Trisha Wolford got her fire service start with the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Fire Department, and 13 years later, she returned as its fire chief – a full circle moment that helped shape her perspective on leadership. Wolford details how she worked to build trust among the membership through transparency and making members feel heard. She also shares what it was like to be deemed a “DEI hire” while addressing some of the misconceptions about DEI efforts in the fire service. Plus, we dig into this:
- The leap from art major to fire chief
- Where chiefs get stuck in the “frozen middle” with DEI efforts
- How a simple policy around nail polish made a big difference
- “Don’t call them” and other tips for recruiting Gen Z
- The most important decision she makes as a chief
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
With most lawsuits stemming from within the FD, officers must learn to identify and manage the conflict-seeking members most likely to turn problems into litigation
February 13, 2025 10:45 AM
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
February 06, 2025 09:01 AM
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
January 30, 2025 12:08 PM
After Kentucky Assistant Chief Chip Terry died by suicide, his widow made it her mission to help first responders get the help they need for PTSD
January 23, 2025 09:00 AM
The IAFC’s technology advisor encourages fire service leaders to apply this simple mantra to embracing new tools
January 16, 2025 11:03 AM
The USFA’s new branch chief for wildfire policy urges listeners who consider themselves to be “structure fire only” to adjust their mindset – and their tactics
January 09, 2025 09:00 AM
The co-founder of HeartFit for Duty shares the common risk factors for cardiac and cancer challenges – and the simple exercise with the greatest impact
January 02, 2025 10:42 AM
Recapping the themes that dominated events, headlines and kitchen table conversations, plus tips for how to thrive in 2025
December 26, 2024 12:06 PM
Ventura Fire Captain Fernando Calderon explains how the survival challenge has made him a better company officer
December 19, 2024 10:34 AM
Lautz describes extreme diets as “trying to get to a second-story window without a ladder,” which she combats through pro tips for making better choices on scene and at home
December 12, 2024 10:17 AM
