Chief Dan Munsey will kick off FireFusion with a look at how fire departments should collaborate to become part of the next generation of Smart Cities. Through the integration of information and communication technology and the Internet of Things into city infrastructure and services, communities can access and share critical data, live situational awareness and more between agencies. The fire service has, in parallel, started its transition into a new "smart" era of integrated data analytics with the use of AI, common operating platforms, and robotics. Munsey will illustrate why NOW is the time to start working within your communities to design a Smart City roadmap that is inclusive to the fire service and recognizes our unique and innovational needs.

ABOUT DAN MUNSEY:

Fire Chief Dan Munsey has been active in the fire service for over 28 years, rising through the ranks of the County of San Bernardino Fire Protection District from firefighter-paramedic to fire chief.  Chief Munsey is a Center for Public Excellence, Chief Fire Officer, is a National Fire Academy  Executive Fire Officer, possess a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University, is a graduate of the California Special Districts Leadership Academy, and holds a California State Fire Training Chief Officer Certificate.
 
In addition to Chief Munsey’s service to San Bernardino County, he is a past-chair of the California Fire Chiefs Association Operations Section and has served since 2019 as the chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council. He is the Fire District’s South director on the FIRESCOPE board of directors, the vice-president of the California Metro Fire Chiefs Association, and the vice-president of the San Bernardino County Fire Chief's Association. Chief Munsey believes strongly in collaboration with allied stakeholders that results in synergy to achieve better public safety outcomes.  Of particular interest is emerging technologies and the efficiencies it brings to public safety.

Chief (ret.) John Oates will close out FireFusion 2025 with a discussion on how today's wearables can take a leading role in firefighter health and wellness and it's something most everyone has access to today using their smart watch. Wearable technology, from watches to bands and glasses, has seeped into our lives outside the fire service and Oates will show how you can inject them into the firehouse and better understand the data that can be captured. From the use of the everyday device, Oates will help attendees conceptualize how wearables can improve fireground operations today and into the future during this fast-paced discussion of today and the future to ensure progress is top of mind.

ABOUT JOHN OATES:

John Oates is the president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute, the fire service’s leader in data and analytics. As CEO, he is responsible for growth, adoption, and continuous improvement of the NFORS Analytics, Exposure Tracker and FireCARES programs.   Prior to being appointed I-PSDI CEO in November 2021, Oates served as chief of the East Hartford, CT, Fire Department for 13 years. Prior to that, he served in West Hartford, CT, for 20 years, reaching the rank of battalion chief. Oates has a BS from Franklin Pierce University, an MS from Oklahoma State University, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and holds numerous professional certifications. He has been an Advocate for the NFFF’s Everyone Goes Home Program since the inception of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. He serves the First Responder Center for Excellence as a member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee. Oates serves as a member of the NFPA 3000 Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Technical Committee and the Technical Committee for Safety at Motorsports Venues (NFPA 610) where he served as chairman from 2005 until 2016.