Fire & Safety Journal Americas Podcast

In this episode of the FSJA Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast, host Duncan J. White is joined by Chief John Pope, Fire Chief of the City of Collins Fire Department in Mississippi, Ron Lemons, Sales Manager at Howe & Howe, a Textron company, and Captain Richard Diede, Los Angeles City Fire Captain and Heavy Equipment Supervisor, to discuss the use of robotic systems in frontline firefighting operations. The conversation focuses on the Thermite RS3, a remotely operated firefighting vehicle designed to support crews in high-risk environments by applying water, moving debris and helping departments manage incidents from a safer distance. Drawing on operational experience from Los Angeles and Collins, the guests discuss how robotics can support firefighter safety, reduce physical strain during long-duration incidents and provide another tactical option at commercial fires, industrial sites and hazardous situations where direct access is limited.

In this episode of the FSJA Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast, host Duncan J. White is joined by Brad Davis, Head of Commercial for North America at Siderise, to discuss the company’s expansion into the US market and its approach to passive fire protection in high-rise buildings. Their conversation examines how fire safety standards have developed alongside modern construction and why building envelope protection remains a key area of focus. Davis outlines how Siderise is working with regulatory bodies, designers and fire services to support safer specification and installation practices. It also looks at the role of in-house testing and research, including the company’s South Wales facility, and how this capability may be extended into North America as part of its long-term growth strategy.

As the volume of weather and risk data continues to explode in today’s AI-driven world, utilities face a growing challenge: turning information into actionable insight. For 20 years, Indji Systems has helped electric system operators cut through the noise with Indji Watch—using patented modeling to track real-world threats like wildfires and lightning as they interact with power lines and other critical assets. By focusing on asset-specific impacts rather than generic data, Indji delivers the precise situational awareness utilities need to protect infrastructure, improve safety, and make confident operational decisions.

Chris Robbins, CTO and Kindra Foley, Director of Marketing, explore how carcinogens, PAHs, heavy metals and biological contaminants become embedded deep within PPE—and why traditional water-based washing alone often falls short in removing these hazards. We will break down the science behind contamination and explain how liquid CO₂ (LCO₂) decontamination works differently than water wash.

In this edition of FSJA’s Leaders in Fire and Safety Podcast, Assistant Editor Isabelle Crow speaks with Ralph DioGuardi, Pavion’s Division President of its Fire Business Unit about the importance of creating a fire defense strategy that aligns with unique business requirements and standards. Ralph spotlights the impact of mass notification and offers advice on what sets one fire protection strategy apart from the rest. 

In this premiere episode of the FSJA Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast, Managing Editor Duncan J. White sits down with Rory Russell, President of Acquisition and Funding Services (AFS), to unpack the complex world of mergers and acquisitions in the fire and security industry. With over 30 years of experience, Rory shares his journey from regional telecom leader to boutique M&A broker, highlighting what makes the fire and life safety sector so attractive to private equity. He outlines the full sales process – from financial prep to buyer matchmaking – while stressing the importance of culture, confidentiality and continuity for staff. Listen to hear Rory’s insight into what makes a company “sale-ready,” how deals are structured and why now may be the most opportune time to sell. If you're a business owner contemplating your next step, this conversation provides a clear-eyed look at how to exit on your terms – with both value and legacy intact.