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‘The wins are all in the details’: Chief Trisha Wolford on making members feel heard

The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role

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.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
The thermal imaging expert details how TICs can help firefighters be ‘intelligently aggressive’
How emergency responders overcome communication challenges and secure reliable networks
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor offer potential solutions that would accommodate both training and program reviews
The longtime volunteer, safety and health advocate underscores the power of showing your members you care
San Francisco’s new chief is a longtime SFFD veteran and constant cheerleader for the city
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
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
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
The IAFC’s technology advisor encourages fire service leaders to apply this simple mantra to embracing new tools