A data-driven accreditation model helps departments move beyond emotion-based appeals, aligning staffing, planning and resource decisions with community needs
PROGRAM INNOVATIONS
The department’s Proposal for Staff Action program creates a structured, transparent way for members to share ideas
How a structured collaboration model, anchored by an annual retreat, reshaped relationships and improved organizational performance
A multi-agency partnership transformed a trail access challenge into a rapid-response system built around e-bikes and coordinated mapping
6 helpful tips from the Seminole County (Fla.) Fire Department
TECH & DATA INNOVATIONS
Inside the department’s plan to use AI to improve planning, documentation and daily operations
Digital tools may streamline operations, but they risk eroding the face-to-face dialogue and trust that build strong firehouse culture and leadership
California’s Cosumnes Fire Department shares its experience incorporating virtual reality into recruit training
HEALTH & WELLNESS INNOVATIONS
The model blends red light therapy, infrared sauna and cold immersion into a synergistic system designed to support firefighter health
The decontamination unit comes with four exercise bikes specifically designed not to off-gas in the heat
Making the annual visits mandatory reduces stigma, normalizes care and ensures that those most at risk don’t avoid needed support
When Chief Richard Ganci took over the behavior health program at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, there was no guidebook. So, he and his team wrote one.
INNOVATORS ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
Bassi, who serves as CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, shares the power of department accreditation and personal credentials, plus ‘AI for newbies’
The division chief details how Cobb County Fire retooled its hiring process to better define department excellence and representation
The West Metro assistant chief offers insights from firefighter sleep research
The IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year details some of the innovative programs at the Colorado Springs Fire Department
Inside the intense rescue operation that earned Hilton Head Island (S.C.) Fire Rescue Truck 6 crewmembers the IAFC Ben Franklin Award of Valor
The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue fire chief reflects on his first year at the department
The fire service scientist details her newest adventure, the Science Alliance, plus how to make data accessible at the station level
ADDITIONAL INNOVATION-FOCUSED RESOURCES
ABOUT THE CPSE CENTER FOR INNOVATION
The CPSE Center for Innovation’s five program areas will highlight innovative solutions developed by CPSE accredited agencies and credentialed professionals and address an industry-wide gap in evidence-based decision making. As a trusted resource for innovative practices, the Center for Public Safety Excellence looks forward to giving back to the fire and emergency service through the launch of the CPSE Center for Innovation.
The Strategic Scan gauges fire chiefs’ AI use and comfort, outlining five action steps to pilot, train, policy-set and scale AI across fire and EMS
Part think tank and part policy incubator, the CPSE Center for Innovation will encompass five programs
The credential is available to career public information officers and volunteers