavy focus on technology throughout his career, like managing most aspects of technology - such as the GIS, mapping, and addressing components - for the fire department throughout the past decade. Additionally, in 2019 Cory was a team member that helped present the Emergency Services Technology Symposium.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Episode 136: How Simulation Training Prepares First Responders for the Unknown with Emiel Stevens | Interschutz 2022 Mini Series

Here's how to make mistakes in a safe learning environment...
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the eleventh episode of our Interschutz 2022 Mini Series. Interschutz 2022 was an international trade show hosted over six days and included exhibitions plus engaging forums covering the various aspects of firefighting, rescue services, civil protection and safety and security.
In this episode:
- A comparison between the U.S. and European fire services
- How to use simulation tools within daily training
- How a simulation sandbox prepares first responders before live training
Emergency responders benefit from experiencing incidents in a safe, controllable, repeatable, and measurable environment. As a previous firefighter himself and the International Sales Rep for XVR Simulation, Emiel Stevens supports Police and Fire Academies with implementing simulation training into their curriculum.
XVR On Scene allows participants to understand concepts and learning objectives through experiencing them. The participant acquires practical knowledge and can practice decision-making skills in situations that occur in real life. The XVR Academy provides tailor-made training and sets the environment for community interaction through workshops, the yearly User Group Meetings, and the XVR website. XVR Simulation is a part of the Learn pro Group.
This episode of SmartFiregithing is brought to you by Mckinzie Smart Technologies, led by by Kirk Mkckinize who is an award winning SMART First Responder Technologist. He provides subject matter expertise and consultants on strategic partnerships and project management aimed at digitally enhanced community risk reduction.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Episode 135: How Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Can Help Save the World with Mike Cox | Interschutz 2022 Mini Series

Fun fact: almost all first responders are already using GIS - they just may not know it!
Hello Smart Firefighting Community!
Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!
This is the tenth episode of our Interschutz 2022 Mini Series. Interschutz 2022 was an international trade show hosted over six days and included exhibitions plus engaging forums covering the various aspects of firefighting, rescue services, civil protection and safety and security.
In this episode:
- What is GIS?
- How is Esri founder Jack Dangermond using GIS technology to try to save the world?
- Why Esri invites all startups to use GIS and help empower first responders
Chief Mix Cox - retired Chief of Henrico Fire and current Director of Fire & EMS Solutions at Esri- covers how first responders and small businesses can leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to enhance data usage throughout society. Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence, and mapping. Since 1969, they have supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics, what they call "The Science of Where." Esri takes a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern GIS technology, and are committed to using science and technology to build a sustainable world.
Chief Cox is an emergency service professional with over 30 years of public safety experience. Thanks to his extensive leadership in emergency response and special operations, he has proven critical decision-making skills in highly stressful response environments and incident planning experience for all facets of emergency response, including special events. Throughout his service, he's established valuable relationships with federal, state, and local agencies throughout the public safety arena, and has mastered various administrative responsibilities such as personnel development, strategic planning, budget, and grant programs.
This episode of Smart Firefighting is brought to you by LOCI. LOCI makes it easy to gamify your safety messages and automate the delivery of unforgettable training so no one falls through the cracks on your watch ever again. Visit learnbyLoci.com to learn more.
Join our SFF Community!
Head to www.smartfirefighting.com to discover how SFF accelerates innovation for emergency responders, to find out when our next event is or review our curated resources!
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