SMFR Podcast

Chief Chat 2026-Q1: Operations, Strategy, Restructuring

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:30:00 -0600

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 this year’s work
What the organizational restructuring actually means for SMFR Personnel
How new leadership roles are improving day‑to‑day operations
Updates on the IST, DOC, and collaborations strengthening our response system
Where things stand with alternate response models, single‑cert paramedics, and committee structure

2026 Re-Accreditation Preparation

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:45:00 -0700

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 outcomes. This process not only strengthens our internal systems and decision-making but also ensures we stay aligned with industry best practices and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Please join Chief DellOrfano, Kim McAndrews, and Scot Swindall as they discuss the what, how, and why of the accreditation process.

Updated Staffing and Trades Policy & Mandatory Overtime Policy

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0700

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 change, the expected impact, and what’s ahead. Guests include Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke along with Captain Pierce Jacoway and Engineer Pete Scully from Local 2086.

From NFIRS to NERIS Podcast: What You Need to Know

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0700

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 smooth transition from NFIRS to NERIS. Guests include Battalion Chief Nick Grosch, Strategic Services Manager Kim McAndrews, Community Risk Reduction Interim Manager Colleen Potton and Lieutenant Jeff Hulley.

Fire Prevention Week 2025: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0600

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 life safety education related to these batteries hasn’t kept up with their popularity until recently. Many consumers and first responders were faced with extreme health risks, injuries, and fatalities due to fires involving LiBs with a lack of information preparing them for how to navigate those challenges. From the first sign of a problem, you may have less than 1 minute to escape a LiB fire! Although the devices that contain these unique batteries improve our lives in many ways, it's important to know how we can prevent fires involving these popular batteries; and if a fire does occur, how we should respond to that emergency. Visit https://www.southmetrocrr.org/ to learn more!

Fire Chief & Deputy Chiefs Updates - Sept. 2025

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:45:00 -0600

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 Services Matt Weller, and Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew. Stay informed and get an inside look at the priorities and initiatives shaping South Metro Fire Rescue.

Behavioral Health and Wellness Update Podcast

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0600

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. Guests include: Fire Chief John Curtis, Deputy Chief of Community Services Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Internal Services Matt Weller, Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Mayhew, and Interim Health and Wellness Officer Dan Corley.

Where We're Headed: Financial Outlook and Community Engagement

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0600

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 upcoming financial pressures, the importance of community input, and the path forward to continue delivering world-class emergency services. This podcast episode also discusses findings from the recent community survey and outlines next steps, including public education efforts and stakeholder engagement.

Introducing the New Fire Ground Operations Manual

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0600

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 manual is set to be released on March 15, 2025.

EMS Rank Structure Reevaluation and Updates

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0700

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 during these changes is emphasized, along with a call for involvement in future steps.

Guests include Emergency Services Deputy Chief John Curtis, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Operations Chief Mike Mullane and EMS Lieutenant Dusty King.

2025 Budget Updates, Legislative Impacts and Long Term Planning

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0700

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 Kristin Eckmann and Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Corbo.

Division Chiefs Q&A October 2024

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0600

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 and recruitment strategies are examined, alongside the EMS rank structure.

Questions include:

What are each of you focusing on in your respective divisions?
Would South Metro consider a lateral academy process again?
Is the EMS Rank Structure here to stay? Are there any changes being made?
Why does the dive station staffing model not include a hard staffed 4 divers at each station?

Important Updates on Assessment Centers, Packets and Testing

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0600

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.

Recent Special Session, HB24B-1001 Legislation & Budget Impacts

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0600

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 recent special session & legislation
3:54 What is HB24B-1001? What are its impacts?
4:55 Further look at Special Session
6:47 How is legislation impacting SMFR’s budget planning and revenue?
8:15 Future impacts to SMFR and personnel
9:20 Plans and strategy ahead for funding needs
9:45 Looking ahead to 2025
11:28 Conclusion and recap

A Conversation with SMFR's Deputy Chiefs

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Tue, 28 May 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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 his roles entails
2:38 Chief John Curtis explains his role as Deputy Chief of Emergency Services
4:10 Chief Eckmann covers her role as Deputy Chief of Community Services
5:52 Open dialogue about how they work together to improve SMFR
7:07 Culture Survey- how it came about, what it entailed and feedback
8:19 - Four key takeaways from culture survey
9:30- Chief Curtis talks about the line initiatives and what his department is working on since survey
12:25- EMS rank structure is explained, along with how this is being addressed
13:28- Culture retribution is discussed as a key point from the survey
14:50- Open dialogue about how SMFR is working to bridge line and staff disconnect
17:49 Tackling these issues and how to provide relevant training is discussed
21:00 Continued communication about survey results and how they’re working through solutions
22:00 Collective bargaining agreement is discussed
27:25 New fire chief search
30:46 How the 12 competencies for a new chief were decided upon
31:45 Chief Eckmann talks about leadership styles and questions people have had
32:19 Chief Weller discusses his focus on stability
34:00 Chief Curtis on building positive culture and accountability when showing up to work everyday
36:17 Chief Eckmann talks about optimism and humility
38:20 Open dialogue about values and work ethic
39:45 Closing remarks

SMFR Finance and Budget Process

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:00:00 -0600

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 Chief Eckmann- Planning the 2024 budget brought a lot of variables
1:07 Dillon explains what the 2024 budget process entailed and how we got to where we are today
1:40 Political landscape and bills impact on budget process
2:05 Proposition HH
3:45 Timing and impact of legislation while budget planning
5:30 Different scenarios in budget process
6:35 How 2024 budget planning was different then years past
7:30 Adoption of 2024 budget and what it included
9:03 Initiatives that were priority- cardiac screenings, capital projects plan,
10:08 Capital projects plan including cardiac monitors, Station 15 rebuild, facility improvements, apparatus replacements
10:32 Chief Weller talks about why cardiac screenings became a priority and how SMFR has started that
12:35 Station visits and identifying capital improvements needed
15:48 Process and importance of backfill in the budget
20:25 Dillion explains process and timeline for 2025 budget
25:40 Long-term budget planning and management
29:30 Closing remarks

STEM Five Years Later

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:45:00 -0600

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 the future.

SOG Revison Project & Rollout

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0600

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 Tasker, Battalion Chief of Administration Mike Burke and Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis.

Time Codes:

:40 Chief Curtis Introduction - origin, focus and direction of the SOG Revision Project
4:00 Introductions from Chief Tasker and Chief Burke - setting the stage
6:20 Background on rotational position assignment for Chief Burke
7:00 Started with evaluating SOGs - applying to critical factors & tasks, along with decision making support
11:07 Importance of support and empowerment for critical thinking
12:28 Workflow and new format of revised SOGs. Written with a purpose - input received from subject matter experts and approved by Chiefs at all levels
15:00 Staging the rollout, color coding
17:20 Collaborative approach with the project
20:25 Kudos from Chief Tasker
20:50 Kudos from Chief Burke
21:10 Importance of passing along lessons learned and experience to younger generations in the fire service and supporting those promoting in rank
23:10 Other updates from Chief Curtis - budget process and philosophy, legislation, State of the District (PACE acronym), academy plans for 2024
27:28 Closing Remarks

Let's Talk Bunker Gear & First Due Fires

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0600

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, along with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis.

Time Codes:

1: Introduction/Chief Curtis covers PFAS Overview, SMFR Cancer Policy, single layer bunker gear thought process, IAFF Film BURNED
10: Lt. Bjork covers history of bunker gear at SMFR, what has changed/stayed the same, current status, line conversation about gear
22: FF Paramedic Pudliner covers background details on the SMFR Wear Study, traveling to bunker gear vendors around the country, takeaways from those visits
28:15: Single layer timeframe
32: Cultural shifts impacting how gear is utilized
38:12: Rumors to truths - PFAS is not just in the fire service
40:30: Breathability of gear
42: Fact sheets from GoreTex (Linked below)
43:50: Other background information from FF Paramedic Pudliner and importance of utilizing both sets of bunker gear
47:40: Changes seen with hoods and gloves
52:40: Cleaning expectations for bunker gear
53:50: Lt. Bjork goes through AAR of first due fires in 21s district
1:09:50: Closing Remarks

CLICK HERE for educational resources from Gore's website, the manufacturer of SMFR's moisture barrier.

The Three DCs - Consistency across A, B and C shifts

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0700

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 Curtis also talks through some rumors to truths along with various other important discussion points.

Around the Kitchen Table Podcast Launch

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700

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 topics, rumors to truths along with projects and initiatives going on in our organization and specifically in Emergency Services.

In this episode we are talking with Deputy Chief of Emergency Services John Curtis, Operations Chief Jeff Tasker, Division Chief of EMS Jens Pietrzyk, Division Chief of Line Support Scott Richardson and Division Chief of Human Performance and Optimization Andy Powell.

Episode 6: What's Next? - Finance, Facilities & Capital Improvement Projects

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0700

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 Chief Financial Officer Dillon Miskimins, Chief Kevin Milan, and Facilities Director Randy Nejbauer on Episode 6 of the SMFR Podcast.

Click the image below to listen in on the conversation!

Episode 6 Topics & Time Codes:

:25 - Opening and Introduction
1:38 - Dillon discusses 10 year capital improvement plan
4:22 - Chief Milan discusses focus for capital improvement projects
7:45 - Station 15 construction plans
10:11 - Needs for other stations
12:00 - Health and wellness initiatives in stations
14:21 - Randy discusses sleep study initiative, construction changes in/around stations & facilities updates
18:30 - Takeaways from sleep study (Station 23)
20:16 - Findings from Station 35, future plans
22:39 - JSF updates
24:34 - TJTC updates
25:36 - Training needs assessment
26:43 - Memorial for Chief Jackson at TJTC
27:49 - Plans for Mineral HQ
32:55 - Process for considering/prioritizing capital projects
34:54 - Financial demand for hiring - juggling retirements, new employees and academies planned ahead
36:49 - Budget cycle, timeline and process
38:28 - Security updates at facilities
41:30 - Fun fact and closing

Episode 5: Organizational Restructuring - 3 Deputy Chief Model

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:45:00 -0600

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 deputy chiefs – John Curtis, Jon Adams and Kristin Eckmann.

Episode 4: What's Down the Road for Fleet and Special Operations

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0600

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 between.

Episode 4 Topics & Time Codes:

1:26 - John Frank talks through apparatus ordering process
5:16 - Apparatus replacement plan (5-10 years out)
10:18 - Where units go when they are no longer needed at SMFR
11:48 - Keeping up with the needs of our growing organization and district
16:31- Chief Richardson Introduction
17:00 - Tiller details - background, timeline & approval
21:09 - Plan and reasoning for tiller location consideration
23:04 - ARFF apparatus updates
25:11 - Plan for Regional ARFF Training Center
26:03 - HazMat38, Dive Team resources, MedCat, Wildland Type III and VIs
29:58 - Current Focus for Special Ops
31:30 - Impact of Fuel Costs
32:37 - Electric vehicle consideration options
36:18 - Employee and resource hiring/retention in Fleet and Special Ops
39:16 - Fun Fact
41:19 - Closing

Episode 3: Debunking the VO2Max Test with Wellness

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0600

Join members of the South Metro Wellness Team, including Chris Macklin, Chris Sheckler, Eddie Yoon and Tommy Gayfield, as they candidly talk through questions, concerns and hesitations out on the line about the VO2Max (MET) Test. Learn how you can best prepare, approach and pass this annual fitness test. The group also provides background on the start of the SMFR Wellness Program, how it has evolved over time and explains the ways the Wellness Team is encouraging South Metro employees to create resilient and robust lifestyles to achieve overall health & wellness.

Episode 3 Topics & Time Codes:

:53 - Introduction from Chris Macklin
1:46 - Wellness Program & fitness testing background
7:28 - VO2Max (MET) Test - Why 12 METs?
11:08 - What happened to an early 10 mark?
12:38 - Why is testing being offered early this year?
15:48 - How to prepare?
24:05 - Specifics of testing day: Is a warmup encouraged prior to testing? How to recognize max effort?
29:37 - Crew workouts with S&C coaches, part of outreach initiative
32:10 - Additional statistics, studies & research about fire department health and wellness programs/firefighter health risks
37:33 - Fun fact
42:06 - Update on the new gym at the JSF - old logistics warehouse is being repurposed as a workout facility for on and off duty personnel staffed by the coaches
43:17 - Closing

Please visit the South Metro Wellnesss website to schedule your VO2Max (MET) Test, schedule crew workouts with the Strength & Conditioning Coaches and to contact the Wellness team about any questions you may have or appointments you need to schedule.

Episode 2: Visions & Goals - Employee Services and Human Resources

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Episode two features Chief Tobias Kirschke, Assistant Chief of Employee Services, and Human Resources Director Camie Chapman. Chief Kirschke starts the episode by discussing his journey over the last year in his role overseeing the Employee Services Division. He shares his vision, hiring decisions along the way and how the Wellness and Professional Development teams are shaping opportunities and goals for the future of the organization. In this episode, you will also get to know Camie Chapman as she is coming up on a year in her role as HR Director. Camie shares her career background having worked for the cities of Littleton and Greenwood Village prior to starting at SMFR. Camie also provides her vision for HR along with announcements from the division and updates on recruitment efforts and changes to benefits, retirement, disability and FPPA policies.

Episode 1: Introduction to SMFR Podcast with Chief Baker

connor.christian@southmetro.org (Connor Christian) — Thu, 05 May 2022 16:00:00 -0600

In Episode 1 of the SMFR Podcast, Chief Baker sits down and talks through his vision and the strategies he is currently focusing on for the department. More specifically, this includes defining South Metro's culture, providing an update on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts/survey results and determining how we can best listen to and support the needs of our employee base. Chief Baker also reflects back on the past two years and discusses the impacts of COVID to our employees and organization.

Below are the book titles and authors that Chief Baker shares in this episode:

The Grit Factor
Shannon Huffman Polson

Legacy
James Kerr

The Resilient Pastor
Glenn Packiam

Strong Men Dangerous Times
Jim Ramos

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes
Dan Egan