Recruitment and retention are critical issues impacting fire departments across the country, and while it’s important to level up our efforts there, Deputy Chief (ret.) Kevin Quinn emphasizes a third R – replacement, as in, succession planning. Chief Quinn, who served for over 40 years on the board of the NVFC, certainly understands the importance of such long-term vision and planning, as he has mentored and empowered countless emerging leaders throughout his career. It’s one of the reasons Quinn was recently recognized with the CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. We talk with Quinn about the award, his impactful career, plus all this:

• The final goal he hopes to achieve in the final stretch of his fire service career
• Elevating volunteers above “second-class citizen” status in the fire service
• The need for unity across fire service organizations
• The one certification he wasn’t interested in getting during his career
• Maintaining the sizzle factor and the juggle factor

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

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This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief Ben Thompson from the Birmingham Fire Department. The article explores how battalion chiefs can earn the respect and trust of their firefighters through personal interactions that display compassion. Thompson recounts personal experiences to illustrate these qualities, emphasizing the importance of handling small, day-to-day moments with care and empathy. Read the article on FireRescue1.com.

Shortly after taking the helm as fire chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, Dean Crispen received the advice to “just be true to your basic values” – perfect guidance for someone whose values are focused on love for the city and wanting it to succeed, particularly after some challenging years. As the city continues to move in an upward trajectory, Crispen’s focus is on making the department hyper-connected to the people it serves. Crispen shares his vision for the department, plus we dig into all of this:

• Monday morning EOC activations for disaster preparedness
• Captains as the first point of contact for the community
• Why the busiest station is the safest station
• Biggest misconceptions about San Francisco
• WUI training in city environments
• The power of knowing your blind spots

Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!