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.
We are looking back at a devastating incident that occurred in our fire district 5 years ago. On May 7th 2019, the STEM School Shooting forever impacted the community we serve and the South Metro individuals who were involved in the response. We are reflecting on the events that occurred that day, but also discussing what has changed in our organization and training model since then to prepare for the future.
After several unifications over the years and combining many different forms of fire department operations, episode four of South Metro's Around the Kitchen Table Podcast focuses on the project to revise, revamp and rollout updated versions of SMFR's Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) with safety at the forefront. In this 30 minute episode, you will hear from Division Chief of Operations Jeff Tasker, Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke and Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis. Time Codes: :40 Chief Curtis Introduction - origin, focus and direction of the SOG Revision Project 4:00 Introductions from Chief Tasker and Chief Burke - setting the stage 6:20 Background on rotational position assignment for Chief Burke 7:00 Started with evaluating SOGs - applying to critical factors & tasks, along with decision making support 11:07 Importance of support and empowerment for critical thinking 12:28 Workflow and new format of revised SOGs. Written with a purpose - input recei…
We're taking the national conversation about Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) local on episode three of South Metro’s Around the Kitchen Table Podcast. You'll also hear some tailboard talk about first due fires in Station 21s district. This episode features insight from A shift Lieutenant Nick Bjork and C shift Firefighter Paramedic Meghan Pudliner, both operating out of Station 21, along with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis. Time Codes: 1: Introduction/Chief Curtis covers PFAS Overview, SMFR Cancer Policy, single layer bunker gear thought process, IAFF Film BURNED 10: Lt. Bjork covers history of bunker gear at SMFR, what has changed/stayed the same, current status, line conversation about gear 22: FF Paramedic Pudliner covers background details on the SMFR Wear Study, traveling to bunker gear vendors around the country, takeaways from those visits 28:15: Single layer timeframe 32: Cultural shifts impacting how gear is utilized 38:12: Rumors to truths - PFAS is…
Listen in to episode two of South Metro’s newest podcast season Around the Kitchen Table as District Chiefs Jake Mayhew, Scott Sarver and Dave Mueller talk about where their focus is for 2023 and what goals are ahead. Roundtable topics include DC initiatives, communications, safety, efficiency, leadership, consistency and more across A, B and C shifts. Division Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis also talks through some rumors to truths along with various other important discussion points.
It is a common saying in the fire service that the world’s problems can be solved around the kitchen table. Whether that be a tool for teaching, sharing lessons learned, diving down “what if” rabbit holes or just gathering to share a meal and getting to know those around you. With this new podcast season, we want to bring the kitchen table talk of South Metro to you as we navigate through key topics, rumors to truths along with projects and initiatives going on in our organization and specifically in Emergency Services. In this episode we are talking with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis, Operations Chief Jeff Tasker, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Line Support Scott Richardson and Division Chief of Human Performance and Optimization Andy Powell.
Our organization has grown a lot over the years. In order to stay up to date with that change and growth, we are always looking towards ways we can improve and keep up with the demands of our fire department. SMFR Communications is excited to bring you our latest podcast episode focused on multiple important areas of our organization – Finance, Facilities and Capital Improvement Projects. Join Chief Financial Officer Dillon Miskimins, Chief Kevin Milan, and Facilities Director Randy Nejbauer on Episode 6 of the SMFR Podcast. Click the image below to listen in on the conversation! Episode 6 Topics & Time Codes: :25 - Opening and Introduction 1:38 - Dillon discusses 10 year capital improvement plan 4:22 - Chief Milan discusses focus for capital improvement projects 7:45 - Station 15 construction plans 10:11 - Needs for other stations 12:00 - Health and wellness initiatives in stations 14:21 - Randy discusses sleep study initiative, construction changes in/around stations & facilities upd…
In recent months, South Metro has experienced a lot of change with an organizational restructuring of our fire department and the introduction of a three deputy chief model. This has been on everyone’s minds and that's why Episode 5 of the SMFR Podcast is focused on the vision and direction of this new model. Tune in to hear Episode 5 featuring SMFR's Fire Chief, Chief Baker, along with our three deputy chiefs – John Curtis, Jon Adams and Kristin Eckmann.
If you want to be in the know on what's ahead for Fleet and Special Operations, you won't want to miss Episode Four of the SMFR Podcast. Join Fleet Manager John Frank and Special Operations Chief Scott Richardson as they gear up for new apparatus ahead and talk through the process and timeline for ordering everything from front line units to specialty apparatus and potentially electric vehicles in between. Episode 4 Topics & Time Codes: 1:26 - John Frank talks through apparatus ordering process 5:16 - Apparatus replacement plan (5-10 years out) 10:18 - Where units go when they are no longer needed at SMFR 11:48 - Keeping up with the needs of our growing organization and district 16:31- Chief Richardson Introduction 17:00 - Tiller details - background, timeline & approval 21:09 - Plan and reasoning for tiller location consideration 23:04 - ARFF apparatus updates 25:11 - Plan for Regional ARFF Training Center 26:03 - HazMat38, Dive Team resources, MedCat, Wildland Type III and VIs 29:58…
Join members of the South Metro Wellness Team, including Chris Macklin, Chris Sheckler, Eddie Yoon and Tommy Gayfield, as they candidly talk through questions, concerns and hesitations out on the line about the VO2Max (MET) Test. Learn how you can best prepare, approach and pass this annual fitness test. The group also provides background on the start of the SMFR Wellness Program, how it has evolved over time and explains the ways the Wellness Team is encouraging South Metro employees to create resilient and robust lifestyles to achieve overall health & wellness. Episode 3 Topics & Time Codes: :53 - Introduction from Chris Macklin 1:46 - Wellness Program & fitness testing background 7:28 - VO2Max (MET) Test - Why 12 METs? 11:08 - What happened to an early 10 mark? 12:38 - Why is testing being offered early this year? 15:48 - How to prepare? 24:05 - Specifics of testing day: Is a warmup encouraged prior to testing? How to recognize max effort? 29:37 - Crew workouts with S&C coaches, par…
Episode two features Chief Tobias Kirschke, Assistant Chief of Employee Services, and Human Resources Director Camie Chapman. Chief Kirschke starts the episode by discussing his journey over the last year in his role overseeing the Employee Services Division. He shares his vision, hiring decisions along the way and how the Wellness and Professional Development teams are shaping opportunities and goals for the future of the organization. In this episode, you will also get to know Camie Chapman as she is coming up on a year in her role as HR Director. Camie shares her career background having worked for the cities of Littleton and Greenwood Village prior to starting at SMFR. Camie also provides her vision for HR along with announcements from the division and updates on recruitment efforts and changes to benefits, retirement, disability and FPPA policies.
In Episode 1 of the SMFR Podcast, Chief Baker sits down and talks through his vision and the strategies he is currently focusing on for the department. More specifically, this includes defining South Metro's culture, providing an update on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts/survey results and determining how we can best listen to and support the needs of our employee base. Chief Baker also reflects back on the past two years and discusses the impacts of COVID to our employees and organization. Below are the book titles and authors that Chief Baker shares in this episode: The Grit Factor Shannon Huffman Polson Legacy James Kerr The Resilient Pastor Glenn Packiam Strong Men Dangerous Times Jim Ramos The Death and Life of the Great Lakes Dan Egan
