SMFR Podcast

Welcome to the second‑quarter edition of our Chief Chat podcast. This episode is providing you direct, focused insight into one of the biggest priorities at South Metro right now: hiring. Hosted by Communications Bureau Manager Connor Christian, this episode brings together Fire Chief John Curtis, HR Director Camie Chapman, and Captain & Hiring Committee Co‑Chair Joe Sims for a straightforward...

We’re kicking off the very first episode of our quarterly Chief Chat podcast in Season 3 of the SMFR Podcast. Hosted by Communications Bureau Manager Connor Christian, this quick, conversational episode features Fire Chief John Curtis and Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew sharing what they’re working on and why it matters. They break down the big topics: What strategic priorities are driving...

South Metro is actively preparing for re-accreditation in 2026, marking the next step in our ongoing commitment to excellence. Every five years, our department participates in a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation cycle that evaluates every aspect of our organization. This involves everything from strategic planning and community risk reduction to operations, training, and performance outcome...

Beginning January 1, 2026, a newly updated mandatory overtime policy will go into effect. This was developed over the past year through a collaborative effort between SMFR and Local 2086. The policy gives employees more control over their placement on the mandatory list, simplifies trade and overtime procedures, and clearly defines par numbers across all ranks. We’ll cover the reasons behind the c...

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for important updates about the transition to NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System), which is the modern reporting platform replacing NFIRS. In this episode, we break down what NERIS is, why this matters, commonly asked questions, and how we are preparing for implementation. Stay ahead of the upcoming reporting changes and ensure a smoot...

Check out this special edition SMFR Podcast about Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety! SMFR Captain & Hazmat Team Coordinator Chris Wells and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Brandi Miller discuss how Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiB) have become increasingly popular over the last decade due to their large amount of energy, small size, and convenient use in everyday items. Unfortunately, fire and lif...

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates directly from our Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs. Hear from each leader in their respective roles as they share insights on their vision, key focus areas, and what’s ahead for the organization. In this episode, our guests include Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal...

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on Behavioral Health and Wellness at SMFR. Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller introduces our guiding principles and commitment to taking care of our people. You’ll also hear from Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley, who shares his background, vision, and reassurance that resources and support remain strong. Gu...

Watch or listen in to this special episode of South Metro's Podcast. Hosted by Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckman, this episode dives into crucial topics around the district’s service delivery, sustainability, and funding challenges. With guests including incoming Fire Chief John Curtis, Board Chair Jim Albee, and representatives from Public Alignment, the conversation centers on up...

SMFR Division Chief of Operations Mike Mullane and Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke unveil the new Fire Ground Operations Manual, addressing past shortcomings and highlighting significant improvements. A SOG Working Group has unified various manuals into one comprehensive document. Key updates include order of arrival assignments and clearer building identification terminology. The man...

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for important updates on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rank structure, highlighting its evolution and the need for reevaluation due to growth and challenges. Key topics include recruitment and retention, a reevaluation of the EMS Lieutenant job description and proposed operational changes to enhance efficiency. The importance of self-awareness dur...

Watch or listen in on South Metro's Podcast for the latest updates on the 2025 budget approval along with important information about legislative impacts and long term budget planning. Podcast topics also include upcoming plans for community engagement through public opinion research and polling in the communities SMFR serves. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Deputy Chief of Community Services...

Division Chiefs Richardson, Powell, Mullane and Pietrzyk answer questions that have come in and discuss their roles/share goals within their respective divisions of Line Support, HPO, Operations and EMS. This episode highlights training initiatives, including wellness programs and cognitive performance improvements. New EMS equipment has been implemented to enhance patient care. Staffing models an...

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.

South Metro Fire Rescue discusses the recent Special Session, House Bill 24B-1001 Legislation and its impacts on budget planning. Guests include Fire Chief Bob Baker, Chief Government Affairs Officer Mike Dell’Orfano, Lobbyist Camille Driver & Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo. Time codes: :04 Welcome and Introduction :37 Introduction to Lobbyist Camille Driver 1:45 Updates with the rece...

In this episode South Metro's three Deputy Chiefs, Chief Matt Weller, Chief Kristin Eckmann and Chief John Curtis, sit down to talk about current initiatives at SMFR and action plans moving forward. Those initiatives include collective bargaining, the new fire chief process, and results of the culture survey. 00- Introduction 1:09 Chief Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Internal Services explains what...

In this episode, we dive into the budget process, including strategy, timeline, process and how the political landscape plays a role in the process. We discuss how we got to where we are today, and where we are going in the future. Chief Kristin Eckmann hosts this podcast, with Deputy Chief Matt Weller and CFO Dillion Miskimins. Timecode 0:06 Chief Eckmann Introduction- Setting the stage 0:45 Chie...

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...

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 Ta...

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, alon...

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 Cur...

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 topi...

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 Chi...

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...

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...