Episode 8 - Strategic Advantage & Public Value

In this episode of the CalChiefs / FDAC podcast, host Chris Tubbs is joined by leadership expert and author Steve Kent of The Results Group, Ltd. The discussion explores the essential relationship between strategic planning and organizational culture within public safety agencies. Drawing from decades of experience and his influential book Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture for Public Safety Agencies, Steve shares candid insights on the importance of vision, the dangers of short-term thinking, and the need to align strategy with values and community expectations. He challenges conventional leadership paradigms, emphasizes the need for grown-up accountability, and offers practical tools for building resilient, forward-looking organizations. The episode is a rich dialogue filled with wisdom, humor, and a call to action for public safety leaders to lead with purpose and foresight.

Steve's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Planning-Organizational-Culture-Agencies/dp/B09L9QT57W/

The Results Group, Ltd. = https://theresultsgroupltd.com

Mind Your 4 Peas (personal and team coaching site): https://coachsteve.org

It's About The Future (Substack blog site): https://stephenlkent.substack.com/

Episode 7 - Psychosocial Hazards are Real!

In this episode, we explore Psychosocial Hazards are Real! by Dr. I. David Daniels—a powerful and timely examination of the often-overlooked mental, emotional, and social challenges faced in today’s workplaces, especially in high-stress professions like public safety. Drawing on personal experience and professional insight, Dr. Daniels exposes the systemic risks that harm psychological well-being and offers a path forward toward healthier, more accountable, and human-centered work environments. Whether you’re a leader, peer, or policy maker, this book is a must-read.

Episode 6 - Fighting Fire with Funding

The California Fire Service is facing a critical funding shortfall that jeopardizes the safety and preparedness of communities statewide. Fire protection districts and fire departments, which cover 125,782 square miles and serve over 39 million people, have seen service demand grow significantly over the last 50 years. Despite this, funding mechanisms have not kept pace, leaving fire agencies struggling to maintain staffing, equipment, and infrastructure.

Episode 5 - FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.

Episode 4 - Quantifying the Negative

In this episode in an interview with Chief Eric Saylors (El-Cerrito Fire), Chief Saylors discusses his Naval Post Graduate School Thesis, Quantifying the Negative. In this episode Chief Saylors shares how his thesis led to the creation of a method to quantify the value a fire agency brings to a community and how this aids I the fire service telling its story to the community and elected officials.

Episode #24-03

On this episode, your host Chris Tubbs interviews Fire Chief & CalChiefs President Mark Heine, and CalChiefs Attorney Andrew Schouten, ESQ of Wright L’Estrange & Ergastolo (WLE).  We will be discussing the recent publication of the Riverside vs Symons case; the history of the litigation and various court decisions, and ultimately the publication of the Appellate Court’s Ruling and what that means.

Episode 24-02

In this episode we discuss the various revenue streams and challenges for Fire District funding. Chiefs Pearce & Helmick discuss Tax Rate Areas, Prop 13, ERAF, and other challenges faced by Fire Districts.

Episode 24-01

FDAC's Inaugural podcast with Guest Steve Hall and Host Chris Tubbs. Chief Hall discusses the FDAC Educational Committee and the Annual FDAC Conference.