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
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Can drones help catch criminals?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
How drones are transforming crime scene investigation
Ethical considerations and future advancements in law enforcement drones
The value of networking and innovation conversations at the Texas Robotics Summit
Hear from Gerald Baum - a detective from the Dallas Police Department.
Gerald talks about the benefits of networking and sharing ideas at the summit and the use of drones in crime scene investigation. He explains how his department has been using drones to capture video footage and improve the documentation of crime scenes.
Gerald also emphasizes the importance of using video to tell a story and engage juries. And lastly, he discusses the ethical and practical applications of drones in law enforcement and the potential for future advancements.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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 Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Here's some insight into the controversy around Chinese-made drones:
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
Standardization and integrity in the drone industry
Addressing controversies and setting training standards
The roadmap for excellence in drone operations
Find out from Jon McBride - owner of UAS TechTalks and drone guru.
Jon talks about the importance of standardization, certification, and training in the drone industry. He highlights the need for consistent training standards and levels of proficiency to ensure safe and effective drone operations.
Jon also addresses the controversy surrounding Chinese-made drones and emphasizes the importance of integrity and excellence in the industry. He shares his roadmap for the future, including his work with Autel and the Droning Company.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
What's the value of drone programs?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
Standardizing drone training in public safety
The importance of collaboration and measurable impacts
Cultural shifts and unifying efforts in drone adoption
Hear from David Danielson - an Adjunct Associate Research Scientist with PREP at NIST and the Head of IEDO Fire and Rescue Drone Commission.
David talks about the development of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) drone program and the importance of standardized training and proficiency in the public safety drone industry.
He emphasizes the need for collaboration between entrepreneurs and public safety organizations and the value of reporting quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of drone programs.
David also highlights the role of cultural understanding and the importance of unifying voices in the industry. Overall, he emphasizes the power of technology, such as drones, in improving safety and efficiency in public safety.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
What can we learn from cockroaches and spiders?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
Insights into bio-inspired robotics and practical applications
The synergy between biology and robotics for innovation
The future of untethered robots in various fields
Find out from Heiko Kabutz - an Insect Robotics PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Heiko talks about his research on bio-inspired robotics, specifically studying cockroaches and spiders. He explains the importance of making research relevant and applying nature's concepts to robot design.
Heiko also explores the difference between bio-inspiration and biomimicry. He shares his future plans and challenges in developing untethered robots and using them for practical applications. And lastly, Heiko emphasizes the value of learning from field experience and using robotics to understand the world around us.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Why should TAK become a default tool 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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
The role of TAK in Colorado's public safety operations
Enhancing situational awareness and decision-making
The widespread adoption and future of TAK in public safety
Get the inside scoop from Dr. Robert (Bob) Gann - the Deputy Director of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting.
Bob talks about the implementation and benefits of the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) in Colorado. TAK is a tool that allows for sharing situational awareness in public safety. The Colorado TAK ecosystem provides a platform for agencies to manage their own people and information, improving efficiency and decision-making.
The implementation of TAK in Colorado has been successful, with over 100 agencies and 1,200-1,500 responders currently using the system. The future of TAK looks promising, with the goal of making it a default tool for public safety operations.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
How is the shift towards collaboration and data-driven decision-making transforming the public safety 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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
Emphasizing teamwork in public safety drones
The transformative power of collaboration and technology
Data-driven approaches shaping the future of emergency response
Hear from Coitt Kessler - a Customer Success Manager at DroneSense, Inc.
Coitt talks about gratitude, community, collaboration, and the evolution of public safety aviation. We cover the IAFF IAFC Drone Working Group, an initiative to develop cohesive strategies and best practices. This drives the importance of data-driven decision-making, especially with the upcoming rollout of NERIS from USFA.
We also explore the role of leadership and the shift in conversations within the public safety industry. The focus is on continued growth, service, and the power of teamwork.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
How has the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evolved, and what's their focus now?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
FAA's collaboration with first responders on drone use
Legal frameworks for operations beyond visual line of sight
Prioritizing the first responder mission in the development of drone technology
Find out from Michael O'Shea - the Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS Integration Office.
Mike talks about the FAA's involvement with public safety and the evolving relationship between the FAA and first responders. We also explore flying beyond the visual line of sight and how first responders can do so within the proper legal framework. Mike shares upcoming events and programs related to public safety and drones, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mission over technology. He ends the chat with a message about the significance of airspace safety.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
What is the Zephyr Drone Simulator?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
Zephyr's impact on drone training at Texas Robotics Summit
Bridging game design and public safety through simulation
The future of drone training and industry challenges
Hear from Kyle Bishop - the CEO of Little Arms Studios.
Kyle talks about the importance of the Texas Robotics Summit and the focus on learning and engagement in the technology space. He explains that Zephyr is a professional training simulation software for drones, similar to Microsoft Flight Simulator. The origin story of Zephyr involves Kyle and the other founders’ background in computer game design and their transition to the public safety and drone industries.
Kyle also highlights the challenges and opportunities in drone training, including the need for regulations to keep up with the fast-paced industry. He also discusses Zephyr's user experience and pricing and the software's future development plans. And lastly, Kyle challenges listeners to consider the changing training landscape for rapidly evolving technologies.
So click play now to hear what he has to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
What is the XPRIZE Wildfire competition?
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 hitting pause on our Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series right now to bring you an episode from FDIC...
In this episode:
How the XPPRIZE Wildfire competition incentives technology developers to solve the wildfire problem
Why are collaboration, engagement, and innovation key in addressing the wildfire problem?
What solutions protect communities and minimize risk to firefighters?
Hear from Jay Stalnacker - the Technical Lead for XPRIZE - Denise Smith - Professor and Director of First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory at Skidmore College - and Mike Cox - Director of Fire, Rescue & EMS Solutions at Esri.
These 3 thought leaders explore the forefront of wildfire technology. They discuss how success in the future includes minimizing risk to firefighters, managing forest health, and building resilient communities. They also talk about space-based detection and autonomous response innovations.
Watch the video podcast here!
Click play now to hear what they have to share! And stay tuned for the return of our Texas Robotics Summit 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 May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Why are creativity and curiosity critical for robotics?
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!
Welcome back to this 20-episode Texas Robotics Summit Mini Series! This 4 day event (March 4-7, 2024) was hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch and by our friends at Granite Defense, and showcased the use of robotics (air/water/ground) in public safety via keynote presentations, training scenario stations, roundtable conversations, and more.
In this episode:
FDNY's creative robotics solutions for emergency response
The power of teamwork in public safety innovation
The evolving landscape of EMS and firefighting technology
Find out from FDNY's Scott Schmidt and Frank Montana!
Scott and Frank discuss their experiences and initiatives in utilizing robotics and drones in emergency response. In particular, they highlight the importance of collaboration and creativity in finding innovative solutions.
The duo also covers their background and road to FDNY Robotics, the use of drones in EMS and firefighting, the integration of robots in collapse situations, and the future of technology in first response. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the limitless potential of robotics in improving safety and efficiency in emergency situations.
So click play now to hear what they have to share! And stay tuned for the next Mini Series 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!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn