What's YOUR Problem?

Do you have a burning fire service problem? Let Billy Goldfeder help solve it.

Staffing? Tactics? Operations? Command? Personnel? Leadership (both good and bad)? Career frustrations? Department changing? Department NOT changing? Serious or not so serious, Deputy Chief Goldfeder offers his no-holds-barred advice in the What's YOUR Problem? video series.

Submit a question here.

And read Chief Goldfeder's Fired Up! column here.

Engineers are driving too fast!

In this edition of What’s YOUR Problem?, Chief Billy Goldfeder tackles a question from a new firefighter unsure of who to talk to about fire apparatus drivers at their department who speed on the way to call.

Check out Goldfeder’s response.

Video: What's the big deal with the thin red line flags?

Chief Goldfeder explains his thoughts on the thin red line flags, which have become a controversial symbol of public safety support in recent months.
What's the best way to manage volunteers with very different motivation levels?

If some people are all in and others can only give the bare minimum, then it's time to review your organization’s structure and consider a new system
Does dirty gear really matter that much?

Chief Goldfeder takes on the issue of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome" and how much firefighters should be concerned with cleaning their gear

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'There should be no choice': Firefighters must commit to training
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Some firefighters simply don't take training seriously – and that's a serious problem
Freelancing: I need resources to show the dangers of 'going rogue'
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NIOSH reports are a good place to start when making your case
Sharing the significance of 9/11 with new firefighters
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Set aside time to watch videos and talk with new firefighters about the significance of that day on fire service history
What's a good exercise to bring members together, both old and young?
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Skip the corporate exercise and focus on your bread and butter
Managing the increasing training and certifications required to volunteer
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Conduct a needs assessment, focus on your department's first-due, and consider whether you need to be an "exterior-only" fire department
How are firefighters supposed to juggle EVERYTHING?
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Firefighters are reporting crushing staffing challenges and increased stress
We need more training on roadway safety!
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Every chief should support the FREE training offering through the Emergency Responder Safety Institute
Volunteers say they can't respond to fires outside their district
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While there are legal issues at play, you really can’t be a fair-weather firefighter
I'm afraid I won't get the support I need after my cancer diagnosis
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A newly diagnosed cancer patient doesn't have the best relationship with the chief
When can members drive to the scene in their POV?
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There's really only one situation that warrants going direct to the scene in your personal vehicle
'Our members have checked out' following the installation of a new chief
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Goldfeder sounds off: "I’m sick and tired of volunteers quitting because it’s not PERFECT"
Virtual reality training: Why don't we use VR more in the fire service?
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We are sometimes too rooted in our independence, dismissive of new ideas presented to us
What do you mean volunteers shouldn't have to fundraise? Please explain.
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Where to begin when shifting away from a fundraising-dependent model
What's the best way for ICs to hone go/no-go decision-making skills?
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Chief Goldfeder offers guidance related to command centers, scenario-based training and gut feelings
What’s your favorite tip for motivating new members?
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Chief Goldfeder offers several simple tips
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