Side Alpha Leadership

The Side Alpha Leadership Podcast explores leadership in all fields of work. Guests talk about leading people and making a positive mark in their hearts and minds, while creating a cohesive team to accomplish the desired goals of an organization

Urban Firefighting: Challenges and Solutions 04/07/2025

Urban Firefighting: Challenges and Solutions In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Joe Grossi share insights from their firefighting careers, focusing on the challenges of urban environments and the importance of effective decision-making. They discuss innovations in equipment, the balance between traditional and modern forcible entry techniques, and the need for ongoing training and adaptability in the field. Additionally, they highlight the role of social media in connecting the firefighting community and the significance of maintaining safety protocols. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/35601790

Cultivating Leadership and Culture in the Fire Service 03/10/2025

Cultivating Leadership and Culture in the Fire Service I’m thrilled to chat with Mike Nasti, a dedicated fire officer from the Washington metropolitan area in this episode! Join us as we explore Mike's incredible journey in the fire service, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and the power of learning from our mistakes. We dive into the rewarding yet challenging transition from firefighter to officer. Together, we discuss the pressing need for modern recruitment and training standards to draw in the right talent and ensure a bright future for the fire service. Our conversation emphasizes the value of continuous training and the importance of setting clear expectations for officers to foster effective leadership. We also spotlight the culture, standards, and accountability that are vital in our field. Our discussion includes strategies for attracting talented individuals, nurturing a positive atmosphere, and balancing bold firefighting techniques with safety. Lastly, we reflect on the significance of traditions, pride, and personal responsibility in shaping a supportive and efficient fire department. Tune in—there’s so much to learn and celebrate! /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/35601080

Bridging the Gap: Academics and Practical Experience 02/09/2025

Bridging the Gap: Academics and Practical Experience Summary In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Rob Policht discuss the evolution of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of education, critical thinking, and collaboration in training. They explore the challenges of budgeting and apparatus costs, the need for better retention strategies for volunteers, and the significance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience. The discussion highlights the changing dynamics of the fire service, particularly with the new generation of firefighters who seek to understand the reasoning behind their training and operations. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/35205055

Mentorship, Leadership and high standards in the Fire Service 01/09/2025

Mentorship, Leadership and high standards in the Fire Service In this episode of Side Alpha Leadership, host David Polikoff speaks with Anthony Rowett, a captain in the Mobile Fire Rescue Department. They discuss Anthony's journey from a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey to his current role in Alabama, the unique challenges of firefighting in a port city, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the fire service. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges, the significance of training, and empowering junior firefighters to take initiative. In this conversation, David Polikoff and Anthony Rowett discuss the importance of training, leadership, and mentorship in the firefighting community. They emphasize the need for senior staff to participate in training exercises, the significance of preparing future leaders, and the development of policies and standards within fire departments. The discussion also highlights the value of tradition and history in the fire service, as well as current initiatives aimed at providing accessible training opportunities for firefighters. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/34783070

The past, the present and paying it forward with Chief John Norman 12/04/2024

The past, the present and paying it forward with Chief John Norman This month I had the honor to speak with FDNY Chief John Norman (ret). Take what you learned and pay it forward. Make the fire service better than you found it. Cherish the kitchen table talks and strive to learn something new every day. This is the best job in the world, and it is a blessing to be part of it. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/34276420

Hurry up and slow down, make a decision 11/06/2024

Hurry up and slow down, make a decision This month I welcome Dr. Shelley Wheeler back to the show. This show is all about making decision on the fire ground. We offer advice to the new officer on making critical decisions with little information. We discussed Recognition Prime Decision model. This model is what firefighters use on the scene when we have little information. This model is rooted in knowledge, skills and experience. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/33812682

Being the Truck Boss 10/06/2024

Being the Truck Boss This month i talk with Capt. Mike Burkett. Mike is a Captain with the Baltimore City Fire Department assigned to Truck 5 and an instructor with Capitol Fire Training. Mike and I discuss being the Truck boss. Crew expectations Operating in commercial and residential structures Searching vacant training to keep your crew sharp /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/33342797

Sleep deprived, anxiety and inflammation CBD can help 09/02/2024

Sleep deprived, anxiety and inflammation CBD can help Sleep deprived, anxiety and inflammation ,CBD is helping first responders as well as nurses and doctors cope with the stresses our work hands us. Jon Vought and I discuss the stresses our job has. John is the owner of Rescue 1 CBD. His product is 100% THC free. Jon and I dig deep into what his product is, what it does and how it is helping. Feel free to contact Jon on: Instagram @rescue_1_cbd YouTube @rescue1CBD Web site rescue1cbd.com /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/32858002

Change the culture by going back in time 07/16/2024

Change the culture by going back in time This month i sit down with Stephanie White. We discuss CBD in the fire service, the kitchen table, keeping a heathy shift and changing the culture by looking at the past. We are firefighters, our job is to go into burning buildings and put fires out. It seems we have steered away from our past culture of being aggressive firefighters and morphed into a culture of safety. We need to steer the fire service back to the 70's and 80's and be the firefighters the public counts on us to be. Our newest rookies are coming into this job ready to be aggressive, we must teach them and drill it into their heads, we are firefighters our job has inherent risk, and we accept that risk to get the job done. Teach them right make them firefighters. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/32155032

Tactical Considerations for Garden Apartment Fires 06/06/2024

Tactical Considerations for Garden Apartment Fires Tactical Considerations for Garden Apartment Fires One of the more complex fires we are faced with is fires in garden apartments. This month I welcome back Capt. Bobby Eckert of the Camden New Jersey Fire Department. Bobby and I dig deep into the subject. Garden Apartments are in all areas of the country. Firefighters must be proactive and preplan these structures before the alarm is ever answered. Take advantage of running non fire calls in these buildings and get the layout of the complex and the individual apartment units. This preplan will pay dividends when you pull up to a job at 3am. Bobby and I discuss: · Pulling long lines · Laddering the building · Apparatus placement · Command considerations · Building construction · Fire spread Small fire can grow and spread quickly if engine and truck companies are not aggressive with their tactics. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/31626527

The art of decision making 05/02/2024

The art of decision making This month I ask the questions, why are people reluctant to make decisions? How do we overcome the fear of making a decision on the fireground? what tools can we use to help people to make quick decisions with less than perfect information. I enlist the help of Deputy Chief Shane Darwick. Shane is a longtime friend, mentor, and teacher. Shane can keep calm, filter out the external noise and distraction on chaotic emergency incident and instill command presence. Shane offers over 40 years of experiences in the fire service to answer my questions on the art of decision making. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/31076853

I'll take "what do firefighters hate" for $1000, What is change 04/01/2024

I'll take "what do firefighters hate" for $1000, What is change This month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/30591423

Treat your people like you want to be treated 03/01/2024

Treat your people like you want to be treated This month I speak with Steve Jones. Steve retired from Montgomery County MD as the Operations Deputy Chief. Steve and I have known each other for many years. We both started as High School Cadets for the fire department. Steve talks about his career in the fire service and what he learned along the way. He used what he learned as he progressed through the ranks to the number 2 spot in the county. Steve has the old school mentality when it comes to firefighting and lives by the simple philosophy, treat people how you want to be treated. Steve shows no signs of slowing down. He accepted the position, Fire Administrative Manager in Dover Delaware. Steve will be the first career leader in this new combination system. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/29982988

Your people deserve the best leaders. Train to be the best 02/01/2024

Your people deserve the best leaders. Train to be the best In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson. Chief Gibson is assigned to the Training Academy in Montgomery County Maryland. As chiefs we demand our people to train every day and be the best. Your people expect you to be equally trained to be the best. Chief Gibson discusses the new line officers training program, the advancements in command officers command competency program and continuing professional development. For more information on these programs contact Chief Gibson at /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/29467948

Going old school with my dad 01/01/2024

Going old school with my dad In this episode I sit down with my dad Mike Kerr. We discuss the fire service back in the day and how it has changed. My dad tells his story about his love of the fire service as a kid and how he got started as a volunteer in Prince Georges County in Greenbelt, to becoming a career firefighter with the DCFD as a Tillerman at T12. Our family moved from Prince Georges County to Montgomery County, where he became a volunteer with the Burtonsville Vol. Fire Dept. He moved through the volunteer ranks and eventually became the longest serving chief. He honed his leadership skills and became a respected Chief through the county. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/29275003

To make big changes you have to start small 12/01/2023

To make big changes you have to start small This month I had the pleasure to speak to Asst. Chief Siddiq. We discussed a lot of topics. Change in the fire service is hard and you will be met with resistance if you try to go big right away. The key is to start small, get buy from those closest to you. Be honest with your reason for change. Making decisions will come easier through training. Members will gain confidence with their skills and feel at ease making decisions. Let you firefighters plan and run drills. Finally, as a senior member of your organization you need to train you subordinates to one day move into your position. This new generation will want to know the reasons why we do the things we do. Take the time to explain and be patient, remember you were the new guy once. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/28856268

The new guy, senior staff and expectations 11/01/2023

The new guy, senior staff and expectations This month I have Stephnie White back on the show. We discuss the new firefighters coming into the service. Are they too soft or are we projecting our rookie time onto them and is that fair? We discussed station members' expectations of seinor staff and vice versa. if station members run for cover when the chiefs come to the station, the chiefs have a huge communication issue. we discussed how to overcome that communication gap. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/28445897

Honest Communications, trust and good relationships = great morale 10/11/2023

Honest Communications, trust and good relationships = great morale This month I welcome back Dr. Shelly Wheeler. Shelly is a Captain assigned to the training academy in Montgomery County Maryland. Shelly and I talk about how to make morale good in the fire service, foster a culture where firefighter make decision and prepare them for the next step in their careers. Start the officer prep the moment firefighters come off probation and continue until they sit for their first promotional exam. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/28283354

Who's the mentor, You're the mentor! 09/01/2023

Who's the mentor, You're the mentor! This month I welcome back RJ (Robert James) we dig into the topic of being a mentor. It is important to take the new firefighters under your wing, guide them and set them on the path to be successful. It is everyone’s job to ensure we are turning out the best firefighters. Remember your rookie is a reflection of you and your shift. In the 2nd part of the show, we discuss officer development. The fire service drops the ball when it comes to teaching firefighter to become officers who can make quick decisions with imperfect information. What does the perfect officer development school look like? How long should it last? Sure, it will cost money, but you can put a price on well trained fire service leaders. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/27909117

The Training Officer steers the ship 08/01/2023

The Training Officer steers the ship This month I sit down with Chief Dave McGlynn. We talk about his new book "The Training Officer" Being a training officer is hard work, but rewarding. We talk about the culture of the fire service. Many say we need to change the culture of the fire service, but I don't believe that. I think we should always try to enhance the culture of the fire service and strive to make it better, but not change it. The fire service has a rich history and the culture is a large part of it. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/27598530

You say you take care of your people, but do you really? 07/05/2023

You say you take care of your people, but do you really? You need to invest in your people to know when something is wrong. Firefighters are reluctant to ask for help, so you need to spot trouble and get the help members may need. When you promote to a leadership position you are always on duty for your people. You have to answer the phone when someone reaches out to you. You may be their last call when their whole world is falling apart around them. As a leader you are always on, you accept that role when you are in that position. Make sure you know the resources available in your department to get the help your people need. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/27361401

Recruitment dilemma and Officer Development 06/08/2023

Recruitment dilemma and Officer Development This episode I speak with Steve Prziborowski. Steve and I talk about the low recruitment numbers in the fire service. Many jurisdictions are struggling with recruiting the number of potential candidates to come to the job. Once again I discuss officer development and how to get experience to become a successful officer. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/27078222

Where Police and Fire intersect 05/10/2023

Where Police and Fire intersect This month I talk with Steve Hamilton. Steve explains the complex incidents the police face and how the fire department fits in to help. There are many hurdles to overcome: building trust building relations training together knowing each others limitations having each others backs There is a role for the fire department during active shooter incident, barricade incidents and SWAT/SRT callouts. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/26795724

My random thoughts on fire service life and getting promoted 04/16/2023

My random thoughts on fire service life and getting promoted This month I go solo with no guest. I took the time to answer some questions from listeners from social media. I touch several subjects Promotion exams Dealing with difficult people Recognize your shortcomings What made me decide to be a chief My advice to the new firefighter How do we make training friendly to volunteers /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/26551272

EEO and the Fire Service 03/06/2023

EEO and the Fire Service This month I speak with Stephanie White. Stephanie is an 18 year veteran career firefighter in the Washington Metro area. She hosts a podcast on Fire Engineering called "5 after Midnight" Stephanie and I talk about EEO in the fire service and how it falls short in the fire service. Although we follow the laws there are gray areas that EEO does not account for. As firefighters and officers we must navigate the gray areas. Strive to be good human beings and trust that each person on your shift has you back during an emergency. We discuss moving forward in the fire service and how to attract new firefighters of all sex, race and religions without having politicians change physical entrance requirements to achieve their vision of a diverse fire service. We close with being a mentor and leader for the next generation. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/26131416

Leadership learned through the eyes of a Coast Guardsmen 02/01/2023

Leadership learned through the eyes of a Coast Guardsmen This month I speak with Jessica Shafer. Jessica talks about her time as a young Coast Guardsmen to being the first female commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment. She navigated many hurdles to become a respected officer in the Coast Guard. Her thought about leadership, self-reflection and desire to be better everyday, made her the strong person she is today. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/25754127

Risk Management, in the fire service and the world 01/07/2023

Risk Management, in the fire service and the world I welcome back Dr. (Capt.) Shelly Wheeler We talk about risk management, how we approach it on the fire ground and how the business world deals with it. Our fire service has evolved over the years, but the dangers are still there. We have become a smarter service and we still do the job, accept the risk, but now we are armed with the lessons from the past. Our job will always be dangerous and we are still aggressive and will never lose sight of our mission. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/25526979

Navigating the minefield of a bad boss 12/01/2022

Navigating the minefield of a bad boss On this episode Frank Ricci and I offer advice on dealing with a boss who only has his interests in mind. How can the Sr. firefighter approach the officer to initiate a conversation. What to do if there is a trust issue with line officers or chief officers and how to have effective conversations. Frank and I offer advice on starting the conversations in a respectful way and getting the positive results. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/25143978

Learn, Lead and Pass it on 11/01/2022

Learn, Lead and Pass it on I welcome Asst. Chief Justin McCarthy of the New Haven Fire Dept. to the show. Justin and I talk about the lack of leadership training in the fire department. What would a good leadership class would look like. How do we encourage our people to make decisions and not live in fear of getting in trouble. Never forget we are always students and we must strive to learn everyday /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/24840447

Who helps the helpers 10/03/2022

Who helps the helpers I took the show in a different direction this month. As emergency service workers and military, we are exposed to terrible things. There are times we need help to cope and process. We are fortunate to have Behavioral Health Specialists imbedded in the fire service, police force and military to help. I had the pleasure of speaking to Frederick County's Behavioral Health Coordinator Natalie Bowers. Natalie discussed her work and what she offers to the men and women of Frederick County Fire and Rescue. We don't have to suffer alone there is a path to good mental health for us and our families. This is such great information in this podcast. Please take the time to listen. There are links on my Facebook as Instagram to seek addition help and information. /episode/index/show/myrandomthoughts/id/24559941

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