FBR Episode 8: The Firefighting Casson

In a continuing series of interviews with people who have influenced me, here is retired fire chief Mike Casson.  I hope you enjoy meeting him and hearing about his fire service journey.

 Chief Dennis Compton is a respected executive advisor and the author of several books including his latest titled Progressive Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Tools(https://www.ifsta.org/shop/search?search_block_form=Progressive+Leadership+Principles+Concepts+and+Tools ). His previous books include a three-part series titled When in Doubt, Lead, and another titled Mental Aspects of Performance for Firefighters and Fire Officers(https://www.ifsta.org/shop/search?search_block_form=Mental+Aspects+of+Performance ). He has also authored many chapters and articles for various books and other publications.  Dennis was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona for 6 years and Assistant Fire Chief in Phoenix where he served for 28 years. Chief Compton is a current member and Past Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), and Past Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) National Advisory Council (NAC). He has also served as Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board of Directors and Secretary of the International Public Safety Data Institute Board of Directors.  Chief Compton is a past recipient of the George D. Post National Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award – and has been recognized as the American Fire Sprinkler Association Fire Service Person of the Year. Dennis has been selected as the University of Phoenix Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – and is the recipient of the 2003 CFSI/ Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford National Fire Service Leadership Award. He has received the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award and the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief Compton is a recipient of the Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Service Leadership and Management Research, and is a recipient of the IAFC EMS Section James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. He also received the 2019 IAFC President’s award for outstanding national contributions throughout his fire service career. In 2011, Dennis was inducted into the National Fire Heritage Center Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders; and in 2018, he was inducted into the Firehouse Legends and Icons National Hall of Fame. Chief Compton is also a charter member of the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame. Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runnerby Dean KarnazesCan't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Oddsby David Goggins 

Meet Ina and Brian!Ina Wintrich has 29 years of experience providing consulting, training and professional development services designed to develop and strengthen the capacity of people, organizations and the communities they serve. Her experience with federal, state, county, municipal, tribal governments, as well as non-profit and private sector organizations includes interaction with multiple levels, from line staff to executives and elected officials. She has provided extensive strategic planning and leadership development services to fire districts and municipal fire departments.  Ina Wintrich holds a Master of Public Administration degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, as well as a Certificate in Gerontology, from Arizona State University Brian Crandell, Ed.D., has been a student of the fire service for the past 44 years. He has worked in positions ranging from firefighter to fire chief. He has been learning and applying the Fire Command concepts, now Blue Card, since the 1980s, serving as a command officer for 22 years. Brian’s interests include fire operations, command, firefighter safety, training and assessment. Brian completed his doctorate in 2004. His studies focus on human performance and learning under high-challenge circumstances. His research focuses on how first-responder command officers learn their craft. Reach Brian at Brian Crandell [email protected]. 

Show Notes: Guests: Captain Joe Toth, Captain Chris Zambeck, Deputy Chief Pat Staskey Contemporary Issues: Pandemic/Wildfire/Civil Unrest Positive Productive and Safe (Healthy) Part II. The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker 

Five Bugle Ramblings Episode 4.  A Tale of Two Pauls.A quick episode to sit down with Paul Summerfelt, who is retiring after 22 years as the Wildfire Manager for the City of Flagstaff, and Paul Oltrogge who has been selected as Paul's successor.  (Wow, that's a lot of Pauls)This was fast and short so I hope you find it interesting.Email comments, questions, suggestions to [email protected] safe. Be Vigilant