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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
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine talks Safety Stand Down resources to share with your crew, plus managing “sticky” traumatic event memories
The chief gave Zam the boot to go back to school two years ago – and he did
The Cuba (Alabama) fire chief talks FD recruitment, plus the programs helping his members better serve their community
Colts center Danny Pinter shares the catalyst for his cause, plus gridiron lessons to apply to the fireground
Zagaris served as the planning section chief at the scene