Episode 5: Organizational Restructuring - 3 Deputy Chief Model

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

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 cycle that evaluates every aspect of our organization. This involves everything from strategic planning and community risk reduction to operations, training, and performance outcomes. This process not only strengthens our internal systems and decision-making but also ensures we stay aligned with industry best practices and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Please join Chief DellOrfano, Kim McAndrews, and Scot Swindall as they discuss the what, how, and why of the accreditation process.

Beginning January 1, 2026, a newly updated mandatory overtime policy will go into effect. This was developed over the past year through a collaborative effort between SMFR and Local 2086. The policy gives employees more control over their placement on the mandatory list, simplifies trade and overtime procedures, and clearly defines par numbers across all ranks. We’ll cover the reasons behind the change, the expected impact, and what’s ahead. Guests include Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke along with Captain Pierce Jacoway and Engineer Pete Scully from Local 2086.

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for important updates about the transition to NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System), which is the modern reporting platform replacing NFIRS. In this episode, we break down what NERIS is, why this matters, commonly asked questions, and how we are preparing for implementation. Stay ahead of the upcoming reporting changes and ensure a smooth transition from NFIRS to NERIS. Guests include Battalion Chief Nick Grosch, Strategic Services Manager Kim McAndrews, Community Risk Reduction Interim Manager Colleen Potton and Lieutenant Jeff Hulley.

Check out this special edition SMFR Podcast about Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety! SMFR Captain & Hazmat Team Coordinator Chris Wells and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Brandi Miller discuss how Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiB) have become increasingly popular over the last decade due to their large amount of energy, small size, and convenient use in everyday items. Unfortunately, fire and life safety education related to these batteries hasn’t kept up with their popularity until recently. Many consumers and first responders were faced with extreme health risks, injuries, and fatalities due to fires involving LiBs with a lack of information preparing them for how to navigate those challenges. From the first sign of a problem, you may have less than 1 minute to escape a LiB fire! Although the devices that contain these unique batteries improve our lives in many ways, it's important to know how we can prevent fires involving these popular batteries; and if a fire does occur, how we shoul…

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, and what’s ahead for the organization. In this episode, our guests include Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller, and Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew. Stay informed and get an inside look at the priorities and initiatives shaping South Metro Fire Rescue.

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 of our people. You’ll also hear from Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley, who shares his background, vision, and reassurance that resources and support remain strong. Guests include: Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew, and Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley.

Watch or listen in to this special episode of South Metro's Podcast. Hosted by Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckman, this episode dives into crucial topics around the district’s service delivery, sustainability, and funding challenges. With guests including incoming Fire Chief John Curtis, Board Chair Jim Albee, and representatives from Public Alignment, the conversation centers on upcoming financial pressures, the importance of community input, and the path forward to continue delivering world-class emergency services. This podcast episode also discusses findings from the recent community survey and outlines next steps, including public education efforts and stakeholder engagement.

SMFR Division Chief of Operations Mike Mullane and Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke unveil the new Fire Ground Operations Manual, addressing past shortcomings and highlighting significant improvements. A SOG Working Group has unified various manuals into one comprehensive document. Key updates include order of arrival assignments and clearer building identification terminology. The manual is set to be released on March 15, 2025.

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 include recruitment and retention, a reevaluation of the EMS Lieutenant job description and proposed operational changes to enhance efficiency. The importance of self-awareness during these changes is emphasized, along with a call for involvement in future steps. Guests include Emergency Services Deputy Chief John Curtis, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Operations Chief Mike Mullane and EMS Lieutenant Dusty King.

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on the 2025 budget approval along with important information about legislative impacts and long term budget planning. Podcast topics also include upcoming plans for community engagement through public opinion research and polling in the communities SMFR serves. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo.

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 highlights training initiatives, including wellness programs and cognitive performance improvements. New EMS equipment has been implemented to enhance patient care. Staffing models and recruitment strategies are examined, alongside the EMS rank structure. Questions include: What are each of you focusing on in your respective divisions? Would South Metro consider a lateral academy process again? Is the EMS Rank Structure here to stay? Are there any changes being made? Why does the dive station staffing model not include a hard staffed 4 divers at each station?

This podcast shares important updates on assessment centers, promotional packets and testing for SMFR Personnel. Guests include Division Chief of Human Performance & Optimization Andy Powell, Battalion Chief of Training Jeremy Bartell and EMS Training Battalion Chief Glen Maxson.

South Metro Fire Rescue discusses the recent Special Session, House Bill 24B-1001 Legislation and its impacts on budget planning. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Chief Government Affairs Officer Mike Dell’Orfano, Lobbyist Camille Driver & Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo. Time codes: :04 Welcome and Introduction :37 Introduction to Lobbyist Camille Driver 1:45 Updates with the recent special session & legislation 3:54 What is HB24B-1001? What are its impacts? 4:55 Further look at Special Session 6:47 How is legislation impacting SMFR’s budget planning and revenue? 8:15 Future impacts to SMFR and personnel 9:20 Plans and strategy ahead for funding needs 9:45 Looking ahead to 2025 11:28 Conclusion and recap

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 include collective bargaining, the new fire chief process, and results of the culture survey. 00- Introduction 1:09 Chief Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Internal Services explains what his roles entails 2:38 Chief John Curtis explains his role as Deputy Chief of Emergency Services 4:10 Chief Eckmann covers her role as Deputy Chief of Community Services 5:52 Open dialogue about how they work together to improve SMFR 7:07 Culture Survey- how it came about, what it entailed and feedback 8:19 - Four key takeaways from culture survey 9:30- Chief Curtis talks about the line initiatives and what his department is working on since survey 12:25- EMS rank structure is explained, along with how this is being addressed 13:28- Culture retribution is discussed as a key point from the surv…