In this episode of Critical Conversations, we sit down with Chief John Oates, CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute and former Fire Chief of East Hartford, Connecticut.

Chief Oates shares how data-driven decision-making is transforming the fire service, improving responder safety, and shaping the future of emergency response. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and national standards work, he offers practical insights for today’s fire service leaders.

From behavioral health to performance analytics and NFPA committee work, this conversation explores what it takes to lead with clarity in an increasingly complex risk environment.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, accountability, and the power of data in public safety.

In this episode of Critical Conversations, Nick Delia sits down with Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy, to explore leadership, training, and the extraordinary opportunities available to fire and emergency services professionals across the country.

Eriks shares how the National Fire Academy serves as a cornerstone for advancing the fire service - offering world-class education, leadership development, and technical training programs that shape the future of emergency response. From executive leadership courses to specialized technical curricula, the NFA provides pathways for firefighters, officers, safety professionals, and allied responders to grow their skills, expand their impact, and bring best-in-class practices back to their organizations.

We discuss how investing in professional development through the NFA strengthens individual leaders, elevates organizational performance, and ultimately enhances community safety. Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned chief officer, or a safety professional supporting high-risk industries, this conversation highlights why the National Fire Academy remains one of the most powerful resources available to the emergency services community.

🎧 Tune in for insights on leadership, learning, and how the NFA is helping prepare the next generation of fire service and emergency management leaders.

Deputy Chief Mark Waters joins us for a deep dive into the leadership tools and resources every firefighter and fire officer should know. With more than 35+ years in the fire service - including 27 years as Deputy Chief of the New London Fire Department - Mark brings a grounded, practical perspective on what it takes to lead.

He shares the leadership books he returns to often, the training models that have influenced his approach, and the lessons he’s learned through decades of on-the-job experience. Whether you’re a new firefighter or a seasoned leader, this episode offers guidance to help you grow, mentor, and inspire the teams around you.

Join us for the first of our 2025 Leadership Series episodes of Critical Conversations. In this episode, we sit down with one of the fire service’s respected leaders - Chief Dennis L. Rubin - for a discussion on Leadership Basics and what it truly means to lead in today’s fire and emergency service organizations.With over 35 years of experience spanning every rank from firefighter/EMT to Fire Chief, Chief Rubin brings unmatched insight into leadership, command, and safety. His impressive career includes serving as Chief of the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, past President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, and chair of the National Wingspread Strategic Planning Conference for over 30 years.Chief Rubin holds multiple degrees in Organizational Leadership and Fire Administration, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, and the author of several acclaimed textbooks including Rube’s Rules for Survival, D.C. Fire, and It’s Always About Leadership.This live broadcast will explore the foundational principles that define great leaders - from integrity and accountability to decision-making under pressure - and how these lessons apply across every level of service.

In our latest episode of Critical Conversations, we sat down with Robert Duvall, the Northeast Regional Director and Fire Investigator at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to discuss critical issues surrounding electric vehicle fire safety and electrical power storage systems. As the adoption of energy storage systems (ESS) continues to grow, so too must our efforts to mitigate associated risks in this rapidly evolving industry.

Bob shared his expert insight into the unique hazards posed by ESS and electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and proper risk management. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these emerging technologies and the necessary precautions to ensure safety. To further educate our audience, we encourage you to download information from these resources: https://tinyurl.com/electricfiressafety

Listen in to this enlightening episode of Critical Conversations where with talk with Tom Jenkins, the Research Program Manager at The Fire Safety Research Institute. 🔥

We'll be diving deep into the future of fire safety, discussing the replacement of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) with the new and improved National Emergency Incident Reporting System (NEIRS).

Listen in as Deputy Chief Mark Waters of New London delves into the dramatic events surrounding the recent catastrophic collapse of a historic church. This landmark, a treasured piece of New London's heritage dating back to 1850, met a tragic fate earlier this year. Tune in as Deputy Chief Waters shares exclusive insights and management strategies as well as discusses the profound teaching moments of this incident. Don't miss this chance to uncover the stories behind the headlines – a discussion filled with revelations and expert analysis.

Listen in to the latest episode of Critical Conversations, featuring guests Chief John Alston of the New Haven Fire Department, Chief Steve Hoffman of the Colchester Fire Department, Chief Dan Krushinski of the East Franklin (NJ) Fire Department, and Assistant Fire Chief Shelly Carter of the Hamden (CT) Fire Department. They will be discussing their experiences and insights in the fire service industry - and the challenges, as well as success, in recruitment and retention among their teams.