What Do You Do When 42% of Your Department Walks Out the Door in Less than 2 Years? (with Chris Polen) Ep|120

What Do You Do When 42% of Your Department Walks Out the Door in Less than 2 Years? (with Chris Polen) Ep|120

Police Chief Chris Polen never thought he would become a Police Chief. In fact, early in his career, he didn’t even think he had what it took to be a police officer. Nearly three decades later, he now leads Vacaville Police Department, where he has spent 26 years rising through the ranks and helping reshape what leadership, culture, and service look like in a modern police organization. In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Polen opens up about the internal battles that shaped his career, including overcoming fears of public speaking and stepping into leadership despite self doubt. We discuss what it really takes to rebuild a department’s culture after losing nearly 42% of your staff in just two years, and how bringing in a Fortune 500 leader helped introduce a new perspective on values, accountability, and behavior. He shares why leadership is about turning words into action, simplifying your mission to create clarity, and reinforcing the behaviors you want to see every single day. From launching a real time information center and embracing technology to improve community safety, to leading through the loss of an officer and staying present for your people, this conversation is about resilience, culture, and never forgetting your why.

The 2025 Potomac River Mid-Air Collision & The Power of Praise When Leading (with John Donnelly) Ep|119

Chief John Donnelly has spent more than three decades with Washington, DC Fire and EMS, leading one of the busiest and most complex departments in the country. From responding to large scale tragedies like the Potomac River mid air collision in 2025 to managing daily operations in a highly visible and politically charged environment, his leadership has been shaped by experience, humility, and a deep commitment to service. His path to becoming Fire Chief was not just about hard work, but about timing, opportunity, and recognizing that no one gets there alone. In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Donnelly shares what it really means to lead through moments you never expected to face. We talk about the importance of debriefing critical incidents like the Potomac River collision, why talking through the trauma you carry helps normalize it, and how having a strong team behind you makes leadership possible. He breaks down the power of simplicity in leadership, why “we’re here to help” can guide even the most complex decisions, and what winning in public safety actually looks like when every call starts with something going wrong. We also discuss recruiting and talent pipelines in DC, why culture and values matter more than incentives, and the importance of recognizing people for doing the right things. From building teams to leading through change, this conversation is about perspective, clarity, and staying grounded in what matters most.

Handling Florida Tax Cuts on Top of Tradition Budget Challenges (with Digna Abello) Ep|118

Chief Digna Abello made history as the first female Fire Chief of Miami Beach Fire, but her journey was anything but paved. From stepping into a traditionally male dominated profession to becoming a trailblazer in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the country, her leadership has been shaped by resilience, humility, and a deep commitment to her people. Leading in a true melting pot like Miami Beach requires constant adaptability, awareness, and an open mindset to serve a global community. In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Abello opens up about the realities of leadership that most people never see. We discuss what it means to be the number one advocate for your firefighters, why safety is an investment and not an expense, and how departments must evolve while still honoring tradition. She shares how Miami Beach attracts firefighters because of its diversity and culture, what it is like leading through financial uncertainty and potential tax cuts in Florida, and the importance of understanding the human dynamic behind every decision you make. From lessons she wishes she knew earlier in her career to the importance of staying grounded in your why as you rise through the ranks, this conversation is about leadership, perspective, and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.

A Second Chance: From Deathbed to Fire Captain and CRACKYL Magazine Founder (with Kory Pearn) Ep|117

Kory Pearn never set out to start a media company. A fire captain with over two decades in the fire service, his journey into building Crackyl Magazine came after a life altering moment that forced him to confront everything he had built. After nearly losing his life to congestive heart failure, Kory found himself questioning his identity, his pace of life, and the sustainability of how he was living. In an instant, everything he had could have been taken away, including the very things he was working so hard to protect. In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Kory shares how that experience reframed everything. We talk about firefighter wellness, why you do not just get lucky in life, and how you must prepare and control what you can before it is too late. He explains the danger of building a life you cannot slow down, why what you are not changing you are choosing, and how dedication without sustainability becomes self destruction disguised as commitment. We also dive into actionable steps for building something on the side while still working in public safety, the importance of curiosity and tenacity, and why you just have to start instead of waiting for the perfect moment. From stoicism and maintaining your why, to managing the balance between work and home life, to even a soft launch of his upcoming book, this conversation is about perspective, discipline, and building a life that can withstand anything, because what you try to avoid may still happen anyway.

What Most Leaders Get Wrong and How to Make It Right (with Steven Locke) Ep|116

Chief Steven Locke has spent nearly four decades in the fire service, rising from a teenager hanging around the firehouse with his father to leading three different departments and serving in national leadership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Along the way, he learned that leadership is less about making every decision and more about empowering others to make them. In this episode of The Chief Exchange, Chief Locke shares what most leaders get wrong about leadership and why every chief must evolve from being a micromanager to empowering their team. We discuss the lessons learned from leading three very different departments, what it feels like to supervise former peers after a promotion, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. Chief Locke also reflects on the power of handwritten notes, thanking the people who helped you along the way, separating work stress from your personal life so you can sleep at night, and recognizing when it is time to step aside and let the next generation lead. From saving today for the you tomorrow to learning how to ease up on the gas pedal and enjoy the journey, this conversation is a powerful reflection on leadership, legacy, and finishing a career by lifting others up.