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Fennessy’s vision for the future of wildfire response

The new U.S. Wildland Fire Service director shares his vision for a more unified, firefighter-focused wildfire response

“Why do we have all of these fire agencies?” It’s a question many in the wildland world have asked for years — and Chief Brian Fennessy is now in position to do something about it. The director of the newly created U.S. Wildland Fire Service explains what it means to build an entirely new federal fire organization from the ground up and why the mission extends far beyond changing patches and organizational charts. Fennessy discusses unifying federal wildland agencies, creating a true firefighter-first culture, reducing bureaucracy and giving fire leaders the authority to make faster operational decisions. He also explains why prevention, fuels management, firefighter wellness and stronger communication with the public are just as critical as suppression.

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
Retired Orlando firefighters Chris DeMaagd and Joseph McCluan share how a bench, a walk and firehouse camaraderie became a proactive approach to mental health
Cherry Grove Fire and Rescue shows what can happen when CRR starts with the needs firefighters see every day
Captain Lisa Burton breaks down what firefighters are asking for from training — more relevance, better instruction and fewer checkbox exercises
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito recounts FDNY’s devastating losses, the decisions that saved thousands of lives and why honoring 9/11 means preparing the next generation to meet the moment
From 9/11 to major disasters across the country, Frank Leto shares what the fire service has learned about peer support, recovery and protecting firefighters for the long haul