Behind The Sirens With VFIS & Matt Nolin

In this episode of All Clear we learn about the new series Behind the Sirens, hosted by the VFIS of North Carolina, we dive deep into key issues in fire and emergency services, focusing on leadership, risk management, and the evolving dynamics within the industry. Join Travis and guest Matt Nolan as they discuss the mission and initiatives of VFIS, including the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Program and upcoming podcast episodes. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, gain valuable insights and learn about the resources available to help you lead, protect, and serve with confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Behind the Sirens

00:32 Meet Matt Nolan and VFIS of North Carolina

01:40 The Mission and Vision of VFIS

02:44 Importance of External Voices in Emergency Services

04:08 Upcoming Episodes and Topics

07:49 The Role of VFIS in Supporting Firefighters

11:22 Hot Topics in the Fire Service

13:16 How to Get Involved and Stay Connected

15:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Transcript

 Welcome to All Clear Firefighter Wellness, where we seek ways to improve ourselves and those around us and light our fire within.

 Welcome to Behind the Sirens, the VFIS of North Carolina series, where we dive into leadership, risk management, and key issues shaping fire and emergency services. Whether you're new or a seasoned pro, we've got insights to help you and your crew lead, protect, and serve with confidence.

Welcome to All Clear. I'm Travis and boy, was that a snazzy intro we just had? I've got Matt Nolan with me today. How you doing, Matt? Fantastic, Travis. 

Alright. Happy to be on with you today and, uh, you did a, you're doing a fantastic job, kind of getting us, uh, getting us off the ground here. 

Yeah. Uh, trying to make y'all, uh, move into at least the 20th century to get you up to, uh, up to podcasting.

Um, so, uh, if people look, well, they obviously saw the intro and, uh, behind the sirens. Boy, this is, this is something, uh, that I'm very excited about as a project. I know that you and, and your team have been very, um, very diligent at working up. But first of all, let me tell 'em who you are. You know, they probably see behind you, VFIS of North Carolina.

Um, and if they, if any of our listeners have been to a fire conference in North Carolina in probably the last 20 years, they've probably seen you and Jackie Ireland, Jeff Cash and all kinds of names and faces that they would, but why don't you tell us a little bit about VFIS and what you guys do and, and, and maybe kind of take some of the mystery out of it?

Absolutely. If you've been in the fire service or, uh, emergency services in general in the last 40 years, you, you know, VFIS, North Carolina in our state, Jeff Cash and I are the young guns. Uh, Jeff will appreciate me saying that we're the young guns on the team here. Uh, but, uh, Jackie Ireland, CLO Sanders have, have done a phenomenal job of, uh, supporting emergency services, um, in the state.

We're the leading insurer of the state, but we're also very passionate about behind the sirens, what goes on behind the sirens, um, consultation. Risk management services, um, the whole gamut. Our passion is to make sure that the, uh, the, the fire service and emergency service organizations of our state have the resources they need.

Uh, we really strive for continuous improvement, uh, not only from a training standpoint, but leadership, but which kind springboards into, you know, why behind the sirens. Uh, this is kind of the next step for us in, uh, helping get information out there. Put speakers in front of the fire service, emergency service organizations.

Uh, bring expertise into the state. This is just another way for us to provide resources to the people we love and care for. 

Very good. So, um, do you think that hearing voices outside of your own organization, your, your own fire department, do you think that is important to really get an understanding for what's going on in the world now?

I, I think it's crucial. I think it's crucial. There's so much going on. Um, you know, not even. Just the differences from department to department in a single county, let alone, uh, regionally, let alone from our state. But, uh, there's a lot of smart people in emergency services across this country. Um, so it, it is crucial.

It's, uh, it's one of those things that, um, we, we we're pretty staunch on is making sure that we're, we're listening. Um, there's a lot of people who have a lot of great things to add, uh, and if, if any organization, whether it's emergency services or. Or, uh, risk management. You know, if we're not willing to say we don't know everything, uh, we'd like some input on here.

What can we do to improve? Where can we go to improve and who do we need to listen to? Uh, we've got a problem, right? So it's all about getting better. What's the next step? Uh, what's the next step in our development, whether it be individual as a leader, uh, an administrator, uh, as a young firefighter, uh, or as a line officer.

Um, but that's in, that's important. Hear those outside voices. So we're excited to bring some of those resources in. 

Well, very good. And I know that you have, uh, shared a few of the upcoming episodes and plans that you guys are laying down. Um, who were some of these outside voices that you have, uh, kinda lined up to be coming on?

Absolutely. 

Well, uh, to start with, it's gonna be some inside voices, some internal voices. The, the first episode that we are, uh, we're working on right now, I think is crucial from a timing standpoint. Uh, we're, uh, one of our trusted, loving partners in, uh, North Carolina State Fire Association. Uh, we're going to get together and put together a, uh, a, a podcast or video about the pending changes to the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Program and how it impacts retirees moving forward with some of the legislative changes that, uh, were put through last fall, uh, that expand some coverage for, uh, a much needed class of firefighter.

Those who have served for a long period of time in our state. Um, that were kind of carved out with the initial legislation. We corrected that, or our legislators corrected that. Our, uh, N-C-S-F-A has been great advocates for the fire service in getting some of this stuff pushed through. So, uh, we're excited to sit down and talk about roster management and some of the, the, the details that come with, uh, the legislative pen and how it will impact, um, our firefighter retirees in the cancer program.

Um, some of the outside voices. One of the things we're working on. Uh, that we're gonna record later this fall po potentially at the Safer Conference. So stay tuned for that. Um, we're pitching an idea, just working on getting some younger leaders, some up and coming leaders in the fire service, um, primarily from our state, but also surrounding areas.

Um, if we, if we can find some good input. Uh, I think that's something that a lot of young leaders in the fire service in North Carolina need, uh, to know they're not alone, to know that there are voices out there and their support systems out there for them to, uh, to grow their leadership skills. Uh, develop those skill sets that, uh, oftentimes they're not developed early on, that you don't develop just by getting certifications and, and, uh, getting the curriculum under your belt.

Sometimes you need that experience. And so hearing from people who are actively engaged, actively developing, actively growing maybe a, a few steps ahead of you, um, we thought that would be a good one. Um, we've got an opportunity to bring in, uh, one of our teammates from VFIS out of York, Pennsylvania. Um, we're talking about maybe a risk management, um, style podcast where it's a q and a that'll allow the fire service again, potentially recording at safer a, uh, but we are, uh, we're working on getting the chief actuary, chief underwriter to come down and, uh, talk about what risk management looks like, uh, on the other side of the sirens.

Um, and then we're gonna close out with a fourth podcast toward the end of the year. Um, hopefully some of the q and a, some of the input that we'll have, uh, from the listeners will help guide that one as well. We've got several ideas, uh, but long term we get through 20, 25. Long term would be to have some consistent content put out where we're bringing people from outta state.

We're bringing people to support a lot of what you do, Trav, um, uh, the, the individuals that you're bringing in the expertise. Uh, we really, really like, uh, the All Clear podcast. So. Uh, it's gonna, it's gonna somewhat mirror that, but, and supplement it. Um, more from a leadership development and risk management standpoint, and then programs within the state, hot topics, things that fire chiefs need to know that we can again, um, help our partners, help those in the fire service that are trying to get some information out, be a platform for them as well.

Very good. Now, one of the things that, uh, we do have listeners that are outside of the state of North Carolina. There are people from all over Colorado. California, we, heck, we even got 'em from out of the country. So, uh, just because it says North Carolina doesn't mean there's not something that you can take away from this, but, uh, it will be very North Carolina centric and, uh, you know, that that is our home.

So, uh, don't be surprised if you hear a little bit of specific, uh, topics, but, um, you know, why is an insurance company interested in teaching firefighters this information? Because it seems like y'all. You know, uh, have all these resources that you're willing to share free of charge. Why are you guys willing to do that?

Well, it goes back to our mission, uh, mission first. People always, we want to, we want, uh, we wanna make sure that, that, uh, firefighters and our EMS partners, um, have what they need. So, um, you know, being a, being an insurance provider, uh, that's kind of where things started. But, uh, we're very blessed to be able to operate the way we do.

Uh, because we're, we're a program, we're specifically designed for volunteer fire service, for esos, for emergency service organizations. Um, and it gives us a unique perspective when you look at insurance as a whole, as an industry. So many things, um, or so many carriers are so broad. We're very specific. Um, we know the business, we know the industry.

Um, and unfortunately when you walk into a, a fire department, a singular fire department, you know, oftentimes we have blinders on. We only see the things that affect us. Um, we get to see it all, uh, not only from a a state perspective, we get to see across the state, but we have the leverage of, of an entire country's worth of, of program, uh, specific.

So that's one of the things again, that I think is a, is a tremendous blessing for me coming into the industry, um, somewhat as a second career, uh, is to be able to apply, uh, a, a business philosophy where it truly is, uh, our, our insureds, our family members first. And the business takes care of itself. So, um, it's our way of giving back.

It's our way of paying forward and our way of making sure that, uh, the future's sustainable. 'cause there's a lot of things that impact, um, emergency services right now that, uh, that are outside of the everyday mission of a firefighter or a paramedic. Um, we're, we're coming into an age where, uh, there's a lot of leadership development that needs to take place, um, especially in volunteerism.

Developing, uh, processes and procedures that, uh, the volunteer fire service has, hasn't had to have in the past that, uh, a lot of our larger career oriented departments have gone through. Uh, so being able to compile all of that and have that perspective, that broader perspective, I think is, is pretty valuable.

Yeah, no doubt. Uh, and, and like you said, um, when you're able to give information that will benefit firefighters long term and emergency responders, I. Um, it, it, it truly is important and fulfilling and I'm, I'm gonna tell my VFIS experience. Um, you know, w we run the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Alliance, that's our nonprofit that backs our podcast.

And when North Carolina came out with the, uh, you know, with the cancer initiatives and we, we had the privilege of working with you guys and putting together some best practices, some, uh, training information, but. Anytime I would get a phone call, it's like, Hey, you know, my dad was a firefighter. Um, he, he's been diagnosed.

What do we do? First thing I, you know, I, I, I've even been at conferences and walked people over to you and Jackie to talk about, these are the guys that you need to talk to. They'll get the balls starting and y'all immediately started getting things moving to help them get qualified and find out where they needed to be.

So a lot of heart goes into what you guys are doing as well, so. Um, I am looking forward to working with you guys on this ongoing project, but I, I guess, uh, just to kinda put you on the spot, what would you say are the top three hot topics that we, that we are facing in the fire service right now? 

Um, I think transition, leadership transition.

Um, a lot of the fire service is very legacy driven. There are guys that have been, that have given their lives, guys and gals that have given their lives. Um. And it's a, it's a season of transition from a, a longstanding tradition of leadership to now this younger generation is coming in. So I think that's something that, um, this younger generation has a, uh, has a lot of advantages when it comes to technology.

Technology is a hot topic, um, not only from the standpoint of, you know, uh, computer systems and some of the cool things that are going on there, but also, I mean. Some of the, the apparatus that we're seeing turned out, uh, some of the, some of the things that are, are really making us safer as something that we're really excited about.

And then another hot topic or, um, health related impacts in the fire service for sure. So, you know, you and I are very familiar as far as oncology and, and the fire service, cancer and the fire service. Uh, mental health is gonna be, uh, it is already a big topic, but it's gonna be something that I think we need to continue to focus on.

Continue to Sure. Put resources into. So I think those are the big three. I think the leadership transition, making sure that, uh, we're, we're doing a good job of mentoring and developing young leaders, uh, developing technologies and uh, uh, systems and processes that keep us safe. Uh, and then, uh, our help firefighter, um, EMS help.

Uh, there's a lot of things that, uh, there's a lot of opportunity in, in those areas. 

Well, very good. So those are some of the things that we have to look forward to. And, uh, you know, one of the things that I encourage our listeners to do, and even if they're going back and listening to this, and this is future Travis, talking to past Travis and talking to the past audience.

If you think of something that you wanna learn about, reach out to either me or Matt. His info will be, uh, in our show notes and it'll be on our website, all clear podcast.com, where you can go in and post questions, things that are on your mind, things that you'd like to know. If there's a a point of view that you think that we're representing, let us know.

We'd love to talk to you. Yes. And if you, and go ahead. 

That, that's so important. Travis is a lot of the, uh, a lot of the topical curriculums that, that I put together are derived exactly from that process. It's, it's questions that I get in the field. It's questions I get going in and out of departments, speaking with, uh, rank and file questions.

I get going in and out of departments, speaking with organizations, and we put those blinders on. We think we're the only ones dealing with these problems.

Uh, but that is so important, uh, is, is it's, it's rewarding being able to do it. It's a privilege and an honor to be able to serve that way, but I, we do want to produce content that is important to, to you guys, you know? Oh, oh, it'll be great. It'll 

be fun. We can talk about insurance all day long, but, uh, I'll do it.

Please don't. I used to be in that industry a long time ago. There's a reason I'm not in it anymore. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Yeah. I have lots of insurance jokes, but, you know, uh, it is cool to get to work with you guys at VFIS and like I said, Matt, um, you, you've been around a long time. SO'S Jackie and Jeff and your whole team over there.

Um, so if folks wanna learn how to get a hold of you, if they've got a question. Um, how to file a cancer claim, anything like that. How do they, how do they get ahold of you guys? 

Absolutely, absolutely. Um, our main office is in Raleigh, uh, but the, the easiest way to get to us is electronically, so our website, VFI snc.com.

Uh, not only does that have, uh, a full system of links that take you to exactly where you need to go on the website, whether you're looking for, uh, benefits through N-C-S-F-A or, uh, the North Carolina Cancer Firefighter Cancer Program, all of that there is how it's all housed right there. Including a lot of our training resources as well.

Um, if you need to hook up with Jeff Cash, our training coordinator, um, those links and forms are directly, uh, available on our website. And once you hit submit on any of those forms, they come directly to us. So you're gonna talk to either Jeff, Jackie, or I, um, when, uh, when you hit submit. So we'll, we'll reach out.

Alright, well, awesome. Well, we're looking forward to working with you and like I said, uh, behind the sirens is something you're gonna see more of. And, uh, if you're at Safer or Mid Winter Chiefs or any of those conferences, stop by, see us, see them. We'll all be around and, uh, we look forward to working with you 

guys.

Absolutely. You guys at these conferences, please stop by sis. And, uh, just a quick plug for you. Uh, uh, you said it's a pleasure working for us. It's an honor to work with you guys. So, uh, not only on the all, all Clear podcast, but we love what you guys are doing in North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Alliance.

Uh, this is big stuff and we're, we're glad to be able to. To, uh, support you guys. So thank you 

and we greatly appreciate you guys being our, our title sponsor for this season. So a lot of cool stuff to come, but, uh, you know, thank you, uh, tell Jackie thank you and the whole crew over there. But, uh, as we always say here on our podcast, let your Fire within.

 That's a wrap for this episode of All Clear Firefighter Wellness, your host and producer, Travis McGaha. Thanks you for tuning in. Remember the views and opinions shared by our guests may not always reflect those of the host or the team, but we're all here to spark important conversations for Firefighter Health and Wellness.

All Clear is proudly supported by the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer and Wellness Alliance. If you enjoyed the show, share it with your crew or someone who needs to hear it. Head over to All Clear podcast.com to leave us a message. Catch up on past episodes or treat yourself to our signature. All clear Blend Coffee, your New Morning Hero in a cup.

Thanks for listening. Stay safe out there and we'll catch you next time on All Clear Firefighter Wellness.