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 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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
What is the World Fire Congress, and how does it benefit firefighters?
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 bring nations together to tackle fire prevention and safety issues?
What’s the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) mission at the Congress?
How do global collaboration and best practices address common fire service challenges?
Hear from Victor Stagnaro - the CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) - and Gary Krichbaum - the Managing Director at NFFF.
The World Fire Congress brings together nations to address fire prevention, challenges, and health and safety issues in the fire service. The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF) plays a key role in event coordination, with a mission to honor fallen firefighters and prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries.
The Congress promotes collaboration, sharing of best practices, and tackling common issues in the fire service globally.
So take a listen to hear what they have 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 Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
What is CIVTAK 2024 and why should you go?
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 Team Awareness Kit (TAK)?
How to adopt TAK for civilian use cases
What is CIVTAK 2024?
Learn from Ken Rehbehn - the Principal Analyst at Critical Communications Insights LLC.
Ken is a data communications expert and industry analyst who is also a volunteer firefighter. He has been tracking the evolution of technology in public safety, particularly in the area of mission-critical communications and situational awareness tools like the Team Awareness Kit (TAK).
TAK is a common operating picture platform that delivers geospatially linked information to field users, allowing for collaboration and data interoperability. It is non-proprietary, open source, and can adapt to different communications capabilities.
Ken is spearheading the CIVTAK 2024 conference, which aims to bring together agencies and innovators to share success stories and drive the adoption of TAK in civilian use cases.
The CIVTAK 2024 conference is on October 1 - October 3, 2024, at the Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel. Click here to register!
And 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 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
What's the future of AI in the fire service?
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 AI transforming fire service operations?
How does AI enhance EMS for better patient care and safety?
How can AI act as a virtual assistant for first responders?
Hear from Scott Roseberry - the Battalion Chief at Garland Fire Department - and Sai Narain - the Director of Technology Strategy; State & Local Government at Microsoft.
The two talk about the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fire service and public safety. They explain that AI is like a computer brain that can learn, adapt, and assist in decision-making. They discuss various use cases of AI in the fire service, such as improving communications, incident command, and community risk reduction.
Scott and Sai also touch on the ethical considerations of using AI and the importance of responsible AI implementation. They envision a future where AI acts as an extra person in the fire service, helping with decision-making and improving firefighter safety.
So take a listen to hear what they have 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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Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
What issues are Be The Change Analytics working to solve?
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 Be The Change Analytics reducing wildfire risks and preserving ecosystems?
How does rapid response protect first responders and the environment?
Why are collaboration and unity the keys to solving societal and environmental challenges?
Learn from John Krasowski - the President and Founding Partner of Be The Change Analytics.
John highlights the importance of reducing risks for wildfire first responders and preserving ecosystems. He discusses his participation in the XPRIZE competition and the need for innovative wildfire detection methods.
John also shares the motivation behind starting Be The Change Analytics, which tackles issues like human trafficking and water quality, emphasizing unity and collaboration for positive societal and environmental change.
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 Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
How does FirstNet support firefighter 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!
In this episode:
How is AT&T revolutionizing public safety communications?
How does FirstNet offer unmatched priority and preemption for emergency responders?
Discover new opportunities within the FirstNet ecosystem for public safety innovations
Hear from Ryan Fields-Spack - the Associate Director of Responder Wellness at FirstNet, built with AT&T.
Ryan highlights the significance of a dedicated network for public safety. FirstNet ensures uninterrupted communication for police, fire, EMS, and emergency management during large-scale incidents. Ryan also talks about the benefits of FirstNet, including priority and preemption, opportunities for entrepreneurial innovation, and initiatives supporting firefighter wellness.
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
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
How can we decrease the frequency and severity of wildfires?
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 American Family Insurance & XPRIZE are joining forces to combat wildfires with cutting-edge tech
Protecting homes and ecosystems through innovation and collaboration
Investing in startups to create effective wildfire detection and suppression solutions
Find out from Stephanie Mueller - the Programs and Partnerships Director for American Family Ventures.
American Family Insurance has teamed up with XPRIZE to combat the devastation caused by wildfires. By investing in innovative technologies and supporting startups, they aim to protect homes and reduce wildfire impact.
So take a listen to hear about this partnership that connects them with top innovators and researchers to find effective detection and suppression solutions.
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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