San Bernardino County Fire: PIO Podcast

This episode marks a milestone, the show’s 40th installment, and it comes together in an unusual way. Part of the conversation was recorded back in June, and part was recorded this October, so the show jumps between the two recording sessions, almost like time travel in a movie, to bring five different segments into one episode.The show kicks off by digging into a box of old VHS tapes, including a mystery news clip from 2006 that has the studio trying to guess which current department member is on screen.The real news of the episode is the announcement of this year’s Salute to Service award winners. The crew walks through every category and announces this year's winners:Sustained Superior PerformanceChampions of Change Awards (Mentorship Excellence, Synergy Star, Rising Phoenix)Legacy AwardExceptional Service AwardAnnual Awards (Ambulance Operator of the Year, Fire District Employee of the Year, Firefighter of the Year)Fire Chief’s Distinguished Service AwardsMedal of Valor AwardTech Corner covers two drones now in testing, one built to drop water on hot spots and another designed to fly hose packs up to firefighters on steep terrain, plus a new robot dog making its debut around headquarters.The episode wraps with surprise phone calls to a retiring 20 year veteran on his way out the door and a firefighter with a wild past life as a Dodger Stadium visiting clubhouse bat boy, along with groundbreaking news on Fire Station 227 and updates on several more stations in the pipeline.

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief David Acuña joins the PIO Podcast to walk through a career that started with the Orange County Fire Explorers back in 1986 and wound through paramedic work, a stretch away from the fire service entirely, and stops at Riverside County Fire, CAL FIRE, the Emergency Command Center, and now statewide Battalion Chief and Public Information Officer.He breaks down what a CAL FIRE PIO actually does day to day, covering a coverage area that stretches from Siskiyou to San Diego, and shares a crash course in fire weather and behavior fundamentals including LCES.Acuña talks about Aware California, a platform set to change how agencies share incident information, and talks candidly about the personal impact of the 2020 Creek Fire.The conversation wraps with his thoughts on mentoring and recruiting the next generation of firefighters.

Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez welcomes the PIO Podcast into his own office for a conversation on Fontana roots, public service, and building opportunity from the ground up. Armendarez talks growing up the son of a steelworker, his path through the Fontana school board, city council, and mayor pro tem before becoming a county supervisor, and the mentorship that shaped him along the way.He breaks down his focus on small business growth and education, including an endowment he set up at Chaffey College for STEM and STEAM students, and talks candidly about the realities of funding fire and public safety across the largest county in the country.He also shares how his office has built a homegrown pipeline of talent, turning interns and staff into the next generation of county public servants.

Vice Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. joins the PIO Podcast for a wide ranging conversation on family, public service, and what's coming next for San Bernardino County. Baca, Jr. talks growing up in Rialto, his years as a teacher and softball coach, and how those experiences shaped his approach to representing the 5th District.He shares news on a new SkillBridge partnership to help transitioning military members train for fire service careers, breaks down the new Fire Station 227 being built on an elementary school campus, and previews the upcoming Rosina Ranch fire station. Captain Andrea Binley also stops by to talk recruitment, the Girls Empowerment Camp, and the community impact of getting young people hands on with the fire service.

Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio for a conversation with San Bernardino County’s Third District team: Chairman of the Board Dawn Rowe, Chief of Staff Claire Cozad, and Communications Director Scott Ward.Chairman Rowe shares her path to the board, from losing her husband in Iraq and staying in Yucca Valley to raise her kids, to land use frustrations that led her to the planning commission, town council, and eventually the county board. She talks about the steep learning curve of representing the largest district in the county, which touches Arizona, Nevada, and LA County and has been ground zero for the El Dorado Fire, the Line Fire, Hurricane Hilary, and Snowmageddon.Chief of Staff Claire Cozad discusses her work on Capitol Hill, her experience as a chief of staff managing a team of twelve, and the advice she would give any young person starting out. Scott Ward reflects on more than three decades in radio at KFROG, including a Blue Angels ride that produced a memorable barf bag photo, and the transition to public service communications.The group also digs into county budget priorities, the importance of Starlink in remote desert response, leadership lessons, and a mass casualty incident exercise that turned into an accidental rescue of a county supervisor stranded in the desert with a group of high schoolers.

Host Captain Shawn Millerick records live from Station 226, RODECaster on a trash can and all, for a conversation packed with brotherhood across borders, a full circle career story, and a mentor who showed up when it mattered most.⸻Firefighter Paramedic Memo Monreal: Mexicali Training ExchangeFirefighter Paramedic Memo Monreal of Station 226 shares the story of County Fire's recent training trip to Mexicali, where a four-person team trained approximately 60 firefighters from seven agencies. For Memo the trip was personal. Both of his parents are from Mexicali, and bringing his expertise back to the city where his family is rooted meant far more than the training itself. He shares the moment his cousin sent video of Mexicali firefighters throwing a 24-foot extension ladder solo after just one day, the story of driving the tiller truck to surprise his grandmother, and what it meant when the Mexicali battalion chiefs told him she was now under their watch. A potential next trip to Mazatlan is already in the works for November.⸻Firefighter Paramedic Justin Sparks: From Victorville to Station 226Firefighter Paramedic Justin Sparks of Station 226 B shift grew up between San Bernardino and Victorville, got into trouble in high school, and was sent by his mother to live with his uncle in the Central Valley his senior year. Basketball became his focus, a scholarship to Simpson University followed, then a business degree from Fresno State, three years at Honda Finance that he describes as absolutely not for him, and eventually a career as a personal trainer. That is where he met his mentor without knowing she was a retired fire chief. He quit his job, drove Lyft full time for a year to afford EMT school, connected through Chief Munsey and Firefighter Dave Colombo to a ride along at Station 224, started at the fire camp in 2021, and came on suppression staff in 2022. His mentor surprised him at graduation and he had no idea she was coming.⸻Retired Oakland City Battalion Chief Lisa Baker: Women in Fire and the Mentor Who Showed UpShawn calls Lisa Baker, the retired Oakland City Battalion Chief Lisa Baker who mentored Justin at the gym without ever advertising her rank. Lisa spent 28 years with Oakland Fire and has served as the Women in Fire southwest trustee since 2016. She talks about the organization's inclusive mission, hands-on conference training covering nozzle forward, ladders, extrication, and ventilation, and classroom sessions on promotion, pregnancy policy, and leadership.⸻Department UpdatesShawn recaps the CAPIO conference and an upcoming ADA compliance change that will affect social media platforms. Nancy Preciado shares an SBCFuego update with new content on the way. Shout outs go to the Green Valley paid call firefighters and BLM crews. County Fire resources responded to the Bain Fire in Riverside County with one house sustaining severe damage. Fire season is active and vegetation fires are increasing across the region.

Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back to educate, entertain and inform in a longer episode covering two days of CSTI media relations training hosted at County Fire headquarters and a conversation with former Fire Chief Mark Hartwig at the State of the Fire District.Graphic Content Warning: At the 54-minute mark mark, Chief Hartwig shares some graphic depictions of a few calls he was on in his career. If you'd like to skip ahead, go out to the 58-minute mark, and you will bypass those calls.⸻Scott Summerfield, Bryan May & Carlos Delgado: CSTI Media Relations TrainingAfter completing day one of the CSTI Media Relations course at headquarters, Shawn and Ben sit down with the three instructors to talk about the state of public information work in the fire service.Scott Summerfield: Dean of Instruction at CSTI and Founder/Principal of SAE CommunicationsBryan May: Emergency Management Coordinator and Instructor II at CSTI, California Governor's Office of Emergency ServicesCarlos Delgado: Former television news reporter, currently works at a children's hospital in San Diego. He identifies himself this way in the transcript but does not give a specific title on camera. Based on context it is likely Rady Children's Hospital but that should be confirmed before publishing.The conversation covers how the PIO role has never been harder, why public speaking is a perishable skill, and how social media has changed the way agencies tell their stories. The group also discusses AI voice technology, the launch of SBCFuego as a Spanish language outreach channel, the importance of signing up for emergency alerts, and why the media should be viewed as a partner rather than an obstacle.⸻Former Fire Chief Mark Hartwig: Career, Calls & the State of the Fire DistrictRecorded at the State of the Fire District event, Shawn sits down with former Fire Chief Mark Hartwig for a wide-ranging conversation about his career with San Bernardino County Fire. Chief Hartwig walks through his path from paid call firefighter to fire chief, including the behind-the-scenes story of how he was ultimately offered the top job. He also reflects on the most difficult calls of his career and the most significant changes he witnessed across his time with the department, including the evolution of mental health resources for firefighters.

The episode features a fascinating field segment with Ken Nelson at the Norton Air Force Base Museum, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of San Bernardino’s most unique historical landmarks.Ken shares his personal experience as a former C-141 aircraft commander and provides rich insight into the legacy of Norton Air Force Base, once a major hub for global military airlift operations. A powerful story unfolds around Leland Norton, the base’s namesake, whose heroic actions during World War II ultimately led to the base being named in his honor. Listeners will also hear the remarkable story of Norton’s long-lost footlocker—rediscovered decades later at a local swap meet and now preserved in the museum.The segment emphasizes the importance of preserving local history while encouraging the community to visit, donate artifacts, and explore the museum’s growing collection of military memorabilia and personal stories.The episode kicks off with important announcements and upcoming events across San Bernardino County Fire:Open House at Fire Station 4 on April 18 featuring tours, displays, and community engagementCancer Prevention and Wellness Symposium on May 9 at HeadquartersTake Your Child to Work Day on April 23Ongoing multi-company training and operational readiness updatesCaptain Millerick also highlights key points from the department’s latest State of Operations report, including:Strategic staffing goals and firefighter recruitment effortsWildfire risk reduction planning across tens of thousands of acresContinued rollout of new incident reporting systemsImprovements in apparatus readiness and deployment capabilitiesListeners are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with department communications and initiatives.Back in the studio, the crew sits down with Captain John Marini for an in-depth and entertaining conversation recorded at Station 228.John shares his unique journey into the fire service, from working in a family-owned music store in Alhambra to pursuing EMT training and ultimately becoming a firefighter. His stories highlight the life lessons learned through sales, customer interaction, and growing up around musicians—experiences that shaped his communication skills and leadership style.The discussion also dives into:His transition into the captain role and leadership responsibilitiesExperiences teaching at the department’s training towerHis long-standing involvement with the firefighters’ unionThe importance of mentorship, culture, and service in the fire professionListeners also hear heartfelt reflections on what inspired John to join the fire service, including childhood experiences watching firefighters respond to emergencies involving his family—moments that left a lasting impact.The episode explores how the fire service continues to evolve, from advancements in technology like drones and real-time data systems to the expanding role firefighters play in public safety.Despite these changes, the conversation reinforces a core theme: the mission remains the same—serving the public with professionalism, trust, and commitment.The crew reflects on how tradition and innovation coexist in the fire service, emphasizing that while tools may change, the responsibility and values of the job do not.This episode delivers a compelling mix of history, personal stories, and operational insight, all wrapped in the humor and camaraderie listeners expect from the San Bernardino County Fire Podcast. From museum discoveries to meaningful career reflections, it’s another installment that continues the podcast’s mission to educate, entertain, and inform.Links Mentioned in this EpisodeAlhambra Music Store & MuseumExploring Local History: Inside the Norton Air Force Base MuseumBreaking News, Events, and Department UpdatesFrom Music Store to Fire Captain: A Conversation with John MariniFirehouse Culture, Technology, and the Future of the JobClosing

Host Captain Shawn Millerick returns with a lively studio episode introducing San Bernardino County Fire’s new Media Specialist, Nancy Preciado, along with department updates, community outreach announcements, and plenty of humor from the podcast crew.The podcast welcomes new Media Specialist Nancy Preciado to the San Bernardino County Fire Public Information Office team. Joined by Host Captain Shawn Millerick, Ben, Rosie, and AI Ryan, Nancy shares her journey into public service and her passion for community storytelling.Nancy discusses her background as a first-generation Mexican-American and her path through Fresno State University, where she studied communications while balancing multiple jobs and internships. Her early career included sports media coverage with the Mountain West Conference and professional experience with Telemundo, where she quickly advanced into a marketing and promotions leadership role at just 24 years old.The conversation highlights Nancy’s transition into local government communications and ultimately County Fire, where she hopes to help strengthen connections between the department and the communities it serves.A major announcement in the episode focuses on upcoming Spanish-language social media platforms designed to better inform and engage the Latino community across San Bernardino County.Nancy explains the goal of creating accessible fire safety messaging, community updates, and storytelling in Spanish to ensure more residents feel included and informed. The team discusses how expanding communication efforts reflects the evolving needs of the county and supports stronger relationships with the public.The initiative aims to launch soon, marking an important step forward in inclusive communication and community outreach for County Fire.Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast studio, complete with historic fire service tools, surplus equipment discoveries, and the crew’s signature humor. The episode blends storytelling with lighthearted moments, from training-day lunch adventures to conversations about media, sports, and life inside the department.The episode includes several important updates and upcoming events:Cancer Prevention and Wellness Symposium scheduled for May 9Take Your Child to Work Day on April 23Spring multi-company training exercises underwayRecent captain promotions across the departmentFire district updates and upcoming historical media projectsListeners are also encouraged to complete podcast surveys to help shape future episodes and department communication efforts.The episode wraps up with breaking news from the studio, appearances by AI Ryan, and the traditional Joke of the Day — delivering laughs alongside information as the San Bernardino County Fire Podcast continues its mission to educate, entertain, and inform.Links Mentioned in this EpisodePhoto of Extricator Box & Ai RyanTower 20 VideoSonic Fire Tech VideoWelcoming Nancy Preciado: Expanding the Story of County FireReaching the Latino Community Through New Spanish-Language OutreachInside the Studio: Tools, Stories, and Firehouse HumorDepartment Updates and Community AnnouncementsClosing

Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio to inform, educate, and entertain with a field visit to Station 227, a surprise call with an engineer who moonlights as a serious artist, and audio from the department's pipe and drum band tour.-----Probationary Firefighter Jessica Daniel – Heart of the Tower Award WinnerShawn visits Station 227 to catch up with probationary firefighter Jessica Daniel during her second set on the job. A Tower 20 graduate and recipient of the Heart of the Tower award, Jessica shares what early station life has looked like, how a busy and diverse jurisdiction has already exposed her to a range of call types, and how years of dirt bike racing shaped the mindset she carried into the tower. She also reflects on her background as an in-house EMT at Fullerton Fire and what it means to be assigned to a station with a familiar face from the tower as her captain.-----Engineer Matthew Nadalet – Gold Leaf, Pinstriping and Fire Service ArtAfter sending an unusually long late-night text full of ideas, Engineer Matthew Nadalet from Station 224 gets pulled into the conversation. Matthew walks through the art of gold leaf gilding, how it is applied to historic apparatus lettering, and the work he did restoring the Upland Engine One alongside retired Captain Bob Green and a group of retired county firefighters. He also discusses the memorial lockers he painted at Station 224 for fallen firefighters and a lifelong background in custom painting that started in childhood and has followed him throughout his career.-----Pipe and Drum Band – St. Patrick's Day Tour in UplandThe episode includes audio from the department's pipe and drum band during their recent tour stop at the city of Upland's Irish festival. Shawn recaps a strong turnout, good weather, and a country band sharing the bill in an unexpected but entertaining combination.-----Department UpdatesQuick hits include the release of the Lonely Fire Station short documentary on Station 53 in Baker with a shout out to Real Ryan, a bathing suit drive through EMS 283 Julia Rocha benefiting Loma Linda Children's Hospital swim programs, the annual retiree luncheon on May 13th at Station 71, and a reminder that State of the Fire District is April 9th.-----ClosingThe episode wraps with the traditional Joke of the Day and a roast from AI Ryan.-----Links Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Lonely Fire Station YouTube VideoRyan Spandrio Gold Leaf LockerJohn Rupert Gold Leaf LockerJessica Daniel Tower 20: Heart Award Photos