Don't Risk It! Podcast

Hosted by VFIS

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Episodes

147

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Don't Risk It is designed to help emergency service organizations better protect their responders, equipment and clients by covering a range of safety-related topics. Every other week, host Chris Rodgers, of VFIS Client Risk Solutions, will speak with industry veterans and risk management experts to discuss what crews can do to help limit common ESO exposures. Don't miss a single episode of Don't Risk It! Subscribe today.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 1623 min

Elevate Your Department's Training Program

Could the training in your fire department be more structured, consistent, or effective? In our latest podcast episode, Chris Rodgers from VFIS , and Rodney Foster, Education, Training, and Consulting Specialist from VFIS of Oklahoma and Arkansas , discuss the best strategies to improve training processes in your organization. Listen to hear them talk about: Ways to improve training participation among volunteer firefighters How to prepare lesson plans and objectives for training nights The importance of training record keeping Every department can strengthen its training program—and this episode will help you identify where to start.

August 4, 2026Episode 1517 min

Bridging the Generational Gap in Your ESO

With 5 generations in the workforce today, learning how to effectively engage with different age groups is more important than ever—especially in emergency service organizations (ESOs). For this episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists Blair Tyndall and Megan Carr, and former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, Jake Hoover, join Chris Rodgers to discuss: Challenges of having multiple generations in ESOs Effective communication strategies Benefits of voluntary mentor programs Take less than 16 minutes to learn how your organization can foster better relationships between generations—and ultimately bridge this generational gap.

July 21, 2026Episode 1415 min

Social Media Best Practices for ESOs

Social media has become a powerful communication tool for ESOs—but responsible use across both your organization's accounts and members' personal accounts is essential. In our latest podcast episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers, Dave Bradley, and Blair Tyndall, discuss the benefits and challenges of social media use. Take less than 16 minutes to learn how ESOs can use these platforms effectively, what to include in a social media policy or code of conduct, and how to ensure posts reflect your organization's mission.

July 7, 2026Episode 1313 min

Safe Practices: Divided Highways

Apparatus getting struck by vehicles on divided highways or other high-speed roadways is a leading cause of firefighter injuries—and sometimes even fatalities. Jake Hoover, former VFIS Education Specialist and current Battalion Chief at York Area United Fire and Rescue, joins Chris Rodgers of VFIS to talk about the best practices for responding to calls on these roads. Listen to this episode to hear them discuss: Safe turnaround approaches Acceleration and deceleration on high-speed roadways Blocking traffic with vehicles on the scene of an incident Take less than 14 minutes to learn about safety measures that can help keep your members safe.

June 23, 2026Episode 1215 min

Reducing Risk Through Driver Monitoring Systems

Unsafe driving of emergency vehicles can result in significant risks, such as damage to apparatus and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and other individuals on the road. Deputy Fire Chief Scott Henry joins Chris Rodgers from VFIS to discuss a new driver monitoring system implemented by Southern Area Fire and Emergency Rescue (SAFER) in York, PA. Take 15 minutes to learn how this system operates, what driving factors it monitors, and how the system has encouraged safer driving habits.

June 9, 2026Episode 1117 min

Arson: Youth-Set Fire Prevention, Intervention, & Investigation

In this episode, Fire Chief Bill Wiegman joins the VFIS podcast to talk about how his shared experience as a firefighter and mental health clinician informs his work in youth-set fire prevention, intervention, and investigation. Listen to Chief Wiegman and Chris Rodgers talk about the: Psychology behind these incidents Importance of expertise and compassion Deep need for continued education Take less than 17 minutes to learn more about how you can take a holistic approach to arson prevention in your community.

May 26, 2026Episode 1013 min

Fidelity Best Practices

Fidelity risk refers to the financial loss your emergency service organization could face due to intentional dishonest acts by your members, such as theft, embezzlement, or forgery. Some of the major areas of fidelity risk include: Financial management Fundraising & special events Cybersecurity In our latest podcast episode, VFIS Emergency Services Specialists, Chris Rodgers and Blair Tyndall, discuss simple ways you can better protect your agency against these risks. Take less than 15 minutes to get quick tips you can implement today, like always requiring two signatures on every check—and only signing after it's been completed in full.

May 12, 2026Episode 910 min

Digital Warnings for Approaching Emergency Services Vehicles - HAAS Alerting System

Lives lost. Millions of dollars in damages. Up to four-year production delays for apparatus. These are just some of the potentially devastating costs that your emergency service organization could face because of a vehicle accident. One possible tool to help decrease vehicle crashes are digital alerts that notify the public about approaching emergency services vehicles. In this episode, Darrell Fisher of New Holland EMS joins Chris Rodgers of VFIS to share how their organization utilizes HAAS Alert technology and how they integrated it into their fleet. https://www.haasalert.com/

April 28, 2026Episode 816 min

PTSD in EMS: One Paramedic's Story

EMS personnel face very real threats each day, including the risk of violence. Melanie Kempf of Lancaster EMS joins Chris Rogers from VFIS to share how a seemingly routine call turned into a lifechanging experience. Listen to hear her recall the violent event, how it impacted her mental health, and changes that she helped implement to help future first responders cope with trauma *Sensitive Content Warning: This podcast discusses violence against EMS personnel, including a real-life example.*

April 14, 2026Episode 717 min

Injury Prevention Specialists in Emergency Service

This episode looks at the benefits of an Injury Prevention Specialist in Emergency Services applying athletic trainer concepts to help prevent staff injuries. Specifically, Lancaster EMS in Pennsylvania is a front runner in using an on-staff Injury Prevention Specialist to help reduce workplace injuries and keep the first responders fit for duty. https://www.psatsociety.com/

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