Metro Leaders Join NFPA Podcast Discussion on the Future Needs of the Fire Service
Boston, MA (January 2026) Metro President Chief John Butler and IAFC President Chief Trisha Wolford recently joined NFPA’s podcast for a national discussion on the Sixth Needs assessment of the U.S. Fire Service — a major research initiative conducted every five years to evaluate the challenges, capabilities, and resource needs of fire departments across the country.
Hosted by NFPA’s Jesse Roman and featuring the NFPA’s Director of Research Birgitte Messerschmidt, the conversation explored many of the pressing issues impacting today’s fire service, including increasing EMS call volumes, firefighter burnout, recruitment and retention challenges, lithium-ion battery incidents, and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The discussion reinforced the important role Metro leaders continue to play in advancing national dialogue, research, and advocacy to strengthen firefighter safety, operational readiness, and community resilience.
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/podcasts/assessing-us-fire-service-needs
Since 1965, the Metro Chiefs has proudly represented the world’s leading fire and emergency service professionals, uniting leaders from metropolitan areas worldwide to address the complex challenges faced by large urban area departments.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Latest posts by Metro Fire Chiefs (see all)
Since 1965, the Metro Chiefs has proudly represented the world’s leading fire and emergency service professionals, uniting leaders from metropolitan areas worldwide to address the complex challenges faced by large urban area departments.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Through partnerships with the IAFC and NFPA, the Metro Fire Chiefs work closely with industry-leading universities, research organizations, and training partners. Together, we support innovation by applying the latest science, technology, and data to the evolving needs of urban fire services, fostering safer, more resilient communities worldwide.
Latest posts by Metro Fire Chiefs (see all)