Smart Firefighting
Smart Firefighting Podcast covers real-world deployments of smart technologies through conversations with technologists, innovators, companies, and forward-thinking public safety and government agencies. Learn from interviews with leaders as they share their insights and offer their expertise every week! Host Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who loves to explore change management and technology in public safety.
Episodes

Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
What are character-led hiring practices?
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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
How do we hire for character?
Should we focus less on operational readiness and more on moral fiber?
Creative recruitment strategies to find the best members in the fire service
Find out from Dave Robertson - a Deputy Chief and the owner of FireEDGE - a career fire service one-on-one coaching company.
As Deputy Chief, Dave leads and manages the direct training of the members and staff of the Lambton Shores fire department. And as the owner of FireEDGE, Dave coaches clients through some of the hardest to navigate job waters out there: the fire service.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
How can you quickly operate independently when networks are down?
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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
How first responders can use mesh networks to create resilient and redundant communications networks
How reliable real-time updates and location from firefighters boosts situational awareness for command
How to share data in real-time when operating beyond the reach of existing networks
Hear from Andrew Delaney, the President of US Operations for HyphaMESH.
Andrew works with industry partners and public safety customers to solve communications failures documented over and over again in incident after action reports.
HyphaMESH allows first responders to communicate and share data where they can't today, increasing safety and improving outcomes. Hypha's pop-up mesh networks are purpose built for first responders to extend the range of existing broadband communications assets to areas where they don't reach today.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Why is it important to know what's on-scene during emergency 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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
Asset tagging and tracking for optimal inter-agency responses
Seamless oversight through a system of Tag - Track - Report
Different forms of accountability
Learn from Rob DeVaun - the VP of Sales for Salamander.
As a strategic sales and business development executive with 13 years of multi-vertical, software, hardware, and service sales management experience to US and global markets, Rob is known for driving results-focused sales, teams, and partners to succeed.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
What does the Canadian Olympic torch relay have to do with our guest?🧐
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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
The importance of a multi pronged approach for communications redundancy
How blending multiple LTE networks creates resilient communication throughput
New ways Dejero’s technology can integrate into stationary and mobile platforms
Find out from Rory McCabe - the current Channel Sales Manager for Dejero.
With years of successful experience consulting on multifaceted projects, streamlining training, and identifying/building positive relations with a wide range of clients, stakeholders, and key business partners, Rory brings passion and creativity to every aspect of business.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
How can we offload human cognition if we do not fully understand the tasks yet?
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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
The importance of informational architecture in artificial intelligence (AI)
Ethical and practical implications of AI
International perspectives on the American Fire Service’s capabilities
Learn from Bart van Leeuwen - a Situational Awareness Master Instructor, owner of Netage B.V. and Amsterdam Fire Department's Fire Captain.
Bart combines more than 20 years of experience as an operational firefighter at various fire departments in the Netherlands with 20 years of leading Netage B.V. - a SME delivering Smart Data for Smarter Firefighters. This unique combination gives him the opportunity to identify relevant research and its application in real world scenarios.
So click play now and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
How does technology relate to health and wellness?
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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
How protocols and procedures directly impact first responder exposures
Lessons applied to community risk reduction (CRR)
How to implement new technologies that support firefighter health and wellness
Hear from Cindy Ell who wears many hats!
Cindy is a Certified Health Coach, cancer advocate, plus the Founder & President of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation since 2004. Her diverse experience in firefighter / first responder public relations, health, safety, benefits, cancer research and legislative issues has also led her to become the Chief Executive Officer for Enviro Ethos which seeks solutions to toxic exposures.
So click play now and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Here's a few ways to integrate simple technologies for 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!
Thanks for joining our 10 part FRI Mini Series recorded at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference which was hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Each summer, thousands of the most prominent fire and emergency service leaders from around the globe come to FRI. This year, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023 to learn, network, and collaborate together!
In this episode:
What is Community Risk Reduction (CRR)?
How can we deploy CRR strategies to strengthen our communities' resilience?
How to accelerate CRR efforts across the USA
Get the scoop from Brent Faulkner - aka "The CRR Guy"!
Brent has always worked on the operations side of the house, yet has also always been a huge CRR champion and educator. As a safety professional, his goal is to help others understand that it's the little things that make a big difference in your overall safety.
That's why he's also CEO of Virtual CRR - virtual community risk reduction which allows fire departments, emergency management, and other organizations to have a platform to make their CRR programs work.
So click play now and stay tuned for the rest of the Mini Series!
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

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Help Kevin reach his fundraising goal before the Chicago Marathon on 10/8/23! (link below:)
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!
In this episode:
Where do your donations to Kevin's Chicago Marathon fundraiser go?
What makes Shirley Ryan AbilityLab the top rehab hospital in the world?
Examples of using technology to support & empower each patient throughout the road to recovery
Find out from Dr. Allen Heinemann - the Director of the AbilityLab's Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR)
Dr. Heinemann conducts health services research with a focus on developing and applying outcome measures in rehabilitation care. His team developed the Rehabilitation Measures Database to help clinicians and scientists select instruments for patient care and research applications.
Hit play now to discover a broader perspective on what it means to empower people in need!
And don't forget to DONATE TO THE SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB by visiting this link!
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

Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
What's the difference between tools and toys?
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!
In this episode:
What does the future of the Smart Fire Academy look like?
How to build muscle memory with new immersive learning tools
Insight into NAFTD & NFPA’s Firefighter’s Immersive Learning Environment (FILE) report
Learn from Ken Willette!
As the Executive Director of the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD), Ken is an experienced Business Development & Segment Director with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. To say he has strong product management and professional skills in Government, Emergency Management, Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Risk Assessment puts it lightly!
So start the episode to find out more!
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

Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
How can we progress when much of what we do is rooted in tradition?
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!
In this episode:
Debunking the perceptions around tradition in fire service
The evolving impact of the NIST & NFPA Roadmap to the Future of Smart Firefighting Report
Developments at the TEEX Testing & Innovation Center
Get the scoop from Paul Siebert!
Since 1991, Paul has been in progressive positions within the Frisco Fire Department, retiring in 2017. He's now working for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Emergency Services Training Institute as the Public Sector Program Director. Prior to that, he managed response technology development for the TEEX Product Development Center.
So hit that play button to hear more!
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






