Stay ConnectedThis 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
Copyright: © San Bernardino County Fire
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is joined by Ryan in studio and Battalion Chief Jeff Allen, Captain Brian Agrelius, Captain George Tom, and Jeff Alexy to inform, educate, and entertain with updates from across the district.
Battalion Chief Jeff Allen – I-15 Corridor & Dumont Dunes
Chief Allen discusses improvements along the I-15 corridor, including staffing increases at Station 52 and ongoing station remodel work. He also outlines the department’s application for a California OHV Education and Safety Grant to support seasonal staffing at Dumont Dunes and highlights trends in OHV activity.
Captain Brian Agrelius – USAR & IMAS Deadlines
Captain Agrelius explains the Regional Task Force deployment model, recent mobilizations, and the importance of uploading certifications into IMAS before the July 1, 2027 deadline to maintain USAR qualification status.
Captain George Tom – Station 76 & Company Officer Series
Captain Tom provides an update on Station 76 planning, upcoming apparatus deliveries, and the transition to the new State Fire Training Company Officer Series, including key completion deadlines.
Jeff Alexy – Skyebrowse & VR Training
Jeff Alexy shares how Skyebrowse technology is being used to create 3D models of incidents and integrate them into virtual reality environments for training, post-incident review, and future officer testing scenarios.
Closing
The episode concludes with final updates from the studio and the traditional Joke of the Day.
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is in the studio with in studio guest Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Wonders. The team talks about the Drone Volt demo. The episode also includes a Black History Month segment led by Captain Kenny White, covering career milestones, mentorship, representation, and the department’s ongoing efforts to highlight cultures throughout the year.
Drone Volt in the Field
Shawn talks with Grant and William from Drone Volt during a department demo. They share company background, where Drone Volt is based, and where the team is operating globally. The conversation includes an overview of multiple aircraft and use cases, including camera payloads with optical zoom and infrared, heavy lift applications, and an eVTOL platform with longer duration and onboard capabilities.
Captain Kenny White
Shawn calls Captain Kenny White to discuss a recent large incident response, how conditions and expectations can shift quickly, and how previous experience at a location can help guide safer decision making. Kenny also reflects on joining the department in 2005, progressing through the ranks with the support of mentors and peers, and shares perspective during Black History Month on learning that the promotion was a department milestone, the importance of mentorship and representation, and how cultural highlights through the Diversity Committee and social media aim to build connection and encourage future firefighters.
AI Ryan, QR Ryan, Real Ryan and the Joke of the Day
QR Ryan, AI Ryan, and an appearance by Real Ryan close out the show with the Joke of the Day and a rabbit trail about smoked tri-tip and pasta.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
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 District
The 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 Matters
In 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 House
Shawn 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 Inspections
Tom 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 Checks
The 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 Planning
Tom 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 Facility
The 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 Violence
To 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 Episode
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio (and out in the field) to inform, educate, and entertain with Episode 24 of the PIO Podcast—alongside Bobby and Kyle for another round of station talk, real-world interviews, and classic dad-joke chaos.
Studio Updates: Mercury Warnings, Promotions, and a “Secret” Deployment Drill
The crew kicks things off with a strange sight at the Bloomington post office—an official warning to not mail mercury—and the inevitable rabbit hole that follows. From there, Shawn shares department updates including the latest on testing and interviews, solid participation in the captain’s exam process, and a first-of-its-kind surprise drill simulating a California Regional Task Force 6 deployment. Tower 20 gets a shoutout too, with training content getting love from California State training.
MLK Day Reflections & Memphis History
In a thoughtful segment, the guys reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with two standout “did you know?” moments—plus a powerful discussion about visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and how immersive history can change perspective.
In the Field: Captain Justin Weber on Culture, Retention, and Finding Your Place
Shawn catches up with Captain Justin Weber (newly assigned and newly promoted) for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with hilarious rumors—passport theft, last names, and car-washing allegations—and turns into an honest story about upbringing, identity, and why he’s all-in on County Fire. Weber breaks down why retention matters, what makes the department unique, and how treating people like humans (even on probation) is a core part of the culture worth protecting.
Aviation Spotlight: Alpine Rescue Training from the Top of the Tower
Next, Shawn heads to the top of the Richard Sewell training tower with Aviation’s Mike Demoff, who explains the growing, more formalized rescue training program designed to keep crews safe in alpine and mountain environments. Mike shares how the program evolved after a tragic incident, why policy + training matters, and how other agencies are now taking notice and asking to learn from the model.
“This Day in History” & Joke of the Day
The episode wraps with a lighter touch: Guy Fieri’s birthday gets a “firehouse TV” shoutout, followed by some truly committed dad/son acting and a groaner of a joke about trees… being shady.
As always: stay safe, take care of each other, and thanks for listening. 🎙️
Links Mentioned in this EpisodeMLK Speech Kept by Body Guard for Decades News StoryClip from Bobby's Motown Documentary Highlighting the Motown Recording of "I Have a Dream" Speech
Aviation Technical Team Training Video featuring Original Composed Music by Shawn Millerick
We’re back with Episode 15 of the San Bernardino County Fire PIO Podcast!
Host Captain Shawn Millerick and the team continue the mission to inform, educate, and entertain.
Division 2’s Living History
Batallion Chief Mike McClintock drops by with a treasure trove of vintage photos dating back to the late 1800s—including relics from when the city’s fire department began in 1878.
Learn how crews are digitizing and preserving the department’s archives for use in new station foyers, blending old-school pride with modern design.
Hear how the new Station 227 project and a new ladder truck for Station 221 are bringing fresh energy to Division 2.
HR at the Heart of the Fire Service
Crystal Perez, HR Business Partner, joins the show to break down how the county is reimagining human resources—from disciplinary myths to genuine partnership.
Discover how HR now supports succession planning, recruitment, and leadership growth, not just compliance.
Get the inside scoop on the County Wellness Program, complete with on-site massages, healthy lunches, and a focus on whole-employee well-being.
Crystal also shares her leadership paper, “The Kitchen Table as a Command Post,” and explains how she’s learning the unique 24-hour firehouse culture firsthand.
Desert Operations: Fire & Rescue at Dumont Dunes
Battalion Chief Steve Tracy calls in to discuss County Fire’s presence at Dumont Dunes, where tens of thousands of off-road enthusiasts gather each year.
Hear how crews manage medical calls, dust storms, and 50,000 people in the middle of the Mojave.
From burn injuries to air rescues, discover how County Fire keeps order in a scene that one guest calls “Mad Max meets Burning Man.”
Chief Tracy also shares lessons learned about logistics, safety, and training opportunities for younger paramedics.
Division 2’s new truck 221 and upcoming Station 227 mark major growth for the district.
County Fire celebrates digitization of historic archives, preserving more than a century of service history.
HR introduces new wellness initiatives at the Fire Admin building—proving that self-care isn’t just for civilians.
PIO’s Tech Corner explores how data collection and after-action reports help improve future dune deployments—covering staffing, logistics, and how to adapt fire response for a mobile desert city.
Sean: “What do you call a sandstorm at the dunes? Nature’s way of exfoliating your engine.”
Crystal: “And your HR file, if you forget to wear goggles!”
We’re back with Episode 13 of the San Bernardino County Fire PIO Podcast!
Host Captain Shawn Millerick and the team continue the mission to inform, educate, and entertain.
Episode Highlights
Haunted Firehouses and Real Ghost Stories
Bobby recalls filming at the Sharon Tate house.
Rosie shares eerie stories from her family’s past.
The team discusses ghost sightings at Station 9 and Fifth Street.
Engineer Harley Hobbs describes hauntings at his home and travels.
Fire Department Features
SBCoFD members appear on Hearts of Heroes Season 7, Episode 9, “Courage in Caves.”
The team unveils a new podcast studio wall with historical memorabilia.
Tech Corner
A look at the Thermite RS3 firefighting robot, capable of 2,500 GPM and remote operations in hazardous zones.
Joke of the Day
“Why are haunted houses the worst for fire drills? Because the spirits refuse to evacuate.”
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the field and in the studio to inform, educate and entertain with Episode 23 of the PIO Podcast.
Recruitment Roundtable with Captain Andrea Binley
Shawn is joined by Andrea Binley for a deep dive into everything recruitment. Andrea breaks down current and upcoming hiring opportunities, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee (EMT), Nurse Educator, and Ambulance Operator positions. She walks listeners through application windows, key testing and interview dates, recruitment seminars across the county, and the return of hosted CTC written exams. The conversation also covers the new candidate assessment process designed to ensure recruits are physically ready for Tower 21, set to start this September.
Life Around Headquarters: Stories, Laughs, and Mountain Lions
Between meetings and busy hallways, the crew keeps things light with stories from around the district—including an early-morning generator refill under the watchful (imagined) eyes of a mountain lion. Rosie returns to the mic, studio banter ensues, and listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at media interviews, makeup magic, and the everyday chaos that keeps things interesting.
Station Spotlight: Captain Tim Smith at Station 226
Shawn heads to the bay at Station 226 for a wide-ranging conversation with Captain Tim Smith. Tim reflects on his career with the county and city fire departments, staffing changes, future apparatus updates, and his unique background that includes 17 years as a reserve sheriff’s deputy. He also shares insights on aviation, retirement, and advice for new cadets entering the fire service.
Community Shoutouts & Department News
The episode wraps up with kudos to crews involved in a high-profile animal rescue, updates on media coverage, a nod to department history through archival photos, and a reminder of how busy the new year has already become.
“This Day in History” & Joke of the Day
The crew closes things out with a wild historical moment—the Great Molasses Flood of 1919—followed by multilingual fun, questionable accents, and a classic dad joke to send everyone off smiling.
As always: stay safe, take care of each other, and thanks for listening. 🎙️
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Episode 23 Show Notes video
This Day in History - The Great Molasses Flood of 1919
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the field and in the studio to inform, educate and entertain with Episode 22 of the PIO Podcast.
Episode Highlights
Training Division spotlight with Capt. Scott Abraham
Shawn catches up with Scott for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s new in Training: digitizing task books and textbooks, tightening up certification tracking, coordinating state fire training, and building a more organized department training calendar. Scott also breaks down how task books standardize skills across positions and apparatus—and shares what’s coming next, from driver/operator needs (including water tender shortages) to a new Vector Solutions training rollout.
Pipes & Drums: tradition, recruitment, and big events
Scott switches gears as the Pipe Major for the San Bernardino County Fire Pipes & Drums, sharing the band’s history (founded in 2012), how the department and union band support each other, and why they’re actively recruiting—especially new pipers. He explains what it takes to get started (practice chanter, short daily practice), what’s required to audition, how practices ramp up ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, and what it’s like honoring fallen firefighters at the massive Colorado memorial where hundreds of musicians come together.
Tower 20 check-in with Recruit Braeden
Next up, the crew pulls Braeden out of Tower 20 for a real look at academy life: week 12, rapid intervention crew training, and what it’s like coming into the fire service as a career change at 30. He talks about the steep learning curve without a prior fire academy, what he’s enjoyed most (forcible entry and wildland), and how his skateboarding background taught him resilience—pushing through frustration until skills “click.” He also shares practical advice for future applicants: be teachable, put in the work, and build real relationships in the firehouse.
“This Day in History” with Ai Ryan
The episode keeps things light with "This Day in History" fun facts about the Mona Lisa (and a few jokes), Ai Ryan visits the studio after “the real Ryan” moves to Planning, and a musical closeout featuring the 935 band.
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back in the studio and ready to inform, educate and entertain with Episode 21 of the PIO Podcast.
Episode Highlights
Transition to Planning and long term projects
Ryan Beckers shares an update on his move from PIO duties into the Planning Section, discussing what the transition looks like, upcoming projects, and the importance of seeing the big picture beyond day to day operations.
Spark of Love documentary and telling the bigger story
The group reflects on the completed Spark of Love documentary, highlighting the amount of work that goes into the program and how it extends far beyond toy collection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating both the public and department members on how these programs truly function.
PIO perspective during disasters
Ryan explains the Public Information Officer role during major incidents, focusing on balancing accuracy, timing, and responsibility. He talks about staying ahead of information, resisting media pressure to exaggerate, and ensuring the department tells its story honestly and professionally.
Flooding response and damage assessment operations
The conversation shifts to recent flooding impacts in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, and surrounding areas. Curtis Markloff walks through how damage assessment teams operate, what they look for, and how devastation can be both obvious and subtle, especially when water damage affects structures that are still standing.
Understanding damage categories
A detailed breakdown of damage classifications is shared, from superficial damage to destroyed structures. The team explains how inspectors determine percentages, how flooding assessments differ from fire incidents, and why local knowledge of terrain and structures matters.
Damage Inspection Teams explained
The episode offers a behind the scenes look at damage inspection teams, training through Cal Fire, data collection, quality control, and the massive effort involved in scrubbing reports, verifying addresses, and matching photos to properties.
Community interaction and public service
Curtis Markloff talks about interfacing directly with residents during inspections, entering homes when permitted, answering questions, and connecting people with available resources. The public relations aspect of being boots on the ground during recovery is highlighted.
Station support and teamwork
Shout outs go to crews at Station 14 and Station 10 for their support and hospitality during operations, reinforcing how teamwork across stations makes large scale responses possible.
Rose Parade float duties
The episode takes a fun turn as Curtis Markloff shares his unique old man hobby of driving a Rose Parade float. He describes the logistics, overnight operations, limited visibility, teamwork between drivers and spotters, and what it is like being part of one of the worlds most iconic events.
Wrapping up with laughs and reflections
The show closes with more firehouse humor, reflections on teamwork, and appreciation for the people who keep things moving, whether in emergency response, public information, or behind the scenes.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back with Episode 20, this time recording from Fire Station 26 in the mountains near Crestline and Twin Peaks, with firefighter Ryan Lopez and a special call in from Jason “J Mac” McLaughlin to talk about the Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Episode Highlights
Mountain station talk at Station 26
Shawn and Ryan kick things off on a Sunday afternoon at Station 26, mixing humor and real talk about life in the mountains, the station culture, and what makes County Fire unique whether you are in the city or working the hill.
Ryan Lopez from AMR to County Fire
Ryan shares his path from ten years at AMR, including five years as an EMT and years as a medic, to earning his medic license internship at Station 26 and eventually getting picked up by the department. He walks through probation, mentors, and what it meant to department shop until he found the right fit.
Culture probation and why people stay
The conversation digs into probation experiences, comparing different departments and what makes a firefighter become a lifer. Ryan talks about how the people around you shape your growth, and why being surrounded by strong crews makes all the difference.
Tactical Games and competitive shooting
Ryan gives a deep dive into the Tactical Games, an intense CrossFit style athletic competition combined with shooting fundamentals. He explains the community, the grind, traveling across the United States, and why it is the hardest and most addictive competition he has ever done.
What is different about fighting fire in the mountains
Shawn and Ryan break down the realities of mountain operations, long hose stretches, steep terrain, access challenges, multi story homes built into hillsides, exposures, and how fast tactics change when you are working rugged ground. Shawn also highlights Ryan GoPro POV footage that captures what these incidents really look like.
Advice for private ambulance medics looking to level up
Ryan offers honest perspective for anyone working private ambulance who wants the next challenge. Do not get stuck at a low stakes table, seek stimulus, surround yourself with people who sharpen you, and be ready to commit when it is time because this job is a lifetime of learning.
Spark of Love update with Jason “J Mac” McLaughlin
J Mac calls in with a full Spark of Love update, how ABC7 supports departments with materials and promotion, how local fundraising and toy collection works, and how distribution happens across the county. He shares recent events like Film with the Firemen, kids, dinner, a movie, meeting Santa at a fire station, and a community toy giveaway partnered with Amazon complete with activities, food, Santa, and gifts for kids.
Countywide coordinators and the work behind the scenes
J Mac shouts out the division coordinators and teams who keep the program moving year round, emphasizing how much coordination, sorting, pickups, and shopping goes into making Spark of Love happen. Reminder, toys are collected at fire stations up through Christmas Day.
Christmas fun and This Day in History
The episode wraps with a holiday joke, then This Day in History featuring notable Christmas birthdays, Rod Serling from Twilight Zone, Jimmy Buffett, and Annie Lennox, plus a quick holiday story from Shawn about visiting the historic Tam O Shanter pub and closing out with the sounds of carolers.
As always, the episode blends firehouse humor, real world insight, and community spirit, reminding everyone to take care of each other, stay safe, and keep the holidays merry and bright.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
