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.
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Episodes
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Hey first responders! These solutions are designed just for you:
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 is propulsion technology, and how is SpyDar leading the way?
How does an enclosed propeller system enhance safety and drone operations?
How to collaborate with first responders to design solutions that meet their specific operational needs
Hear from Liza Pierce - the Founder & CEO of SpyDar Sensors.
Liza talks about SpyDar’s groundbreaking propulsion technology designed for UAVs and their involvement in the NIST program.
SpyDar has developed a propulsion system featuring closed ducted fans, enabling vertical takeoff and swift transitions into forward flight. Compared to traditional quadcopters, SpyDar’s technology offers a higher thrust-to-weight ratio and faster speeds, making it an efficient tool for operations requiring heavy payloads.
Safety is a top priority, with the enclosed propeller system allowing for closer proximity to vehicles during operations. Liza also emphasizes SpyDar’s commitment to working closely with first responders to create tailored solutions that improve safety and efficiency.
So take a listen to hear what she has to share!
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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Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
How can you train and simulate realistic scenarios without any props?
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’s the role of augmented reality (AR) in emergency response and training?
How does AR enhance situational awareness during real-time operations?
What potential does AR have in improving emergency response?
Find out from Yohan Baillot - the Founder and CEO of ARCortex Inc.
Yohan talks about the use of augmented reality (AR) in both emergency response and training environments. He explains how AR superimposes graphics onto the real world, allowing users to simulate or annotate information relevant to their specific location. AR technology offers a cost-effective solution for training, enabling realistic scenarios without the need for physical props.
Yohan also discusses the application of AR in real-time operations, where it can be integrated with drones to provide live views and enhance situational awareness. Currently, Yohan is piloting this innovative technology with fire and police departments, and is seeking funding to further develop the project.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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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Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
What can you learn from SpatialGIS' use of drones and AI? Find out ↓
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:
How drones and AI for rapid damage assessment provide real-time data to first responders
How the NIST post-accelerator program can help your company grow and connect with the federal marketplace
Why mentorship and community collaboration are keys to success and growth
Hear from Kendrick Faison - the President/CEO of SpatialGIS.
Kendrick talks about the innovative use of drones and AI machine learning for rapid damage assessment during disasters, providing real-time data to first responders to enhance decision-making. He also shares insights into their work in the national security space, focusing on cloud services and computer vision.
Kendrick highlights the benefits of participating in the NIST post-accelerator program, which has helped the company build relationships and gain exposure in the federal marketplace. Looking ahead, he outlines plans for scaling Spatial GIS, hiring more employees, and pursuing larger projects within the federal government.
Throughout the conversation, Kendrick also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community collaboration for business growth and success.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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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Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
What does community risk reduction involve, and how can we do better?
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:
How is community risk reduction (CRR) transforming fire safety?
What’s the impact of proactive measures and unified voices in the fire service?
What’s the critical role of smart devices, smoke alarms, and data collection in enhancing community safety and reducing fire risks?
Hear from Kevin Sehlmeyer - the Director of the Bureau of Fire Services for the State of Michigan.
Kevin explores the essential aspects of community risk reduction (CRR) and its critical role in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of educating the community, installing safety features, and addressing specific risks based on local contexts.
He also talks about the significance of engaging stakeholders and leveraging technology, such as the NERIS app, to enhance CRR efforts. Kevin leaves us with insights on the challenges faced in fire safety and the necessity of a unified voice in the fire service.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
What is an innovation ecosystem, and how can it serve your community?
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:
How to build innovation ecosystems for community value
Integrating firefighting wisdom with cutting-edge drone technology
How driving advanced air mobility creates value for underserved communities
Learn from James Spencer - the Director of the Launchpad Center for Advanced Air Mobility at the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education.
James talks about innovation ecosystems and their parallels to natural ecosystems. He explains how these ecosystems aim to create assets, resources, and capital for communities, focusing on jobs, products, services, and new businesses.
James also emphasizes the importance of diversity for a robust innovation economy and the mission of the Launchpad Center to bring advanced air mobility technology to underserved communities. He highlights the collaboration with various entities to advance drone technology for firefighting and ensure ethical technology deployment.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
How can drones provide aerial intelligence for better decision-making?
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’s the role of drones in enhancing public safety aviation?
What are Skydio's X10 drone’s advanced features for nighttime autonomy and high-resolution aerial intelligence?
How does the collaboration between Skydio, Tulsa Fire Department, and Oklahoma State University boost public safety innovation?
Hear from Bryan King - the Senior Solutions Engineer for Public Safety at Skydio.
Bryan talks about the company's role in public safety aviation and their involvement with the DFR (Drone First Responder) program in Tulsa. He highlights the importance of officer and firefighter safety and how Skydio's drones provide valuable aerial intelligence to help make informed decisions.
The conversation also explores the evolution of drones from toys to essential tools, the features of Skydio's X10 drone, and the ongoing collaboration between Skydio, Tulsa Fire Department, and Oklahoma State University.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Who is driving drone innovation and what do you need to know?
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:
How does Airwise streamline regulatory compliance and enhance drone operations for first responders?
Where is the new hub for drone innovation?
How is Oklahoma State University leading the charge in driving drone research and innovation?
Find out from Josh O’Leary - the Chief Technology Officer for Airwise Solutions.
Airwise provides regulatory compliance for the FAA and integrates data from various sources to offer a common operating picture. They specialize in drone operations for first responders, including accident reconstruction, scene evaluation, and satellite fire detection. Airwise also streamlines the process of filing Special Governmental Interest (SGI) requests with the FAA through a digital system.
Tulsa is emerging as a hub for drone innovation, supported by initiatives like the BVLOS corridor and the DFR program, with Oklahoma State University playing a pivotal role in driving research and innovation in the drone industry.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
What is the Drone First Responder (DFR) Initiative?
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 is the transformative role of drones in public safety at the Tulsa Fire Department?
How do drones enhance situational awareness for mental health situations?
How are Tusla Fire, academia, and local companies advancing drone technology?
Learn from Gabe Graveline - an EMS Officer for the Tulsa Fire Department.
Gabe talks about using drones in public safety and the development of the Drone First Responder (DFR) initiative in Tulsa. He highlights the various applications of drones, including pre-incident planning, response to structure fires and search operations, and crisis response for mental health situations.
Gabe also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the Tulsa Fire Department, academia, and local companies to advance drone technology and create a common operating picture. He underscores the need for data integration and accessibility for first responders and looks forward to the future expansion of the DFR initiative.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
Episode Resources:
RespondAir UAS
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
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
How can creating communities of practice address common challenges in the fire service industry?
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:
How is The World Fire Congress a platform for global collaboration and knowledge sharing within the fire and rescue services?
How did they address terrorism, conflict, and inclusion in the fire service?
How are the 2026 roadmap and the upcoming Grenfell Tower fire report driving change and improvement in the industry?
Hear from Mark Hardingham - the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The World Fire Congress is a global event that addresses common challenges faced by fire and rescue services worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and creating communities of practice to drive positive change. The event serves as a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas, focusing on issues such as terrorism, conflict, and inclusion within the fire service.
Mark talks about the 2026 roadmap and the upcoming report on the Grenfell Tower fire, highlighting the need for change and improvement within the fire and rescue services.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
What solutions did the World Fire Congress talk about?
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:
How does The World Fire Congress facilitate global collaboration and communication among fire service professionals?
What to do about recruitment, retention, and the rise of lithium-ion batteries and EV fires
Why are young people and compassionate recruitment important in the fire service?
Learn from Billy Goldfeder - the Deputy Fire Chief at the Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Fire Department, Lexipol's Senior Fire Advisor, and member of the Fire Chief / Rescue Editorial Advisory Board.
The World Fire Congress brings together fire service professionals from around the world to share ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges. The event fosters global collaboration and communication, addressing issues such as recruitment, retention, tactical response, and the rise of lithium-ion batteries and EV fires.
The importance of young people in the fire service and the need for compassionate recruitment and retention strategies are highlighted, emphasizing the focus on company officers as a key investment in fire departments.
So take a listen to hear what he has to share!
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