In this episode of This Is Not a Test, we sit down with Chief Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief of the Ann Arbor Fire Department, to discuss the unique challenges of protecting a city that revolves around a world-class university, a massive hospital system, and the largest college football stadium in America.

Mike Kennedy is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and the Chief of the City of Ann Arbor (MI) Fire Department. He is a Centers for Public Safety Excellence Chief Fire Officer and a professional emergency manager. His expertise in large event planning and emergency operations for stadiums and downtown districts makes him uniquely qualified to handle the high-risk, high-profile challenges of managing emergency services in Ann Arbor.

Chief Kennedy shares his journey into the fire service, the evolving demands of emergency management in a rapidly growing city, and the unexpected hurdles that come with being the first line of defense in a place where population surges by over 100,000 people on game days. From tackling high-rise fires in a city historically built for single-family homes to managing emergencies at Michigan Stadium, a venue that holds more than 109,000 fans at full capacity, Chief Kennedy walks us through what it takes to plan, prepare, and respond when every second counts.

He also delves into the future of fire and emergency services, including air monitoring for chemical threats, the increasing role of drones in public safety, and the ongoing staffing and budget battles facing fire departments nationwide. And, of course, he shares stories of leadership, resilience, and the lessons learned from his decades in the fire service.

When you call 911, firefighters are the quickest form of government response—three numbers, one question: Where are you? Chief Kennedy and his team don’t have the luxury of time, and in this conversation, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how a modern fire department operates under pressure.

Tune in as we break down big challenges, big decisions, and the big house in Ann Arbor.

The podcast "Situational Awareness: Put Your Phone Down" explores the importance of being consciously aware of your surroundings to identify risks, make quick decisions, and improve safety in various environments, including healthcare and emergency response. The hosts and guests emphasize the power of recognizing auditory and visual cues, avoiding distractions like mobile devices, and using tools such as "the power of hello" to identify individuals who may need assistance or pose a potential threat. Through real-life stories from law enforcement and fire services, they highlight how situational awareness combines past experiences, present observations, and future predictions to inform actions in high-pressure scenarios. Ultimately, the episode stresses that situational awareness is not only a skill but a mindset that can enhance safety, response, and preparedness in daily life and emergencies.

The podcast "Run, Hide, Fight... Well, Sort Of" breaks down the traditional active shooter response method, offering practical strategies to improve survivability in crisis situations. The hosts emphasize that "Run" means escaping with a plan, "Hide" involves proactive barricading rather than passive concealment, and "Fight" focuses on defending yourself as a last resort using improvised weapons and teamwork. They stress the importance of mental preparation, situational awareness, and disrupting the attacker's actions to gain critical seconds. By rehearsing responses and developing a survival mindset, individuals can overcome fear, make quicker decisions, and increase their chances of survival during active threats. The podcast highlights that preparedness, training, and experience—real or simulated—are key to navigating these high-stress scenarios.

The podcast "Survivor's Mindset" explores the mental and emotional skills needed to stay resilient and act decisively in high-stress or life-threatening situations. It emphasizes techniques like combat breathing to manage stress, avoid mental shutdown, and maintain focus. Through real-life examples, such as the Columbine and Virginia Tech incidents, the hosts illustrate the power of mental preparation and resilience. They highlight the importance of continuous learning, situational awareness, and having a plan to overcome denial and take action. The podcast ultimately teaches that a survivor's mindset is a critical life skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

The podcast "See Something, Say Something" emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive communication in identifying and mitigating potential threats, particularly in healthcare and community settings. The hosts discuss how situational awareness and trusting one's instincts—like noticing unusual behavior or out-of-place objects—can help prevent dangerous situations, including active shooter incidents. Through real-life examples, they stress the significance of reporting concerns, no matter how small, and overcoming the bystander effect to ensure timely action. The episode also highlights how these skills extend beyond the workplace, offering valuable tools for personal safety and preparedness in everyday life. Ultimately, it reinforces that awareness and communication are key components of a safer environment.

This is Not a Test.

Step into the unpredictable world of emergency management with MUSC Health's first-ever Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness Podcast. Hosted by Erik Modrzynski, Ambulatory Emergency Manager, and Bryan Wood, Lieutenant in Public Safety and University Emergency Manager, this podcast is designed for your busy life—arming you with the skills and knowledge you need when faced with uncertainty.

From building a crisis-ready culture to tackling real-life scenarios like workplace violence and critical incidents, this teaser gives you a raw glimpse into the high-stakes world of disaster preparedness. Because when the unexpected happens, teamwork is dreamwork.

This is not just another podcast. This is Not a Test. Prepare your mindset.