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 Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
What are the challenges in drone implementation?
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:
Understand the context into how drones enhance officer safety by providing situational awareness, recon, and overwatch capabilities
Learn the importance of choosing the right drone platform for a specific mission and review the advantages and capabilities of different drones
Find out why the future of drones in public safety includes expanding their usage for inspections, accident investigations, and law enforcement operations
Get the scoop from Mike White - CBRNE Assistant Section Chief at Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Commissioner of the Indiana Emergency Response Commission.
He delves into the innovative uses of drones for tasks ranging from mapping erosion to enhancing event security. Learn about the challenges they face, including public perception and technology considerations, and get a glimpse into the future of drones in public safety.
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 Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
From underground facilities to an urban canyon...
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Discover SYSNAV's magneto-inertial technology that brings positioning accuracy to challenging environments
Learn how SYSNAV's PLD electronic modules and software algorithms work in tandem to guide and track critical movements without reliance on traditional localization infrastructure
Find out how the FRST challenge has helped drive future development of technology for first responders
Click play now to hear from the SYSNAV team!
Founded in 2008 by engineers from top French engineering schools, SYSNAV is a fast-growing French SME with innovation and deep tech at the core of its DNA.
SYSNAV is an expert in navigation, positioning, geolocation and motion capture. Their solutions provide positioning information in all conditions, even in complex environments with no GPS coverage, without the need to deploy any infrastructure.
SYSNAV’s unique technology is applied to many different sectors: medical and pharmaceutical industries, energy and petrochemical industries, manufacturing industries, mining industry, aeronautics and airports, homeland security and defense, mobility and autonomous vehicles.
And that's a wrap for our FRST Challenge Mini Series! Thanks so much for tuning in. Keep an eye out for our next episode!
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 Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Two firefighters' two cents:
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Examine the real-world applications and value of emerging technologies as seen through the experiences of two firefighters
Understand the strategies for engaging with the public safety sector
Gain insights into the unique culture of first responders and the messages that resonate most when introducing new technology
So click play now to get the inside scoop from Chris Moon and Seth Burton - firefighters for the Columbus Fire Department in Indiana - and stay tuned for the rest of our 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 Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
A father-daughter conversation:
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Explore new technological frontiers in public safety
Discover how generational collaboration can foster innovation in emergency response technology
The unique dynamics of family partnership in pushing the boundaries of tech development
Find out from Dale Rolfson and Abi Rolfson.
Dale is the Chief Technology Officer at the Indianapolis Fire Department, and was their Information Technology Manager for more than 34 years.
His daughter Abi attends Indiana University and is currently interning with the iSite project at IU's Crisis Technologies Innovation Lab in collaboration with San Francisco Communications. She's also an Undergraduate Instructor at Indiana University's Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
So click play now to hear what they have to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Why attend the Texas Public Safety Robotics Summit?
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!
We're taking a quick pause from our 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series to share how attending the Texas Public Safety Robotics Summit (March 4-7, 2024) can help you stay updated on the latest technology, training methods, and best practices in public safety robotics.
In this episode:
Why are standard test methods crucial in the drone industry?
How does the Texas Public Safety Robotics Summit provide a platform for public safety professionals to learn, share knowledge, and network with industry experts?
Why is sharing knowledge and resources essential for the advancement of the industry and the improvement of public safety operations?
Find out from Preston Culver - an Adjunct Associate Research Scientist at Johns Hopkins University and a Summit organizer.
Former firefighter, lead drone pilot & videographer for the Austin Fire Department, Preston now works on the Standard Test Methods Response Robot Capabilities project at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) via an adjunct research position at Johns Hopkins University. This project focuses on standardizing the test measures utilized in testing both pilots & technologies, geared specifically for emergency response.
Preston is also one of the primary orchestrators of the annual Texas Public Safety Robotics Summit. From content creation to marketing to being the MC at the event, Preston is involved in almost every aspect of the 4-day drone summit that continues to be an industry favorite each year.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and register for the summit here!
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 Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
How can first responders use mixed reality?
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
The role of IoT, cloud computing, and mixed reality in revolutionizing first responder strategies
Explore how digital data advancements are empowering public education and emergency response training
What comes after the FRST challenge?
Hear from Kirk McKinzie - President of McKinzie SMART Technologies LLC.
Kirk is an award winning SMART First Responder Technologist, providing subject matter expertise, consultancy, strategic partnerships, and project management aimed at digitally enhanced community risk reduction.
He leverages 30+ years of hands-on and practical emergency responder and rescue experience, and more than 10 years in adjacent 3D/360 technology to support international teams such as a speaker and author to government, enterprise, academia, start-ups, and operators focused on emergency response digitization and innovation for safer and more secure SMART communities.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
How can technology save lives?
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Ari’s journey from paramedic to innovator at the Crisis Technologies Innovation Lab
Understand how CTIL is accelerating the adoption of life-saving technologies in healthcare and crisis management
Discover the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving societal challenges through tech innovation
Find out from Ari Rosen - Research Associate at Indiana University's Crisis Technologies Innovation Lab (CTIL).
Ari has been working on AI, advanced radio technology, and prototyping projects for CTIL. His diverse background includes healthcare and public safety roles, such as Paramedic and Risk Management professional, along with humanitarian work and teaching.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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 Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
A peep into a robotics revolution:
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Insight into TurnRock Labs' innovative approach to harmonizing human skills with robot learning
Learn about the ethical, people-focused ethos driving TurnRock’s cutting-edge technology
Explore the potential of TurnRock’s product development in revolutionizing robotics, automation, and cyber-security
Get the scoop from Brenan Lundquist - the Founder and Managing Partner of TurnRock Labs.
TurnRock's team is made up of engineers and technologists who are striving to build the future of robotics and automation.
Their innovative control systems and robotics platforms provide greater resilience, safety, and mission capability for teams of robots. TurnRock provides product development & engineering services and help their customers find and secure government contracting opportunities through SBIR and other R&D programs.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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 Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
What are immersive analytics?
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
How immersive analytics can transform public safety and emergency response visibility
The challenges and solutions of small cell backhaul visualization in the 5G era
The multi-dimensional impact of immersive technology on cyber-security and telecom
Hear from Jad Meouchy - the co-founder and CTO of BadVR.
Programming since childhood, Jad has vast experience in reverse engineering, data analytics, and all things mobile. He was the technical co-founder of Osurv, a next-generation customer feedback platform with an innovative mobile-first perspective, which sold in 2017.
BadVR is a next-generation immersive (VR/AR) data visualization and analytics platform. They give everyone at an organization the ability to “step inside their data” to discover actionable insights, faster.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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 Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
The best way to train first responders:
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 16 part FRST Challenge Mini Series recorded at the competition! Tracking and situational awareness has long been a problem for first responders. That's why the FRST Challenge competition is designed to pinpoint 3D tracking technologies that provide one-meter accuracy for first responders in indoor environments, crucial for enhancing their safety during rescue operations.
The 6 finalist teams competed in localization and ruggedization tests at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center from October 23-27, 2023. Winning teams gain access to funding, business support, and live field testing opportunities to evolve their solutions for real-world application.
In this episode:
Explore Ravenswood's breakthroughs in Time-Space-Position-Information (TSPI) for ultra-realistic training scenarios
Discover how a multi-layer TDMA network can support tens of thousands of live entities for comprehensive simulations
Learn about the synergy of open-architecture systems and modular software in enhancing first responder capabilities
Hear from Andrew Power - the Production Manager at Ravenswood Solutions.
Andrew manages Ravenswood's Production and Training as a Service programs, including proposals, project management, personnel management, regulatory compliance, delivery and sustainment of products.
So click play now to hear what he has to share, and stay tuned for the rest of our 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