Communication Basics for Today’s Fire Service: Video Conferencing Webinar

The entire fire service has realized a new reality. The impact of COVID-19 has forced us to take unprecedented measures in both our personal and professional lives. Effective communication is a critical component for every fire department. We have long relied on face-to-face communication to facilitate training, operations, and general routine information. Today’s fire service finds itself relying on many new and existing technologies to help achieve the same mission. The private sector utilizes technology far quicker, more aggressively and to better effect than most public sector organizations. Most fire departments do not have dedicated IT professionals or departments at their disposal, and it leaves us trying to navigate fast-moving, confusing, and expensive ideas and solutions. With a bit of creativity, we can utilize the lessons learned in the private sector to improve communication efficiency and effectives in your organization. Video conferencing has become an invaluable tool but there may be barriers to maximizing its effectiveness. The learning curve regarding various software platforms, subscriber plans and pricing, and implementation of the product can be daunting. This webinar provides an overview of the various software providers, indications for each based on your target audience, and a how-to-guide regarding the successful implementation of video conferencing within your organization.  Join us as we provide a cursory overview of the available technology from non-IT professionals.

Course Objectives

• Understand the need for an ever-changing communications model in today’s fire service.
• Identify and examine new and existing video conferencing technologies.
• Identify and discuss various video conferencing platforms and providers.
• Identify the indications, advantages, and disadvantages, of each video conferencing format and provider.
• Understand how to successfully implement video conferencing within your organization.

About the Speakers

Tom Hughes

Tom Hughes is the Fire Marshal for the Northville Township (MI) Fire Department where he began in 2004. He is an NFPA Certified Fire Inspector II, Certified Plans Examiner (CFPE), and a State of Michigan licensed fire protection system inspector and plan reviewer. He holds a master’s degree in Technology Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and is a graduate of Eastern Michigan Universities Executive Leadership Fire Staff & Command School. Tom also serves as a trustee for the Metropolitan Detroit Fire Inspectors Society. He is committed to improving the safety of firefighters and the community with reasonable and consistent code application, innovative systems and approaches and community outreach. Tom is the founder and president of the Northville Township Firefighters Charity Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to support firefighters, first responders, and the community. Tom believes that the foundation of every strong organization is based on collaboration, community, and commitment.  

Jesse Marcotte

Jesse is the Training Coordinator for the Northville Township (MI) Fire Department where he has served since 2002. He is passionate about taking an innovative approach to training and continuing education. As an educator, Jesse specializes in curriculum design, educational methodology and educational technology. He is an active member of the ISFSI and currently serves as the Project Leader for the Mentoring/Coaching Initiative. Jesse has been fortunate to present at several state and national conferences. He has a master’s degree in Technology Studies with a concentration in Public Safety & Emergency Management and is a graduate of EMU’s Fire Staff & Command School. Jesse places an emphasis on building construction, fire dynamics, strategic level command and operational readiness. He is also the Training Coordinator for the Western Wayne County Urban Search and Rescue Team. Jesse continues to seek out new ways to develop, master and maintain the many skills needed by today’s fire service providers.