The Smart Firefighting Technology Revolution
This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Kevin Sofen for a podcast conversation that cut through a lot of the noise around technology in the fire service. Kevin’s path is anything but conventional. He started at Darley, a 117-year-old Midwest manufacturing powerhouse that’s a household name in the fire service, but from day one, it was clear he wasn’t going to fit any mold. If you’d met him back then, you’d have seen what I did: someone who would approach the job and the industry a little differently.
Kevin’s journey has taken him from early experiments with drones for firefighting and public safety to pioneering work on virtual reality training tools. These aren’t just shiny toys; they’re about giving firefighters realistic, safe environments to build skills that save lives. One insight from our conversation really stuck with me: “Successful tech adoption in the fire service depends on making technology operationally relevant to firefighters and ensuring measurable ROI for taxpayer investments.” That’s not just a soundbite, it’s a north star for anyone trying to move the needle in this space.
Too often, technologists pitch the latest tool or app to firefighters without understanding what actually matters on the ground. Kevin’s advice is refreshingly direct: if you want technology to stick, make it matter to the people using it, and prove its value. That’s a lesson every tech company and public agency should take to heart.
As someone who grew up in the fire service, I’ve heard the old joke about “100 years of tradition unimpeded by progress” more times than I can count. But the truth is, the tide is turning. There’s a growing appetite for new tools and innovation, so long as it’s balanced with the traditions that define the fire service.
AI in the Fire Service: Hype or Here to Stay?
No conversation with me would be complete without touching on AI. While AI and large language models are still in their early days in the fire service, they’re already making an impact. Most applications are straightforward but meaningful. For example, AI-powered radio transcription is streamlining post-incident reporting, saving time and hassle every day. There’s real potential to use AI for report generation by tapping into data from CAD systems, RMS, body-worn cameras, drones, and sensors, turning a mountain of information into actionable insights. Departments are even using AI to translate press releases into multiple languages, making emergency communications faster and more accessible.
Cloud-Based SaaS: The New Normal
Kevin and I also talked about the shift to software-as-a-service and subscription models. The days of on-premise systems are fading fast, replaced by SaaS solutions that are cost-effective and always up to date. Reliable wireless broadband like FirstNet means first responders can count on connectivity when it matters most. And with the rise of fractional CTOs and CIOs, even smaller departments can navigate procurement and licensing with confidence. The key for leadership? Clearly communicate the value of new technology, using both hard data and real-world stories, to city councils, boards, and commissions to secure the support and budget needed for innovation.
Drones: From Novelty to Necessity
Finally, we dove into the evolution of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. Drones have moved from “nice-to-have” to essential across fire, police, and EMS. Drones don’t replace people, they are about making teams more effective, improving safety, and allocating resources where they’re needed most. Drones reduce unnecessary large-scale responses and improve outcomes for real emergencies. With third-party drone service providers now in the mix, departments can expand capabilities without needing in-house experts.
If you want the full conversation, check out the podcast here. It’s worth a listen on your next drive or workout.
Find Kevin’s podcast and more at https://www.smartfirefighting.com and on X and Instagram.
