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San Bernardino County Fire: PIO PodcastAuthor: San Bernardino County Fire
This is the official podcast of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. This is the official channel for public information and updates. During major emergency situations, we may use this podcast to keep our citizens updated and safe. Questions: info@sbcfire.org or (909) 387-5974 Language: en Genres: Government Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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PIO Podcast (02/05/26): Deputy Fire Marshal Tom Strong & Battalion Chief Eric Spies
Episode 25
Thursday, 5 February, 2026
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio with Bobby, Ben, Rosalie and a surprise cameo from Captain Eric Sherwin to inform, educate, and entertain while somehow keeping Bobby from hunting ducks long enough to hit record. Expect station banter, department wins, a deep dive into prevention, and a field segment that puts you inside a massive commercial drill.Studio Kickoff Duck Hunting Dad Energy and Big Wins for the DistrictThe episode opens with pure chaos as Bobby nearly scares off dinner before the crew settles in to celebrate a major milestone. The department’s communications and outreach efforts are paying off in a big way. Ben breaks down the numbers with impressions and engagement climbing fast and the team talks about how that growth translates to real impact.Black History Month Why It MattersIn a This Day in History style segment the crew recognizes Black History Month where it came from why it exists and how the show will spotlight more history and voices throughout February.Featured Interview Deputy Fire Marshal Tom Strong Community Safety Side of the HouseShawn sits down with Deputy Fire Marshal Tom Strong to pull back the curtain on the Fire Marshal’s Office. They talk about what the office does, how big the operation really is, and why community safety touches more of the county than most people realize. Tom shares his 35 year career journey including time with the Sheriff’s Department and search and rescue his early days as a paid call firefighter and what the bark beetle program looked like when it ramped up in the mountains.Tech Corner GIS ESRI AI and the Future of InspectionsTom and Shawn get into modernization efforts including digital surveys GIS mapping and how AI may support plan checks and inspections. The conversation gets especially futuristic when they talk about smart glasses that can identify violations as you walk a building plus AI assisted drone and satellite imagery that could change everything from weed abatement to damage assessment.Security Breadcrumbs and County Vehicle Reality ChecksThe crew also covers what keeps headquarters secure including cameras armed security and the arson unit plus a practical reminder that county vehicles track more than people think. Speeding over certain thresholds can trigger notifications up the chain.Special Events Fireworks Interdictions Raves and Behind the Scenes PlanningTom shares some of his favorite operations including illegal fireworks interdictions special events and the surprising truth about rave crowds. Tom and Bobby talk about the massive amount of pre planning that goes into festivals and concerts including temporary mini cities mapped for EMS response.In the Field Warehouse Drill at a Million Plus Square Foot FacilityThe episode shifts to an on scene interview during a large commercial occupancy drill inside a massive warehouse. Battalion Chiefs Eric Spies and Steve Tracy explain what the drill is testing what is being learned and how this kind of training improves policy tactics and equipment before more familiar banter returns including the eternal question is lunch provided. Thank you to Erin Bearden of MGA Entertainment for hosting our training at their warehouse and showing us around!Joke of the Day Trail Mix ViolenceTo close it out Shawn attempts a nut themed joke and Ryan delivers an absolutely ruthless roast that may be the strongest command decision making heard all episode.As always stay safe take care of each other and thanks for listening 🎙️Links Mentioned in this EpisodeOffice of the Fire Marshal Special Events Video
