CalChiefs: Recent Episodes
Chris Tubbs
This podcast series is part of a CalChiefs initiative to dive deeper into initiatives and issues of importance to CalChiefs and its members, and to provide another medium in which we connect and work together towards fulfilling our Vision of being the Voice of the California Fire Service.
Episode NotesIn this episode we talk about the importance of Operationalizing your Strategic Plan with our friends at Envisio and how it can really change your agencies effectiveness.
In this episode we interview Dan Munsey Fire Chief for San Bernardino County Fire and IAFC Technology Counsel Chair and talk about where Technology is going in the fire service today and how it may affect tomorrow.
Episode NotesPast President Gayk interviews Battalion Chief Matta Miranda who is the Southern Section President for the Cal Chiefs Training Officers Section. Chief Miranda discusses what the Training Officers are doing in both the Southern/Northern Divisions, and he gives a great overview of the upcoming 2024 Fresno Training Symposium.
Episode NotesIn this episode Past-President Ray Gayk interviews Fire Chief Mike McCliman from Rancho Cucamonga Fire District on today's firefighter recruitment challenges and what RCFD is doing to overcome those challenges. Rancho Cucamonga punches way above their weight when it comes to recruitment, and we dive into Rancho's philosophy and techniques that have given them an edge in the fight for new recruits.
Episode NotesIn this Episode we talk with newly elected Cal Chiefs President Mark Heine about his background and what's coming up for Cal Chiefs over the next year. Chief Heine is the Fire Chief for the Sonoma County Fire District and has been a leader and board member in Cal Chiefs for almost a decade. His experiences in the Fire Service and Cal Chiefs will be explored in our discussion and how he sees this year going for Cal Chiefs during his Presidency.
Episode NotesWe have a conversation with Retired Firefighter Matty Fiorenza from the Anaheim Fire Department about his story that takes us through his journey of mental health challenges and his bouts with attempted suicide. This is a powerful story we all need to hear, because his story is unique but unfortunately it isn't unique in today's fire service.
Episode 16In this episode we interview Fire Chief Colin Stowell, who is the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Fire Chief and President of the California Metro Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Stowell talks about several topics ranging from the challenges of running a Metro size department, Homelessness Crisis and how San Diego Fire tackled the Ambulance problem they faced in their city.
Episode 15In this episode we interview Fire Chief John Binaski, who is the Fire Chief of the Clovis Fire Department and the Legislative Director for CalChiefs. Chief Binaski will describe our current legislation dictates how State Fire Service Training and its programs are funded, what has changed since the original legislation, and what SB 577 is intended to do relative to SFST programs and services. Chief Binaski will also discuss the legislative process and how and why CalChiefs engagement is critical for our membership.
Episode 14On this episode, President Tubbs discusses the Oxnard Court Case and current legislation introduced by Assemblymember Bennett, AB 1168, with Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton.
Episode 13 - The Tribal Chiefs AssociationOn this episode, President Tubbs discusses the Tribal Chiefs Association with Fire Chief and Association President Jason Keeling.
Episode 12 - The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act Ballot InitiativeIn this episode we discuss the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act Ballot Initiative, which is qualified for the November 5, 2024 ballot, with Kyle Packham, Advocacy and Public Affairs Director of California Special Districts Association (CSDA). CalChiefs believes it is important for all Californian Government agencies to be aware of this initiative and what the impacts of this ballot measure if it passes.
Episode 11 - Chief Officer Leadership SymposiumIn this Episode we discuss the Chief Officer Leadership Symposium which is held annually in Fresno. Chief (Ret) Bruce Martin discusses the origins of the symposium, its purpose, and examples of the kinds of courses that are a part of the educational program.
Episode 10 - ConsolidationsOn this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Chiefs Mark Heine and Chris Tubbs to discuss their experiences with consolidations. There are many reasons for, types of, and important considerations associated with consolidating fire agencies. In this interview, Chiefs Heine and Tubbs share their experiences and learned lessons.
Episode 9 - AB662 - A discussion with Chief Alex Hamilton (Oxnard Fire) On this episode, we interview Chief Alex Hamilton to discuss the recently singed legislation (AB662) which added sections to the Current Health & Safety Code (1797.119 & 13159.6) which requires the State Fire Marshal to establish additional training standards that include the criteria for curriculum content recommended by the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee involving Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention Programming.
Episode 8 - California Fire Service's Response to the Pandemic On this episode, we interview Chiefs Bernie Malloy (Murrieta Fire) & Kristin Thompson (Newport Beach Fire) to discuss the California Fire Service’s Response to the Pandemic; the State-wide survey conducted by CalChiefs, and the Case Studies. Chiefs Malloy and Thompson discuss what the early days of the pandemic and how the fire service responded, the lessons that were learned by this response, and the action taken to capture and memorialize this response.
Episode 7 - On this episode, we interview Fire Chief Jeff Gilbert of the Williams Fire Protection Authority, a volunteer / combination fire department, located in Williams, CA. Chief Gilbert will share his perspective on leading and managing volunteer and combination fire agencies.
Episode 6 - A Year in Review On this episode, we interview Past President Chief Ray Gayk about his year as President. Chief Gayk will share his assessment of the work CalChiefs focused on this past year, the ongoing initiatives, the challenges as President, and the future of CalChiefs.
Episode 5 - PPGEMT In this episode Deputy Chief and CalChiefs Legislative Director Ted Peterson discusses California's GEMT programs, and most importantly, the new PPGEMT program, which begins January 1, 2023. Chief Peterson provides a history of GEMT, the various types of GEMT programs, and a description of the new PPGEMT program. Chief Peterson also discusses the importance and value of the new PPGEMT program, and what agencies need to do to prepare and participate in the new program.
Episode 3 - The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority A discussion with Executive Officer Mark Brown and the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. Born out of the North Bay Fires, Marin County residents and the Marin County Fire Service banded together to create a way to reduce the risks from the threat of Wildland fire, and to better prepare residents for any natural disaster. Mark Brown discusses how the MWPA came into being, what it objectives are, and how it defines success. This podcast is intended to share one County's approach to dealing with the threat of wildfire.
Episode 2 - FIRIS In this episode we discuss the FIRIS system with OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. The Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence Service is available state-wide and Chief Fennessy discusses the origins of FIRIS, the challenges with bringing FIRIS to life, and challenges that still lay ahead. President Gayk also shares the latest information on CalChiefs activities.
Episode 4 President-Elect Tubbs interviews CalChiefs Executive Director Chief Jeff Meston about the upcoming 2022 Annual Conference in Sacramento. Occurring September 13 - 15, 2022 at the Grand Sheraton in Sacramento, the three day event features numerous speakers, vendors and vendor displays, as well as the installation of our new officers. Director Meston provides details about each days activities as well as the registration process.
Episode 1: The Podcast Initiative This episode is the launch of a new initiative for CalChiefs and its members. President Ray Gayk and President-Elect Chris Tubbs discuss the podcast initiative; how and why the idea came to fruition, what we hope it achieve, and a sneak peek to upcoming topics. We welcome feedback to our podcast episodes and you can email comments to: podcasts@calchiefs.org.