GENERATION Z-ARE YOU READY FOR THESE FIREFIGHTERS?

While I urge you to check out all 3 of these excellent short clips, one specifically relates to today's young firefighters and what is known now as Generation Z.

Tired of hearing about all these different "Generation A's, B's, C, D, Y, X, blah blah blah?" I get it, but actually, no one cares if you or I are tired of it...the fact is that if you're on any fire / EMS department as an officer or senior Firefighter and you have more than 15 minutes left in you career, you need to watch this clip.

One common denominator among all fire chiefs in 2019 is recruitment and retention-of ALL FIREFIGHTERS. Nearly every department (career, volunteer-whatever) in North America is seeing significant challenges finding "qualified" recruits-and keeping those recruits.

WATCH Lori's presentation as she helps get thru our thick skulls the reality of yours/mine/our youngest and upcoming new and future firefighters.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell's Presentation (19:12 min.)

THE OPIOID FIRE CHIEFS CHALLENGE

Fire Chief Jan Rader has become the world's face of the fire service in positively and measurably succeeding in dealing with this issue. She is one of TIME Magazine's top 100 most influential people, she's been on every news channel worldwide, is featured in a NETFLIX documentary and much more. Join Huntington (West Virginia) Fire Chief Jan Rader as she walks through ground zero of what is the worst epidemic of our time (opioids) by exploring how the community and her firefighters are making a positive difference.

Chief Jan Rader's Presentation (13:35 min.)

THE 2019 BEN FRANKLIN VALOR AWARD WINNER: THE REALITY OF WILDLAND FIRES

Chief David Hawks, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Chief, was honored for his courageous efforts during the "Camp Fire" wildfires in Paradise, California with the 2019 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor, sponsored by Motorola Solutions. After receiving his award, he described in more detail the situation and actions taken on that day. While of interest to every fire service member, this helps those who don't deal with wildland fires, understand the reality of this sometimes impossible challenge.

Chief David Hawks' Presentation (18:03 min.)