The PIO Podcast

Hosted by Robert Tornabene

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Episodes

265

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The PIO Podcast is a leading resource for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) working in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Focused on crisis communications, media relations, and public trust, this podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and interviews with experienced communicators across the public sector. Each episode explores the challenges PIOs face, including managing breaking incidents, navigating social media, combating misinformation, and communicating effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. Whether you are a new PIO or a seasoned public affairs professional, The PIO Podcast provides actionable guidance to strengthen your communication skills and leadership impact. Join a growing network of public safety communicators committed to learning, professional development, and advancing the role of strategic communications in government. To support the podcast or connect with the community, email: thepiopodcast@gmail.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 11, 2026Episode 4240 min

Wildfire Crisis Communications: Lessons from CAL FIRE PIO David Acuña

Send us Fan Mail When a wildfire doubles in size in minutes, how do public information officers keep communities informed without sacrificing accuracy? In this episode of The PIO Podcast , host Robert Tornabene welcomes David Acuña, Battalion Chief and Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE , for a conversation about crisis communications during fast-moving wildfires and major emergencies. David shares how CAL FIRE coordinates public information across California, works with local incident commanders, manages evacuation warnings and orders, and delivers accurate information when conditions change by the minute. The conversation also explores Aware CA , an emergency information platform that helps agencies share verified incident updates, along with the challenges of alert fatigue, confusing terminology, communication outages, and public trust. David also discusses why relationships built before an emergency matter, how agencies can evaluate their communication performance, and why supporting exhausted PIOs matters during extended deployments. Whether you work in law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, or government communications, this episode offers practical lessons you can apply before your next major incident. Topics include: Wildfire communications, evacuation messaging, crisis communication strategies, public information coordination, emergency alerts, media relations, and PIO preparedness. Subscribe to The PIO Podcast for conversations with public information professionals working to strengthen emergency communications and public trust. David's BIO: David Acuña works as a Battalion Chief with CAL FIRE Sacramento Headquarters as a Public Information Officer. Acuña holds Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Public Information Officer (CPC-PIO) designations from the Center for Public Service Excellence. He has been an adjunct instructor at the Fresno City College Fire Academy for 14 years. Acuña has a B.S. in Fire Administration and an M.S. in Fire Executive Leadership-Emergency Services Management, both from Columbia Southern University. He lives in the Central Valley of California, has a daughter, and lives with his wife and very spoiled dog. David's LinkedIn YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thepiopodcast #ThePIOPodcast #CALFIRE #CrisisCommunications #PublicInformationOfficer #EmergencyManagement Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

October 28, 2026Episode 4150 min

The Journey from Journalism to Law Enforcement with Rayna Shipp

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Rayna Shipp, Public Information Officer with the Apache Junction Police Department (AZ), shares her journey from journalism student to police public information officer and highlights the importance of community engagement, effective communication, and empathetic crisis management. Discover practical insights on social media strategy, working with media, and maintaining public trust in law enforcement. Rayna's BIO; Rayna Shipp has served as the Public Safety Information Officer for the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona since December 2022, becoming the department’s first civilian PIO. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public administration, she brings a background outside of traditional law enforcement to the role. Her work covers just about every corner of public safety communications, from high-profile incidents and media relations to social media, video production, recruitment, and community events. As a one-person PIO operation, Rayna has learned to balance the unpredictable demands of the job while finding practical, creative ways to improve how her department communicates with the public. Rayna's LinkedIn Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

October 21, 2026Episode 4047 min

Social Media Strategy for PIOs: Building Public Trust with Brooke Hahn

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: How can public information officers build public trust, improve social media engagement, and maintain authentic communication in an increasingly AI-driven world? In this episode of The PIO Podcast , host Robert Tornabene welcomes Brooke Hahn, CEO of Flockler , to discuss how public safety agencies, local governments, and public sector communicators can rethink their social media strategies to strengthen community relationships. Brooke explains why follower counts don't always translate into meaningful engagement, how user-generated content can strengthen public confidence, and why government websites remain essential sources of trusted information. The conversation also explores the growing challenges of AI-generated images, misinformation, changing social media algorithms, and the importance of maintaining authenticity during crisis communications. Topics covered in this episode include: Building community engagement beyond social media followers Using authentic, user-generated content to strengthen public trust Creating effective social media strategies for police, fire, and emergency management agencies Establishing content moderation and verification safeguards Managing AI-generated content and misinformation during emergencies Making government websites reliable sources of information Measuring meaningful social media engagement instead of vanity metrics Improving digital accessibility and understanding WCAG considerations Developing practical communication strategies for small PIO teams with limited budgets Brooke also shares practical advice for public information officers who want to improve their digital communications without producing more content or increasing their budgets. About the Guest Brooke Hahn is the CEO of Flockler, a platform that helps organizations bring social media and user-generated content together across websites, digital displays, and other communication channels. Brooke's BIO: A true growth operator with extensive experience across crowdsourcing, affiliate programs, and social media aggregation. Brooke is co-founder of the marketing agency Northweather and has worked with global brands including LEGO. With international experience spanning SaaS, marketing, and product, she brings sharp expertise in strategy, execution, and driving results through global cross-functional teams at Flockler. Brooke's Email Brooke's LinkedIn Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

October 14, 2026Episode 391 hr 13 min

Leadership Lessons from a Father-Daughter EMS Team

Send us Fan Mail I n this episode, father-daughter team Brad and Kira Newbury share their journey in EMS education, leadership insights, and innovative approaches to training future public safety professionals. Discover how their organization, NMETC, is transforming emergency medical training and fostering a new generation of leaders. Brad's BIO; Brad Newbury, MPA, NRP is the President and CEO of the National Medical Education & Training Center (NMETC) and the author of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act and The First Responder Advantage . With over 40 years of experience in firefighting and prehospital medicine, Brad has dedicated his life to helping others be ready—and willing—to act when it matters most. A fire captain, paramedic, and educator, Brad has built NMETC into one of the nation’s premier institutions for EMS education. Founded in 2010, the organization has trained thousands of students around the world, empowering the next generation of lifesavers through skill, awareness, and preparedness. Brad also serves with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Fellowship in Disaster Medicine as Associate Director of Prehospital Disaster Operations and speaks nationally and internationally on Fire & EMS leadership, disaster response, and preparedness. Brad Newbury LinkedIn Kiera's BIO: Kiera Newbury, BA, NREMT is an emergency medical professional and emerging author of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act . With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Kiera combines clinical training with a deep appreciation for the human side of emergency medicine. A Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician, Kiera has worked alongside the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Disaster Medicine Fellowship and contributed to projects focused on public awareness, emergency preparedness, and healthcare education. She speaks on healthcare, CPR readiness, and mental health—encouraging individuals and communities to become trained, prepared, and willing to act. Kiera Newbury LinkedIn The Saved Effect on Amazon Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

October 7, 2026Episode 3855 min

First Responder Trauma Study that will save lives with Victorian Simmons

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Victorian Simmons discusses her research on trauma communication patterns among first responders, the impact of repeated trauma exposure, and strategies for improving mental health and communication within emergency services. This episode offers insights for leaders, families, and first responders to foster resilience and support. Victorian's BIO: Victorian Simmons is a nationally recognized public safety communicator known for turning complex information into clear, compelling messages that people can understand, trust, and act on. As the Public Information Officer for the Apex Fire and Police Departments, she leads strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement for two public safety agencies serving one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities. Her work has earned recognition at the local, state, national, and international levels. Victorian was selected as a 2026 National Rising Star by the National Fire Protection Association and received the 2025 Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Award for an innovative project advancing the fire and emergency services. She was also named the 2024 International Rising Star by Women in Fire Safety and earned first place in the 2025 NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards for Best Social Media Single Post. Beyond communicating for public safety agencies, Victorian is helping shape how the profession communicates. She was one of three contributors selected to develop and author Criterion 9E: Public Information for the Center for Public Safety Excellence Agency Accreditation Program, establishing guidance for evaluating fire department communication programs nationwide. Victorian is a North Carolina Type III Public Information Officer and holds both the FEMA Executive Public Information Officer designation and the Commission on Professional Credentialing’s Public Information Officer designation. She has also completed the FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations program. A sought-after speaker and educator, Victorian has presented at conferences across the country on public information, emergency communication, digital strategy, and human-centered messaging. She also teaches public safety communications through the Guilford Technical Community College Fire Academy and advises agencies on social media, website design, and visual storytelling. Victorian holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Keuka College and a master’s degree in business management from Elmira College. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication at Liberty University, where her research examines communication, trauma, and support within the first-responder community. Social Media: Linkedin Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

September 30, 2026Episode 371 hr 8 min

Officer involved Domestic Violence with Bruce Bieber

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Bruce Bieber shares his personal journey from tragedy to advocacy, highlighting the systemic failures in law enforcement's handling of domestic violence cases and proposing best practices to prevent future tragedies. This episode emphasizes the importance of proactive policies, training, and accountability in law enforcement to save lives. Bruce's BIO Bruce Bieber is a national advocate for Police-Perpetrated / Officer-Involved Domestic Violence (PP/OIDV) awareness, prevention, and reform. His advocacy emerged following the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Abigail Rose “Abby” Bieber, in a PP/OIDV murder-suicide on January 29, 2022. Abby’s two older brothers are both law enforcement officers. A retired commercial construction manager, Bruce and his wife, Sarah, spent more than four decades raising their family in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area before relocating to Florida in 2021 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Public service has long been central to the Bieber family, with careers spanning law enforcement, fire and EMS, a US Army combat veteran, and decades of public school teaching. Following Abby’s death, Bruce embarked on an intensive study of PP/OIDV and the organizational, cultural, and systemic factors that can allow warning signs to go unrecognized or unaddressed. What began as a father’s search for answers evolved into a national advocacy effort. He has collaborated with leading researchers, law enforcement professionals, survivors, policy experts, and advocates across the United States to better understand the causes, consequences, and prevention of police perpetrated domestic violence. Today, Bruce speaks nationally about PP/OIDV, using Abby’s story to promote evidence-based reform. His presentations explore offender behavior, warning signs, accountability, agency culture, victim safety, and the critical role of early intervention. He advocates for mandatory PP/OIDV training, comprehensive agency policies, and cultural change within law enforcement organizations. Bruce’s central message is straightforward: if PP/OIDV is predictable, and it is, then the devastation that flows from it is preventable. Through education, advocacy, and reform, he works to honor Abby’s memory while helping agencies, policymakers, and communities prevent future tragedies, save lives, and strengthen public trust. Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

September 23, 2026Episode 3644 min

Mastering Crisis Communication: Lessons from the FBI and Boston Bombing with Jason Pack

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and public information officer, shares insights from his extensive career in law enforcement and crisis communication. He discusses lessons learned from major incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing, the importance of trust and relationships in crisis communication, and how technology and social media are transforming the field. Jason's BIO: Jason Pack is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, former television reporter, and frequent law enforcement and crisis communications analyst for Fox News, CNN, NewsNation, and the BBC. With more than 30 years of experience in public safety, media relations, and emergency response, he has built a unique career spanning journalism, emergency management, law enforcement, and crisis communications. Pack began his career as a firefighter and EMT in East Tennessee before working as a television news reporter and anchor. He later served with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he deployed to major disasters nationwide, including the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the September 11 terrorist attacks. As a FEMA Public Information Officer, he was deployed to Ground Zero in New York City, an experience that inspired him to join the FBI. Following 9/11, Pack served for 20 years as an FBI Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent. During his career, he led communications efforts and supported some of the nation’s most significant crises, including the Boston Marathon bombing, the Pulse Nightclub attack, the Chattanooga military recruiting center shootings, the Nashville Christmas Day bombing, major cyber incidents, child abduction investigations, hostage situations, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. He also served as an FBI crisis negotiator, Acting Legal Attaché, leader of the FBI National Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team, and instructor at the FBI Academy and the FBI National Academy. Today, Pack serves as Communications Director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, overseeing strategic communications for six statewide public safety agencies. He is also CEO of Media Rep Global Strategies, a crisis communications and strategic consulting firm. Pack is the author of the recently published book, The Crisis Code, which shares lessons in leadership, communication, and decision-making drawn from some of the most challenging crises of his career. Jason's LinkedIn Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

September 16, 2026Episode 3533 min

Misinformation AI Threats to Elections with Tim Miller

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Tim Miller from Dataminr discusses the intersection of technology, AI, and public safety, highlighting how real-time threat detection and cybersecurity are evolving to meet modern challenges. We explore wildfire detection, event management during large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup, and best practices for public safety agencies. Tim's BIO: Tim Miller, Dataminr’s Global Field CTO and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist, has nearly two decades of experience helping public sector organizations adopt and leverage emerging technologies. Prior to Dataminr, he held public sector-facing roles at Socrata, IBM, Adobe, and Oracle. Tim's LinkedIn Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

September 9, 2026Episode 341 hr 2 min

Revolutionizing Crisis Communication with AI with Eric Saylors

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric Saylors shares insights on how AI can revolutionize public safety leadership and crisis communication. Discover practical strategies for using AI to enhance messaging, anticipate questions, and improve decision-making during emergencies. Eric's BIO: Eric Saylors is the author of Quantifying a Negative (2015), Sense Making in Risk Assessments (2022), and The 7-Year Active Shooter Study (2026). He is a Fire Chief with over 30 years of experience and holds a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of Southern California. In addition to serving as Product Lead for HEN Technologies, Eric is Fire Chief of the El Cerrito–Kensington Fire Department, having previously spent 25 years with the Sacramento City Fire Department. Over the course of his career, he has served in every rank from firefighter/paramedic to Fire Chief, including engineer, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief. His operational experience includes assignments on ambulances, fire engines, ladder trucks, a Type 1 HazMat team, and a heavy rescue unit. He has responded to and managed a wide range of incidents, including high-rise fires, large commercial fires, wildland-urban interface incidents, basement fires, and balloon-frame construction fires. Prior to joining executive leadership, he served as Battalion Chief 1 in downtown Sacramento, one of the region's busiest operational areas. In addition to his doctorate, Chief Saylors holds two associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree in finance, and a master’s degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. He regularly consults with fire departments nationwide on active shooter response, leadership development, succession planning, and post-incident analysis, and has published more than twenty articles on homeland security and fire service topics. Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

September 2, 2026Episode 3348 min

The Role of Social Media in Modern Law Enforcement: Insights from Rebecca D'Auria

Send us Fan Mail Summary: In this episode of The PIO Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca D’Auria, Public Information Analyst with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, to unpack how one of California’s largest sheriff’s offices approaches social media, crisis communication, and community engagement. Rebecca shares how she got her start in law enforcement communications, why storytelling matters in public safety, and how her team balances planned content with fast-moving breaking incidents. We talk about the shift toward short-form video, the importance of adapting content for different platforms, and why law enforcement agencies should stop treating social media like a press release dump. She also breaks down how audience feedback, analytics, and behind-the-scenes content shape their strategy, as well as how her team handles transparency, legal limits, and the growing role of AI. Her biggest takeaway: don’t post and ghost — social media should be a conversation, not a broadcast. Rebecca's BIO: As the Public Affairs Specialist for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, she manages the department's digital presence, overseeing more than 90 social media accounts. Since joining the team in 2021, she has been dedicated to developing and executing effective social media outreach strategies, ensuring that our digital content resonates with the community and enhances engagement. Her role involves creating and implementing creative content across platforms, analyzing social media trends, and providing valuable insights on analytics to help drive department goals. Rebecca works closely with internal teams to keep them informed of key performance metrics, and my research into emerging digital trends influences how the department's content is presented and received across various platforms. In addition to my work in digital communications, I have a passion for mentoring and training junior communications professionals, helping them build skills in social media management and outreach. Before my current role, I worked as a Staff Writer and Social Media Manager for Behind the Badge, an award-winning news outlet focused on police, fire, and public safety reporting in Southern California. Rebecca's LinkedIn Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.