CAL FIRE Presents: Five Points with the Chief

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Partnerships Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Every successful organization is built on strong partnerships.

In this episode, CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler joins Deputy Director Monte Manson to explore how partnerships make CAL FIRE stronger. From local, federal, tribal, private, and even international partners, learn how CAL FIRE is putting collaboration into practice, bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table, and preparing California for the future.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/918399uoxtbjmg8gjsk3k4egr72v71gt

Reflecting on 2025 and What’s Ahead in 2026 Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew reflect on a few 2025 achievements - from joinCALFIRE.com to the new Fire Innovation Unit to the adoption of maternity uniforms.

We remember Fire Apparatus Engineering Danny Cook and the importance of Employee Support Services and the role of the honor guard during times of celebration and sorrow.

Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 budget and where we're heading in the upcoming year. All that and so much more.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/kb1fn2egascw5ojt7z1t5vhn2851wd7o

Finding a Career with CAL FIRE Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew discuss the wide variety of career opportunities within CAL FIRE, and how the department’s new website, JOINCALFIRE.COM, makes the search and applicationprocess easier for applicants.

Full episode Transcript: https://calfire.box.com/s/m92pkoz8a3qx1nv8auq1z80lqxdxevrn

66-Hour Work Week, Aviation Efforts, Budget Impacts, and More Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew provide important updates on several key topics impacting CAL FIRE:

- Implementation of the 66-Hour Work Week.

- Progress and expansion of our Aviation Program.

- Incident Management Team activations and year-round operations.

- Updates on the State Budget and its effects on CAL FIRE.

- A summary of recent Executive Orders related to wildfire response and mutual aid.

Full episode transcript: https://calfire.box.com/s/vi697x94rlwxabjqxqprxfu6v1ciqm52

Opening Up About Open Enrollment Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson are joined by Human Resources Manager December Brinsfield to break down everything you need to know about Open Enrollment. With more than 12,000 CAL FIRE employees receiving benefits, there's a lot to consider when it comes to making the right choices for you and your family. We’ll cover key dates, deadlines, and how to submit your paperwork to make changes. Plus, we'll walk you through the tools available to see how different benefit options could affect your paycheck. Whether you’re looking to make updates or just want to stay in the loop, this episode has got you covered with all the essentials for a smooth Open Enrollment process. Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/q9iahragw141z0ubppyjmiyh23fwj674

Transforming Tomorrow Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, CAL FIRE’s Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, and Deputy Director Monte Manson discuss CAL FIRE’s soon-to-be-released 2024 Strategic Plan — a comprehensive guide that will shape the future of our department. But what does this plan mean for you as a CAL FIRE employee? Why should it matter to you, whether you’re a first-year Firefighter or the Director of the Department? Join us as we explore how the Strategic Plan isn’t just a document; it’s a call to action. We’ll discuss the pivotal role each one of us plays in driving change and how you can get involved to make an impact on the future of CAL FIRE. Listen now to find out how your efforts today can transform CAL FIRE's tomorrow.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/x2ur215qrtiej3j0hp5s8lh70vkohyzp

A Conversation with the Chief: Stacy Stanish Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

While CAL FIRE is renowned as a world-class fire department, our mission extends far beyond firefighting. In this episode, we dive into the work of CAL FIRE Senior Environmental Scientist Stacy Stanish. Join Chief Joe Tyler and Monte Manson as they chat with Stacy about her role in the Forest Practice Program, the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CAL FIRE's growing number of environmental scientists statewide, and her perspectives on enhancing diversity and inclusion within the Resource Management Program. Join us for this insightful conclusion to our series of episodes celebrating the invaluable contributions of women across our organization. Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/sz7ae2wnyarcqtz66ocz2co16cmz7n68

A Conversation with the Chief: Windy C. Bouldin Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Women's History Month may be over, but our recognition of the countless contributions made by women throughout CAL FIRE continues.

In this episode, Windy C. Bouldin, Deputy Director of the CAL FIRE Office of Program Accountability, sits down with Chief Tyler and Monte Manson. With decades of service to CAL FIRE, Windy shares her wealth of experience and insights as a leader within the administrative side of the department, as well as offering her unique perspectives and observations on being a woman in a leadership role. Windy also shares her passion for her pioneering work on the R.V.E.T.S. (Returning Veterans: Enlisting Their Skills for CAL FIRE Service) program. Through her dedication and vision, R.V.E.T.S. has not only provided opportunities for returning Veterans, Service Members, and their families but has also enriched CAL FIRE with their diverse skills and experiences.

You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation as Windy shares her remarkable journey.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/78zy8gt417jguftiz3gml8xtir2lknwd

A Conversation with the Chief: Shavawn Johnson Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Joining Chief Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson is Fire Captain Paramedic Shavawn Johnson from the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit. Captain Johnson offers a glimpse into her journey which began after a serendipitous encounter with a female firefighter set her on the path to a career of service and sacrifice. In this candid conversation, Captain Johnson not only highlights some of the challenges faced by women in firefighting but also offers valuable perspectives on ways to address and overcome them.

Don't miss this compelling discussion as Fire Captain Paramedic Shavawn Johnson provides insights into the realities, experiences, and triumphs as a member of CAL FIRE's dedicated firefighting team.

Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/i5gxtnks9kq3bksrjl13xf4bu85myov6

Leading the Way to a More Diverse CAL FIRE Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

In recognition of Women's History Month, Chief Tyler and Monte Manson talk with CAL FIRE Deputy Director Serena Ortega. Delving into her 15-year tenure with CAL FIRE, they discuss her deeply-embedded drive to advocate for and support others, and her exceptional leadership in the ongoing development of CAL FIRE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts.

You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with one of the Department's leaders in driving positive change within CAL FIRE's workforce.

Full episode transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/qfzkacwj219ntdmqo37fofoem63t9hy6

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