On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Steve PonTell, CEO of Silver Creek Modular on how today’s modular buildings are much different than what we may think of them from the past.  Modular technology and building techniques have come a long way and could save your agency 30% on building cost, decrease build time by 50%, create a safer building structure and have the aesthetics of many conventionally build structures of today.      

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode of the CalChiefs podcast, Ray Gayk sits down with CalChiefs President Bernie Molloy II to discuss his journey to becoming a Fire Chief and ultimately CalChiefs President, along with insights on leadership, modernizing the California the fire service, and much more.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode of the CalChiefs Podcast, Ray Gayk sits down with CalChiefs Executive Director Jeff Meston as he prepares for retirement. Jeff reflects on his early career in the fire service and his journey to becoming Fire Chief. He shares insights on navigating investigations, leading through tragic losses, prioritizing firefighter safety, and shaping the next generation of leaders in the fire service

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode of the CalChiefs / FDAC podcast, Chief Chris Tubbs sits down with leadership expert Dave Anderson to explore what it truly means to lead with character. Together they discuss the habits, values, and daily decisions that define authentic leadership—especially when the pressure is high and the stakes are real. Listeners will gain practical insights on integrity, accountability, and how character-driven leadership builds trust, strengthens teams, and shapes lasting impact both on and off the job.     

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode of the CalChiefs / FDAC podcast, host Chris Tubbs is joined by leadership expert and author Steve Kent of The Results Group, Ltd. The discussion explores the essential relationship between strategic planning and organizational culture within public safety agencies. Drawing from decades of experience and his influential book Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture for Public Safety Agencies, Steve shares candid insights on the importance of vision, the dangers of short-term thinking, and the need to align strategy with values and community expectations. He challenges conventional leadership paradigms, emphasizes the need for grown-up accountability, and offers practical tools for building resilient, forward-looking organizations. The episode is a rich dialogue filled with wisdom, humor, and a call to action for public safety leaders to lead with purpose and foresight.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;   Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode, we explore Psychosocial Hazards are Real! by Dr. I. David Daniels—a powerful and timely examination of the often-overlooked mental, emotional, and social challenges faced in today’s workplaces, especially in high-stress professions like public safety. Drawing on personal experience and professional insight, Dr. Daniels exposes the systemic risks that harm psychological well-being and offers a path forward toward healthier, more accountable, and human-centered work environments. Whether you’re a leader, peer, or policy maker, this book is a must-read.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;   Podchaser; and Stitcher.

The California Fire Service is facing a critical funding shortfall that jeopardizes the safety and preparedness of communities statewide. Fire protection districts and fire departments, which cover 125,782 square miles and serve over 39 million people, have seen service demand grow significantly over the last 50 years. Despite this, funding mechanisms have not kept pace, leaving fire agencies struggling to maintain staffing, equipment, and infrastructure.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;   Podchaser; and Stitcher.

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

President Heine and Past President Tubbs discuss why the Fire Prevention Section decided to leave Cal Chiefs after the Cal Chiefs Reorg and where is Cal Chiefs is going next as it relates to a new Fire Marshall's Section.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode in an interview with Chief Eric Saylors (El-Cerrito Fire), Chief Saylors discusses his Naval Post Graduate School Thesis, Quantifying the Negative. In this episode Chief Saylors shares how his thesis led to the creation of a method to quantify the value a fire agency brings to a community and how this aids I the fire service telling its story to the community and elected officials.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

On this episode, your host Chris Tubbs interviews Fire Chief & CalChiefs President Mark Heine, and CalChiefs Attorney Andrew Schouten, ESQ of Wright L’Estrange & Ergastolo (WLE).  We will be discussing the recent publication of the Riverside vs Symons case; the history of the litigation and various court decisions, and ultimately the publication of the Appellate Court’s Ruling and what that means.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; 
    Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode we talk about the importance of Operationalizing your Strategic Plan with our friends at Envisio and how it can really change your agencies effectiveness.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;     />    Podchaser; and Stitcher.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Dan Munsey, Fire Chief for the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and IAFC Tech Counsel Chair about where technology is going in the fire service.  Chief Munsey talks about some of the latest technology including innovations in AI and how the fire service will use those advances in technology now and in the future. This is part 1 of a 2 part series.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Matt Miranda, Battalion Chief and Cal Chiefs Training Officers Association, Southern Division President.  Chief Miranda talks about what is going on this upcoming year with the Cal Chiefs Training Officers both North and South Divisions.  He also gives a great overview of all the exciting classes being presented at the 2024 Fresno Training Symposium coming in March 2024.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Mike McCliman, Fire Chief for the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District about how his agency has been successfully tackling the recruitment issues we all face. Rancho Cucamonga Fire District is an 8-station agency in Southern California but punches way above their weight when it comes to recruitment. We dive into their culture, philosophy on recruitment, hosting their own fire academy and how they have been so successful in recruiting female fire fighters. 

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Mark Heine, Fire Chief for the Sonoma County Fire District and newly sworn in President of Cal Chief about his background in the fire service and what is coming up for Cal Chiefs over the next year. We start with what brought Chief Heine to the Fire Service in the mid-80’s, explore his journey to becoming a Fire Chief and his decade of experience on the Cal Chiefs Executive Board.  President Heine will give us an overview of where Cal Chiefs is today and what he expects Cal Chiefs to accomplish over the next year during his Presidency.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Matty Fiorenza (Retired) Firefighter from the Anaheim Fire Department about his journey through his mental health challenges and what lead him to attempted suicide. Matty’s story is raw and comes from a person that dealt with mental health challenges through his career, like many of our firefighters today.  His journey gives us critical things to think about as Chiefs and what role we can take in addressing this problem today. What can we do better? Hopefully after you listen to Matty’s story we can all start answering that question.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, Past President Ray Gayk interviews Chief Colin Stowell, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and the President for the California Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Stowell talks about some of the similarities and differences found between large metropolitan and smaller fire agencies within our state.  Additionally, they cover some of today’s challenges found in many communities such as the homelessness crisis and ambulance performance challenges.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

CalChiefs is releasing a new podcast episode every two weeks. If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

In this episode we interview Fire Chief John Binaski, who is the Fire Chief of the Clovis Fire Department and the Legislative Director for CalChiefs. Chief Binaski will describe our current legislation dictates how State Fire Service Training and its programs are funded, what has changed since the original legislation, and what SB 577 is intended to do relative to SFST programs and services. Chief Binaski will also discuss the legislative process and how and why CalChiefs engagement is critical for our membership.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

CalChiefs is releasing a new podcast episode every two weeks. If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes; Podchaser; and Stitcher.

CalChiefs is releasing a new podcast episode every two weeks. If you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear about, or discuss with us in a podcast, email us at info@calchiefs.org.

On this episode, President Tubbs discusses the Tribal Chiefs Association with Fire Chief and Association President Jason Keeling.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this episode we discuss the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act Ballot Initiative, which is qualified for the November 5, 2024 ballot, with Kyle Packham, Advocacy and Public Affairs Director of California Special Districts Association (CSDA). CalChiefs believes it is important for all Californian Government agencies to be aware of this initiative and what the impacts of this ballot measure if it passes.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.

In this Episode we discuss the Chief Officer Leadership Symposium which is held annually in Fresno. Chief (Ret) Bruce Martin discusses the origins of the symposium, its purpose, and examples of the kinds of courses that are a part of the educational program.

You can find CalChiefs Podcast on any of the following platforms: iHeart Radio; Listen Notes;  Podchaser; and Stitcher.