What to Look Forward to in 2024

Join in while public safety tech expert Kevin Sofen and organizational psychologist Dr. Andrew Holter look forward to 2024 in WFCA’s Fire Headlines Podcast

What to Look Forward to in 2024

This week’s episode is a follow-up to last week’s, where we reflect on 2023 and anticipate what to look forward to in 2024. Fire Headlines Host Samantha Didion and panelists Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan lead the discussion alongside special guests Dr. Andrew Holter and Kevin Sofen. Together, they explore topics related to organizational psychology and public safety technology. Additionally, each panelist offers their best advice and provides insights into the projects they are working on in 2024.

High-Priority Challenges for 2024

The episode kicks off with Dr. Andrew Holter identifying recruitment and retention as the persistent and primary challenge within fire services, emphasizing the need to vet and find effective solutions. The panel unanimously agrees that addressing the workforce challenge is crucial for the fire service in 2024.

Chief Jeff Buchanan adds insights to the important topic of the psychological and emotional health of firefighters, addressing the rising issue of suicides surpassing line-of-duty deaths. He calls for comprehensive strategies and increased funding to address the rising challenge.

Chief Bob Horton discusses the need for a fundamental shift in identifying the type of person suited for the fire service in the coming decades. He stresses the importance of adapting recruitment strategies for the changing workforce and societal values. Highlighting the importance of shifting away from outdated methods, the emphasis is on embracing modern strategies specifically tailored to the evolving workforce.

Best Advice

Each member took a moment to reflect on the most impactful piece of advice they’ve ever received and reciprocated by sharing the best advice they’ve given.

Chief Jeff Buchanan: “Stay Present and Embrace Failure”

Chief Buchanan emphasizes the importance of staying present in the moment and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Firefighters and leaders should focus on the task at hand, understanding that setbacks are part of the learning process. By cultivating a mindset that is unafraid of failure, individuals can continuously learn and improve.

Host Samantha Didion: “Be Coachable and Prioritize Self-Discipline”

Samantha shares the advice of being coachable, recognizing that there is always room for growth and improvement. Additionally, she highlights the significance of self-discipline over motivation. In the dynamic and challenging environment of firefighting, having the discipline to consistently follow through on tasks and responsibilities is crucial for personal and professional development.

Chief Bob Horton: “Strive for Better, Not Perfect, and Protect Time for Thinking”

Chief Horton encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, urging individuals to strive for better rather than perfection. In the fire service, where decisions can have profound consequences, the pursuit of excellence is essential. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of protecting time in schedules for contemplation and strategic thinking, acknowledging that thoughtful decision-making is a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Dr. Andrew Holter: “Believe in Oneself and Embrace Common Sense”

Dr. Holter’s advice revolves around self-confidence and the value of common sense. Firefighters and leaders should believe in their abilities and trust their judgment. Common sense, often overlooked in complex situations, can be a guiding principle. Andrew emphasizes that in challenging scenarios, relying on one’s instincts and understanding what makes sense in the context is a valuable asset.

Panel’s 2024 Initiatives

The panel was asked to share what they are working on in the upcoming year. Here is what you can expect to see from each in 2024:

• Kevin Sofen is taking part in the Technology Summit for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. This summit focuses on leveraging technology to enhance firefighting capabilities, improve safety measures, and streamline communication within the fire service. Kevin is also continuing the Smart Firefighting podcast which fosters conversations around innovative firefighting strategies and technologies.
• Dr. Andrew Holter is developing a psychometric assessment and book on building accountable organizations through roles, responsibilities, and ownership. Dr. Holter is working on a psychometric assessment, a tool designed to measure psychological attributes and competencies within the context of firefighting.
• Chief Bob Horton is conducting on-the-ground research on behavioral economics in wildfire risk reduction. This initiative aims to explore how human behavior influences decisions related to wildfire prevention and mitigation. Chief Horton is also contributing to educational initiatives by introducing a course on ethical persuasion as well as hosting the Assuming Command podcast.
• Chief Buchanan is actively involved in the Technology Summit and is participating in round tables as a collaborative approach to problem-solving and idea-sharing within the fire service community.

Contact Dr. Andrew Holter: www.FR-Strategies.com

Connect with Kevin Sofen on LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/Kevin-Sofen/

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

Sign up for the Daily Dispatch to get the FREE daily newsletter of articles like these in your area, as well as industry developments and trends, at www.dailydispatch.com.