On this episode of Catching Wildfire, join Chief Jeff Johnson, Chief Kim Zagaris, and Chief Brian Fennessy as they discuss how effective leadership in the modern fire service requires a commitment to authenticity, a willingness to embrace technological innovation, and the persistence to overcome systemic resistance to change.

This conversation serves as a powerful mentorship session, capturing wisdom from seasoned fire service leaders. It underscores the idea that while the core mission of firefighting remains, the tools, tactics, and leadership philosophies must evolve. The key takeaway for current and future leaders is the need to balance respect for tradition with an urgent embrace of new technologies and a leadership style founded on humility, persistence, and a deep, service-oriented heart.

Chief Fennessy began his career in 1978 with the US Department of Agriculture's United States Forest Service and the US Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management working as a hotshot crewmember, hotshot/helishot/helitack captain and ultimately crew superintendent.

In 1990, Fennessy joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) and ultimately became Chief of the Department in 2015. One of his many accomplishments while with the SDFD was developing & establishing a multi-mission Fire/Rescue/EMS helicopter program designed to serve the citizens of the City of San Diego and the region.

Chief Fennessy has enjoyed a diversity of executive leadership and management experiences in both the wildland fire and metropolitan fire service communities. He believes that Mission-Driven Culture (MDC) is the future of the fire service and has presented on this topic at a variety of local, state, and national venues.

#catchingwildfire #publicsafety #fire #psbta #firstnet #leadership #wildfire

In this powerful episode of Catching Wildfire, Chief Jeff Johnson is joined by Michael Coad, Head of Product at Sonim Technologies, and Chief Zagaris, retired California State Fire & Rescue Chief. Together, they explore how Sonim’s ultra-rugged mobile devices are transforming wildfire response and public safety communications.

📱 Key Highlights:

The origin and impact of Sonim’s Band 14 FirstNet-enabled devices

Introduction of the XP Pro Thermal with FLIR imaging for hotspot detection and search & rescue

Launch of Mega Connect, a portable 5G high-power hotspot supporting up to 64 devices

Explanation of MegaRange and how it boosts connectivity up to 6x in remote areas

Sonim’s commitment to ruggedness, mission-critical audio, and FirstNet certification

Future innovations: high-power phones, off-cellular comms, satellite support, and AI-enhanced imaging

💡 Whether you're a firefighter, emergency responder, or tech enthusiast, this episode dives deep into the tools that keep first responders connected, safe, and effective—no matter the conditions.

#WildfireResponse #PublicSafety #FirstNet #SonimTechnologies #MegaConnect #ThermalImaging #CatchingWildfirePodcast #EmergencyTech #FirefighterTools #fire

https://www.sonimtech.com/

https://thepsbta.org/catching-wildfire/

During the 2025 Vision Summit, the Catching Wildfire podcast hosted the leaders representing the FirstNet public/private partnership. Chief Kim Zagaris had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet, Built with AT&T, and Jeff Bratcher, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Operations and Chief Technology Officer with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).

This special edition podcast focuses on the origins of the FirstNet technical vision, the interactions and expectations between FirstNet, Built with AT&T and the FirstNet Authority to manage responses to wildfires, how the sustainable FirstNet reinvestment model ensures service and expansion of the network, and future forward actions benefitting public safety.

To learn more about FirstNet, Built with AT&T, please visit www.firstnet.com

To learn more about the FirstNet Authority, please visit www.firstnet.gov

#firstnet #wildfire #psbta #FNA #publicsafety