In this episode, the guest, Fire Chief Gary Ryan, shares his experience at the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) and the friendships he formed during his time there. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the EFO program and the importance of networking and maintaining connections with classmates. Gary also provides an overview of the Chelmsford Fire Department, including its size, staffing, and recent changes. Fire Chief Gary Ryan discusses staffing and compliance with two-in-two-out regulations, the importance of data-driven decision-making, response times and call data analysis, and the transition to electric vehicles.

Chief Ryan also shares his path to the fire service and his education and training journey. Chief Ryan shares valuable insights and experiences from his career as a fire chief. He emphasizes the importance of mentors and the willingness to learn and avail oneself of opportunities. Gary also highlights the significance of interviewing skills and the need to attack issues rather than individuals. He discusses the lessons learned from navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. Gary concludes by reflecting on his most significant professional accomplishment, successfully leading his department through the challenges of COVID-19.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Sponsor

01:07

Guest Introduction

04:16

Forming Friendships at EFO

04:46

Favorite Year at EFO

06:37

Formation of Friendships at EFO

07:18

Maintaining Connections with EFO Classmates

08:17

Importance of Networking and Relationships

12:14

Impact of EFO Graduates on Chelmsford Fire Department

13:18

Transition to Fire Chief Role

15:11

Chelmsford Fire Department Overview

24:15

Challenges and Lessons Learned in Fire Service

27:43

Composition of Fire Study Committee

28:07

Reasons for Fire Study Committee Formation

31:06

Staffing and Compliance with Two-In, Two-Out

32:37

Opportunity for Reshaping the Department

33:11

Data-Driven Decision Making

34:07

Response Times and Call Analysis

36:14

Impact of Aging Population on Calls

38:27

Collaboration with Other Agencies

39:26

Transition to Electric Vehicles

46:24

Questions about Electric Vehicles

49:32

Path to the Fire Service

55:17

Joining the Fire Department

57:46

Education and Training

01:04:13

Challenges of Fighting Fires in Cold Weather

01:05:27

Firefighting in Buildings with Basements

01:06:47

Transition to Fire Prevention

01:07:15

Becoming Deputy Chief and Fire Prevention Officer

01:13:30

Interacting with Other Agencies in Fire Prevention

01:20:21

Importance of Code Enforcement Records

01:21:30

The Value of an MBA in the Fire Service

01:34:42

Formal and Informal Mentoring in the Department

01:38:09

The Impact of Mentorship on Decision-Making

01:43:10

The Importance of Mentors

01:44:19

The Value of Learning and Availing Opportunities

01:45:21

Putting Pride Aside and Learning on the Job

01:48:13

The Lesson of Patience and Persistence

01:50:44

The Advice to Learn Your Job and Know Your Community

01:52:27

Attacking the Issue, Not the Person

01:54:05

Lessons Learned from Navigating Through COVID-19

01:57:44

Reflecting on a Do-Over Moment

02:00:51

The Accomplishment of Navigating Through COVID-19