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Critical Conversations

Critical Conversations

By JLN Associates

JLN presents CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS, where we discuss hard-hitting subjects regarding the municipal fire industry and emergency responders.
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Case study of the 2003 Multiple Alarm LearJet crash into Providence Court, Poquonnock Bridge Fire District

Critical ConversationsJun 10, 2021

00:00
01:26:37
Situational Awareness Matters - A Critical Conversation with Dr. Richard Gasaway

Situational Awareness Matters - A Critical Conversation with Dr. Richard Gasaway

Situational Awareness Matters - A Critical Conversation with Dr. Richard Gasaway

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Gasaway to discuss how flawed situational awareness is one of the leading causes of near-miss events and a leading contributing factor for casualty events. Developing and maintaining strong situational awareness is catastrophically important. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Gasaway about how he is helping people improving situational awareness and decision making and read more in his book at SAMatters.com!

Mar 30, 202302:03:38
A Critical Conversation with Dr.Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator

A Critical Conversation with Dr.Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell was appointed by President Joseph Biden as the U.S. fire administrator on Oct. 25, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Lori served nearly 3 years as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Public Safety Data Institute, which she founded after retiring from a 26-year tenure as a senior executive in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Lori is considered an expert in executive leadership, emergency response system evaluation, public safety resource deployment, community risk assessment, data science/analytics, strategic planning, costs and benefits analysis, advocacy, consensus building, policy development and implementation, and generational differences in the workplace.

As a doctor of public health and a data scientist, Dr. Moore-Merrell recently served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team to conduct agency review for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the COVID-19 response planning. She has also served on the Public Safety Committee of the transition teams for both the mayor of New York City (2013) and the mayor of the District of Columbia (2015).

Lori is a principal member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 3000 Technical Committee and is an advisor to the chair of the NFPA 1710 Technical Committee. Lori served 9 years as a commissioner to the Commission for Fire Service Accreditation and 3 terms as a board member for the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Dr. Moore-Merrell is a member of the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board, as well as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Council.

During her 26 years at the IAFF, Lori spent more than 17 years leading a research team made up of international fire service organizations and other partners, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the UL, the Urban Institute, the University of Texas, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. As principal investigator and senior project manager on projects funded by FEMA/Assistance to Firefighters Grants totaling more than $23 million, she led the team to produce landmark reports and other tools to improve residential and high-rise fireground operations, community risk assessment, fire and EMS resource deployment, and “Big Data Analytics” — all to help drive executive decision-making. These reports and other resources have changed the face of fire and EMS deployment in countries throughout the world.

Dr. Moore-Merrell has also managed emergency response system evaluation project teams, including secure data procurement, geographic information systems analysis and workload analysis in hundreds of fire departments throughout North America.

Feb 16, 202359:05
Special Connecticut Fire Service Edition: "Legislative Priorities"

Special Connecticut Fire Service Edition: "Legislative Priorities"

Welcome to the first episode of the new year!

Tune in as we speak with the MOST visiting guests we've ever had -  from the CT Joint Fire Service Council. We are talking all things legislative, including the controversial topic of edits to the CPAT - the Candidate Physical Ability Test.

The Mission of the Joint Council is to further the needs of the state fire service through inter-association cooperation; legislative action; public education; and fire service education.

Jan 26, 202301:28:27
I'm Not Going to Die Trying - A Conversation with Dr. Burton Clark

I'm Not Going to Die Trying - A Conversation with Dr. Burton Clark

“Society needs to change how it thinks and feels about fire death. When a civilian is killed by fire it is not an act of God and when a firefighter is killed it is not part of the job. When there is a fire death something went wrong. The public as well as the fire service can all do better to prevent and survive fire.” - B. A. Clark.


Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO has been in the fire service for 45 years, he was a firefighter in Washington, DC, Assistant Fire Chief in Laurel, Maryland, the Management Science Program Chair at the National Fire Academy, an Operations Chief during national disasters and emergencies for the DHS/FEMA, an Expert Technical Reviewer for the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, and a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Injury Research and Policy. Burt has a BS is in Business Administration from Strayer University, MA in Curriculum & Instruction from Catholic University, and Ed.D. in Adult Education from Nova Southeastern University. He has served on 15 doctoral dissertation committees. He studied fire science at Montgomery College with Professor Frank Brannigan, Emergency Management at the Emergency Management Institute, National Security at the National Defense University, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He is a nationally certified Fire Officer Four, Chief Fire Officer Designee for nine years, and Eagle Scout Mentor. Burt writes, lectures, and teaches fire service research, safety, culture, and professional development worldwide. 


Tune in as we talk with Dr. Clark about the fire service industry - expectations, realities and commitments - and just how and when to implement them.

Dec 04, 202201:26:17
Talking Industry with Rick Lasky

Talking Industry with Rick Lasky

Listen in as we hear from retired chief, Rick Lasky, author of Pride & Ownership: A Firefighter's Love of the Job. Richard "Rick" Lasky is an emergency services consultant, author, motivational speaker, and former chief of the Lewisville, Texas Fire Department. 

Chief Rick Lasky (ret.) a 37-year veteran of the fire service, served as chief of the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department for 12 years, prior to that as Fire Chief in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. Most recently, he was interim Chief for the Trophy Club (TX) Fire Department. Rick followed in his father’s footsteps beginning his career as a firefighter in the suburbs on the southwest side of Chicago and while in Illinois received the 1996 International Society of Fire Service Instructors “Innovator of the Year” award for his part in developing the “Saving Our Own” program. Throughout his 30-plus years in the fire service he has served as a career and volunteer firefighter. He served as the co-lead instructor for the H.O.T. Firefighter Survival program at FDIC for over 10 years, is a long-standing editorial advisory board member for Fire Engineering Magazine and also serves on the FDIC advisory board. Rick is the author of the best-selling books “Pride and Ownership-A Firefighter’s Love of the Job” and “Five Alarm Leadership: From the Firehouse to the Fireground” published by PennWell Books and is the co-host for the radio show “The Command Post” heard on Fire Engineering Talk Radio. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Oct 29, 202201:48:39
Changes in Leadership with Dr. Denis Onieal

Changes in Leadership with Dr. Denis Onieal

Tune in to JLN's Critical Conversations, as we sit down with Dr. Denis Onieal. As the former senior career federal fire official, Dr. Denis Onieal was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) — the annual training of over 140,000 first responders at and through the National Fire Academy; the National Fire Incident Reporting System, which documents and analyzes 28 million fire department emergency responses a year; the USFA’s fire prevention, public information and public education programs; and the 26 campus buildings and the grounds of the historic National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

An honorably discharged Army veteran, he joined the Jersey City Fire Department and rose through the ranks from firefighter to deputy chief, and then to acting chief, leading a uniformed force of 650 firefighters and officers. He spent his entire time "in the street" as a line fire officer.

He completed a Bachelor of Science from New Jersey City University, a Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Doctorate in Education from New York University (NYU). He taught in the master and doctorate programs in education at NYU for five years.

Beginning on Sept. 12, 2001, he led the USFA’s team at the World Trade Center, working behind the scenes to help the New York City Fire Department re-establish their systems of command, control and on-site communications. In 2005, he was sent to Atlanta, Georgia, to lead the in-processing, training and dispatch of 4,000 firefighters to assist in the response to Hurricane Katrina. He served in leadership roles in almost every national disaster.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and the Wellspan Health System.

Sep 22, 202201:34:00
Surviving COVID : Lenny Guercia's Story

Surviving COVID : Lenny Guercia's Story

In March of 2020, the world shut down due to COVID-19. Shortly into the shutdown, Leonard would become infected with the virus and spend 50+ days in the hospital, fighting for his life. Tune in tonight as we learn Lenny Guercia's incredible story of determination during uncertainty, with the help of some incredible medical staff.


Leonard H. Guercia, Jr. is employed by Yale New Haven Hospital as the Director
of Patient Transport. In his position, Mr. Guercia is responsible for the administration,
coordination, operation and oversight of all patient movements in the New Haven
Delivery Network.

Jun 24, 202201:05:04
Firefighter Cancer Support Network with Joe Schumacher, COO

Firefighter Cancer Support Network with Joe Schumacher, COO

Since their founding in 2005, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network has been all about providing assistance and support to cancer-stricken firefighters and their families.

Their Vision: To be the global leader in firefighter cancer support, awareness and education.

Their Mission: To assist firefighters and EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer by providing badge to badge support, training and guidance.


Tune in tonight as we speak with Joe Schumacher and learn the ins-and-outs of this outstanding organization, their tools + resources, as well as preventative measures we all can take to ensure our best health.

Apr 27, 202201:34:39
Remembering Our Loss with Ron Siarnicki, NFFF Executive Director

Remembering Our Loss with Ron Siarnicki, NFFF Executive Director

Ronald Siarnicki, the Foundation’s Executive Director, began his career as a firefighter with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in 1978 and, over 24 years, progressed through the ranks to Chief of the Department. In this position, he served as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for the fire, rescue and emergency medical services of Prince George’s County, Maryland. While with the Department, he also served on the Joint Fire and Police Pension Board for four years. In July 2001, he retired from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department to take the position of Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. In this role, he has managed the day to day operations of the Foundation to include the National Memorial Services, construction of the National Memorial Park and the renovation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. In addition, he created the catalyst for the development of the Everyone Goes Home® Program designed to reduce the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths that occur each year in the United States.


Listen tonight as we chat with Chief Nick Delia and Rick Siarnicki about Remembering our Loss - with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Mar 24, 202201:16:58
With the Cast of Fire Department Chronicles - Using Comedy to Care for Personnel

With the Cast of Fire Department Chronicles - Using Comedy to Care for Personnel

Like other first responders, these guys understand the importance of his work. They serve the community and are always ready to save a life on a moment's notice.

It’s an incredibly stressful job, and these guys have learned firsthand how a well-timed laugh can make all the difference in the world for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Tune in with Nick Delia as he gets to meet up with two guys who have brought light to the comedy we all know goes on behind the scenes in every firehouse:

FF Fenton and Jason Patton, Vice President of Fire Department Coffee and the host of Fire Department Chronicles.

Mar 02, 202201:24:25
Leadership Series - Recruiting and Retention with Chief John Salka

Leadership Series - Recruiting and Retention with Chief John Salka

Tune in as we discuss Critical Conversation - Leadership Series: Recruiting and Retaining Emergency Responders.

Our JLN Critical Conversations are free for First Responders. They are lead by JLN Municipal Lead and former Chief, Nick Delia, with invited special guests.

Dec 23, 202101:10:56
Leadership Series: Importance of the Senior Man and Surviving the FDNY Father’s Day Explosion

Leadership Series: Importance of the Senior Man and Surviving the FDNY Father’s Day Explosion

On tonight's episode, we chat with Gettin' Salty's own Kevin Kubler, 19-year veteran of the FDNY, about the Importance of the Senior Man. We will also be discussing surviving the NY Father's Day Fire. Tune in to the show to hear the conversation!

Nov 26, 202101:04:29
Leadership Series - East Coast vs. West Coast Firefighting with Chief Reggie Freeman

Leadership Series - East Coast vs. West Coast Firefighting with Chief Reggie Freeman

This upcoming week, our JLN Distance Learning Critical Conversation will continue to be lead by former Chief Nick Delia, and include special guest: Fire Chief, Reggie Freeman.  Listen in as we talk differences in leadership, strategies and factors you may not have thought of.

Nov 05, 202101:13:32
The Leadership Series - National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

The Leadership Series - National Fallen Firefighters Memorial

On this episode of Critical Conversations, Nick DeLia is talking The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, with special guests: Chief Ron Kanterman, Honor Guard - Captain Tony Ruggiero, Escorts - Chief Matthew Tobia, Survivor FF Tim Jeffery.

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. The mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.

Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Weekend features special programs for families and co-workers along with moving public ceremonies.

Under a Department of Justice grant, the Foundation offers training to help fire departments handle a line-of-duty death. Departments receive extensive pre-incident planning support. Immediately after a death, a Chief-to-Chief Network provides technical assistance and personal support to help the department and the family.

Sep 24, 202101:43:28
Leadership Series: Terrorism Response - Oklahoma, New York & the Pentagon, with Chief Dennis Compton

Leadership Series: Terrorism Response - Oklahoma, New York & the Pentagon, with Chief Dennis Compton

Our guest tonight, Chief Dennis Compton, serves as a respected Executive Advisor for national, state, and local fire service and homeland security organizations. He was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona for six years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix, Arizona, where he served for 28 years. Chief Compton has Chaired the IFSTA Executive Board and also Chaired the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Council (NAC), where he continues to represent IFSTA. Chief Compton Chaired the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board of Directors for well over a decade and served as the Secretary of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) Board of Directors as well. He has also served on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors.

Dennis is a widely recognized speaker and author. He has written many articles and chapters for publications, including five of his own books – the two latest being: 1) Progressive Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Tools; and 2) Mental Aspects of Performance for Firefighters and Fire Officers.

Chief Compton is a 2011 Inductee into the National Fire Heritage Center’s Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders; a 2018 Inductee into the Firehouse Legends and Icons National Hall of Fame; and is a charter member of the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) and the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA).

Dennis has received the George D. Post National Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award and was recognized as the American Fire Sprinkler Association Fire Service Person of the Year. He was named the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the University of Phoenix and received the coveted CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford National Fire Service Leadership Award. Chief Compton has also received the 2014 Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Service Leadership and Management Research; the 2016 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) James O. Page EMS Achievement Award; and was awarded the 2019 IAFC President’s Award.

Since 1978, Chief Compton has served on many IFSTA Validation Committees and Task Groups, including as Past Chair of Chief Officer. Dennis was first elected to the IFSTA Executive Board in 1983 and represents IFSTA with many national fire service organizations addressing critical projects, issues, and planning endeavors.

Sep 10, 202101:25:39
Leadership Series with guest Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy

Leadership Series with guest Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy

Tune in as we talk the Re-Opening of the National Fire Academy + it's future vision, with the new Superintendent, Eriks Gabliks. Part of our Leadership Series, Eriks talked all things from the Covid shutdown to current accessibility to the National Fire Academy. 



Jul 25, 202101:31:08
Leadership Series with guest Bobby Halton, Editor of Fire Engineering Magazine

Leadership Series with guest Bobby Halton, Editor of Fire Engineering Magazine

On this first episode of our Leadership Series, we are talking Current Issues in the Fire Service with guest Bobby Halton, Editor of Fire Engineering Magazine.

Jul 01, 202101:45:25
Case study of the 2003 Multiple Alarm LearJet crash into Providence Court, Poquonnock Bridge Fire District

Case study of the 2003 Multiple Alarm LearJet crash into Providence Court, Poquonnock Bridge Fire District

JLN Associates presents CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS

On tonight's episode, we discuss the case study of the 2003 Multiple Alarm LearJet crash into Providence Court, Poquonnock Bridge Fire District. Hosted by Chief Nick Delia, with special guest Ken Tucker, Director of CONN OSHA. We encourage audience participation as we host our conversations live. If you are interested in being a part of a live discussion, please reach out for updates on upcoming recording sessions!

Jun 10, 202101:26:37
JLN CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS: Connecticut DOL/OSHA Strategic Plan and the Fire Service

JLN CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS: Connecticut DOL/OSHA Strategic Plan and the Fire Service

JLN Associates presents CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS

On tonight's episode, we dive into the Connecticut DOL/OSHA strategic plan for the Fire Service. Hosted by Chief Nick Delia, with special guest Ken Tucker, Director of CONN OSHA. We encourage audience participation as we host our conversations live. If you are interested in being a part of a live discussion, please reach out for updates on upcoming recording sessions!

May 27, 202101:07:01
First Responder Mental Health Series #3 : Mental Health Support & Treatment Options with guests Michael Brunk, Joe Rizzuto, Brian Smith, Jeff Hall

First Responder Mental Health Series #3 : Mental Health Support & Treatment Options with guests Michael Brunk, Joe Rizzuto, Brian Smith, Jeff Hall

Like most emergency responders, firefighters are expected to be calm, level-headed and able to face even the most challenging situations with courage. They have long been expected to contain their emotions and approach their jobs with logic and reason, with the understanding that only those who have the ability to successfully manage the stress and emotional aspects of the job are cut out for success.

As a result, many firefighters have suppressed their feelings, with devastating consequences to their mental health. Research indicates that a large number have experienced mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, one study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of the respondents struggle with memories of difficult calls, while 59% have had family or relationship problems as a result of their jobs. Substance abuse issues were experienced by 27%, while 19% have had thoughts of suicide.

In this episode, the next session of our First Responder Mental Health series will continue to be lead by former Chief Nick Delia, and include special guests:

  • Michael Brunk, Treatment Advocate
  • Joe Rizzuto,  Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police.
  • Brian Smith, Peer Support Lead
  • Jeff Hall, Springfield Firefighter

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255

Apr 28, 202101:39:02
Mental Health Series, Session #2: Fire Fighter Mental Health and Coping Strategies with guest: James McLoughlin , Fire - EMS Administrator / EMD

Mental Health Series, Session #2: Fire Fighter Mental Health and Coping Strategies with guest: James McLoughlin , Fire - EMS Administrator / EMD

MENTAL HEALTH SERIES, SESSION #2:
Fire Fighter Mental Health and Coping Strategies 
with guest: James McLoughlin , Fire - EMS Administrator / EMD

This time of year is difficult for many people, including firefighters, especially during a pandemic. Like most emergency responders, firefighters are expected to be calm, level-headed and able to face even the most challenging situations with courage. They have long been expected to contain their emotions and approach their jobs with logic and reason, with the understanding that only those who have the ability to successfully manage the stress and emotional aspects of the job are cut out for success.

As a result, many firefighters have suppressed their feelings, with devastating consequences to their mental health. Research indicates that a large number have experienced mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, one study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of the respondents struggle with memories of difficult calls, while 59% have had family or relationship problems as a result of their jobs. Substance abuse issues were experienced by 27%, while 19% have had thoughts of suicide.

In our second session of our First Responder Mental Health series, we include a special guest, James McLoughlin , Fire - EMS Administrator / EMD, to talk about mental health. 


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255

Jan 27, 202101:05:37
Critical Conversations Mental Health Series Episode #1 - with guest Paul Barnes.

Critical Conversations Mental Health Series Episode #1 - with guest Paul Barnes.

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS: FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH SERIES EPISODE #1 - with guests: Paul Barnes

This time of year is difficult for many people, including firefighters, especially during a pandemic. Like most emergency responders, firefighters are expected to be calm, level-headed and able to face even the most challenging situations with courage. They have long been expected to contain their emotions and approach their jobs with logic and reason, with the understanding that only those who have the ability to successfully manage the stress and emotional aspects of the job are cut out for success.

As a result, many firefighters have suppressed their feelings, with devastating consequences to their mental health. Research indicates that a large number have experienced mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, one study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of the respondents struggle with memories of difficult calls, while 59% have had family or relationship problems as a result of their jobs. Substance abuse issues were experienced by 27%, while 19% have had thoughts of suicide.

In this episode we hear from special guest, Paul Barnes, to talk about mental health. Paul has been involved in the fire service since 1978. He joined the Air Force in 1980-86 as a Security Police. He was past Assistance Chief in Montville Fire Company, past Deputy Chief of Gardner Lake Fire Company and was a career firefighter in Montville from 1996-2016. He continues to be the Deputy Fire Marshal for Montville since 2016. He was diagnosed with PTSD in the year 2000, and will be bringing this important subject to our discussion platform this upcoming week. Please join us, and share with your colleagues and friends.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255

Dec 30, 202001:25:14