Chief Chat Episode 1: Operations, Strategy, Restructuring


Author: Connor Christian March 12, 2026 Duration: 17:09
Podcast episode
Chief Chat Episode 1: Operations, Strategy, Restructuring

We’re kicking off the very first episode of our quarterly Chief Chat podcast in Season 3 of the SMFR Podcast. Hosted by Communications Bureau Manager Connor Christian, this quick, conversational episode features Fire Chief John Curtis and Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew sharing what they’re working on and why it matters.

They break down the big topics:

  • What strategic priorities are driving this year’s work
  • What the organizational restructuring actually means for SMFR Personnel
  • How new leadership roles are improving day‑to‑day operations
  • Updates on the IST, DOC, and collaborations strengthening our response system
  • Where things stand with alternate response models, single‑cert paramedics, and committee structure

More episodes

Duration: 14:50
South Metro is actively preparing for re-accreditation in 2026, marking the next step in our ongoing commitment to excellence. Every five years, our department participates in a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation c…

Duration: 24:38
Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates directly from our Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs. Hear from each leader in their respective roles as they share insights on their vision, key focus areas,…

Duration: 14:29
Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on Behavioral Health and Wellness at SMFR. Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller introduces our guiding principles and commitment to taking care…

Duration: 16:55
Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for important updates on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rank structure, highlighting its evolution and the need for reevaluation due to growth and challenges. Key topics…

Duration: 22:18
Division Chiefs Richardson, Powell, Mullane and Pietrzyk answer questions that have come in and discuss their roles/share goals within their respective divisions of Line Support, HPO, Operations and EMS. This episode hig…

Duration: 40:31
In this episode South Metro's three Deputy Chiefs, Chief Matt Weller, Chief Kristin Eckmann and Chief John Curtis, sit down to talk about current initiatives at SMFR and action plans moving forward. Those initiatives inc…

Duration: 30:16
In this episode, we dive into the budget process, including strategy, timeline, process and how the political landscape plays a role in the process. We discuss how we got to where we are today, and where we are going in…

Logo
Select station
VOL