The IFMA Podcast

Hosted by Robby Dawson

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Latest episode

Feb 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This is a bi-weekly podcast of the International Fire Marshals Association, to enhance communication, share best practices, and promote collaboration among the fire prevention, investigation, and fire code enforcement community. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

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20 recent

February 2, 2026Episode 1930 min

Episode 19: NFPA 715 Fuel Gas Detection with Richard Roberts

Recent incidents of fuel gas leaking into homes and businesses and the resulting fires and explosions has motivated legislatures to take action to monitor for and alert occupants to these hazards. The fuel gas industry saw the need for a new standard that prescribed how to accomplish this goal and NFPA 715 was born. Richard Roberts an Industry Affairs Manager for Honeywell Building Automation and has been involved in the development of NFPA 715 and other documents. He shares his insight into the why and how this standard is developed and what a Fire Marshal should know going forward. You can contact Richard directly at Richard.Roberts@systemsensor.com

December 8, 2025Episode 1822 min

Episode 18: NFPA's Public Education Rising Stars Program

IFMA focuses on three things: Code Enforcement, Fire Investigations, and Public Education. In this episode I'm joined by Kelly Ransdell, Public Education Director for NFPA and an Elizabeth Willi from Palm Harbor Fire/Rescue (FL) who was an NFPA Public Education "Rising Star" at the 2025 NFPA Conference and Expo. If you know of a Rising Star in Fire and Life Safety Public Education, you can nominate them to participate in the 2026 Rising Stars Program. Contact your NFPA Regional Director or email me at IFMA@NFPA.org for more information. If you want to connect with Liz, her Instagram handle is @Liz_onfire.

November 24, 2025Episode 1725 min

Episode 17: NFPA 420 Soon to be Published Standard on Cannabis

NFPA 420 – A new standard addressing the unique hazards and environment associated with cannabis growing and processing is anticipated to be published in 2027. Joining me today with a preview of what that standard may be covering is Johnathan Carl, Senior Application Specialist for Fire Protection with Victaulic. Johnathan's fire service background and passion for fire safety led him to be involved in the standards development process, and shares some of his personal insights about this new standard on the horizon. Get in touch with Johnathan by email at Johnathan.Carl@victaulic.com To see the first draft of the NFPA 420 document go to www.nfpa.org/420 Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

August 19, 2025Episode 1635 min

Episode 16: ATPIQ Quebec, Canada Chapter Highlight

Our newest IFMA Chapter is truly International. From the Provence of Quebec, Canada, the Fire Prevention Technicians Association of Quebec is growing thanks to an innovative approach to getting new fire safety professionals in the game. ATPIQ website: www.atpiq.org Don't Chance Safety Campaign: www.dontchancesafety.org Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

August 4, 2025Episode 1537 min

Episode 15 California Chapters

California has two IFMA Chapters representing the Northern and Southern regions of the state. Joining me today are Nick Otis and Nicole Pasqueira, the Presidents of their respective Chapters. Check out the YouTube video of the California Battery ESS Symposium here – https://www.youtube.com/live/Q1yZFtaykiA www.firepreventionofficers.org is their website. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

July 22, 2025Episode 1429 min

Episode 14: Fire Prevention Week 2025 with Kelly Ransdell

NFPA Public Education Director Kelly Ransdell joins the IFMA Podcast once again with an update to the Steps to Safety Program and big news about the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme – how it came to be and exciting new approaches to fire safety. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

July 7, 2025Episode 1335 min

Episode 13: Mike Whitsell – Iowa IFMA Chapter President

Recently returning from the NFPA Conference and Expo, outgoing Iowa IFMA Chapter President Mike Whitsell talks about some of the legislative issues and succession planning challenges of being a fire marshal. We also discussed the new public awareness campaign "Don't Chance Safety" which was unveiled at the NFPA Conference and Expo just last month. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

April 29, 202437 min

Episode 12: Community Risk Reduction – The New Fire Prevention

Community Risk Reduction entered the fire prevention terminology more than 20 years ago. What's different about CRR? Karen Berard-Reed, Senior Strategist and CRR Lead for NFPA discusses the differences and what local fire safety advocates can use to meet the NFPA 1300 Standard for CRR Planning and Evaluation. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

March 25, 2024Episode 1132 min

Episode 11: Maryland Chapter of the International Fire Marshals Association

The most recent addition to the International Fire Marshals Association is the Maryland Chapter. Scott Custer is their President and joined me in this episode for conversations about the Federal Fire Service and current legislative challenges facing the fire prevention advocates in Maryland. We also discussed the importance and benefits of involvement with IFMA and other international organizations. Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org

February 26, 202416 min

Episode 10: The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas that has been called the silent killer. The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association is working hard in the codes and standards development areas to improve safety in locations where we may be exposed to this poisonous gas. Richard Robers is the Senior Industry Affairs Manager for Honeywell Fire and is an expert in the codes and standards development arena. Learn more about the NCOAA at www.ncoaa.us Any feedback, comments, or questions email IFMA@NFPA.org