By: Tracy McElvaney, National Sales Director
To round out our 2025 calendar year, the Emergent team had the pleasure of engaging with Chief Dustin Morrow of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue to learn directly from his experiences around adopting new technologies in the fire service along with the opportunities he sees on the horizon. After an insightful discussion, a few key pieces have stuck with me.
Fire departments play an essential role in protecting lives and property. However, even when they adhere to established Standards of Cover, benchmarks, and KPIs, suboptimal outcomes can still occur. Two critical areas that demand innovative solutions include leveraging better data to improve decision-making and finding effective ways to support the health and wellness of front-line staff and leadership.
The Need for Better Data: Moving Beyond Traditional Metrics
Many fire departments implement rigorous strategies around Standards of Cover, performance benchmarks, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While these frameworks are invaluable for tracking progress and setting operational goals, they don’t always tell the whole story. Negative outcomes can still arise due to complex, real-world variables that traditional data alone may miss.
To better understand what contributes to negative outcomes, fire departments need to embrace advanced, high-quality data sources such as:
- Telematics Data: Advanced telematics on specialized apparatus used by Fire Departments can provide real-time data extending beyond traditional driving behaviors, routing and mechanical areas of focus. New sensing and instrumentation focused on pumps, aerials and environmental conditions, for example, could provide information on effectiveness of tactics and approach to complex responses. By analyzing this information, departments can optimize their deployment strategies and improve the management of critical variables during emergencies.
- Occupancy Data: Knowing the current and historical occupancy patterns of buildings within the context of the incident management system allows departments to anticipate risks and make more informed decisions when responding to emergencies.
- Pre-Plans and Inspections: Building floor plans, usage and interior contents evolve over time, as well as interior contents like hazardous materials and systems. Pre-incident plans and inspection data create a comprehensive picture of building layouts, fire hazards, and access points. Integrating this information with telematics and occupancy data enables first responders to act quickly and efficiently.
At Emergent, we understand the power of these data sets when they work in unison. Our solutions bring together telematics, occupancy insights, pre-plans, and inspection reports to act as force multipliers. By delivering this integrated data directly to decision-makers, we empower agencies to identify gaps in response efficiency, address recurring challenges that lead to bad outcomes, and improve resource allocation and preparedness for future incidents.
The result? Faster response times, better decision-making under pressure, and improved outcomes for both the community and first responders.
Prioritizing Health and Wellness for Firefighters
Firefighters face some of the most demanding physical and mental challenges of any profession. Long shifts, exposure to high-stress environments, and the physical rigors of their work can take a serious toll. Ensuring the health and wellness of fire department personnel is not just a moral obligation—it’s vital to operational readiness and longevity.
Departments are increasingly recognizing the need for technology-driven solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily operations to support firefighter well-being. Key innovations include:
- Customizable Checklists: Firefighters thrive on structure and routine. By tailoring checklists to include wellness-focused tasks—like hydration reminders, mental health check-ins, and post-shift recovery protocols—departments can promote healthier habits without disrupting workflows.
- Health Monitoring Tools: Emerging technologies, such as wearable devices, allow departments to monitor vital metrics like heart rate, fatigue, and exposure to hazardous conditions while respecting and protecting the privacy of the individual as well as the security and accessibility of the data. These insights can help identify early warning signs and prevent burnout or injury.
- Mental Health Resources: Integrating mental health support into operations, whether through apps, counseling services, or peer support programs, creates an environment where firefighters feel encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being.
When firefighter well-being improves, so does team performance, resilience, and retention.
Emergent: Your Partner in Public Safety Innovation
At Emergent, we’re passionate about helping Fire Departments leverage advanced data and technology to achieve better outcomes. Whether it’s through advancing integrated telematics technology, enhancing pre-plans and inspections, or tailoring wellness checklists, our solutions are designed to address the most pressing challenges in modern firefighting. Fire departments don’t have to settle for suboptimal outcomes. With the right tools, data, and support, they can elevate their performance, protect their personnel, and better serve their communities.
The challenges fire departments face are complex, but the solutions don’t have to be. By embracing advanced data systems and prioritizing firefighter wellness, departments can make meaningful, lasting improvements. We’re here to support those efforts every step of the way. Together, we can drive innovation, improve operations, and ensure the well-being of those who keep our communities safe. If your department is ready to take the next step toward better outcomes, reach out for a demo today.
