Podcast
Knox® and friends
Hosted by Knox · EN
Conversations about safety and security issues that may affect homeowners, renters, building owners, and businesses in North America.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Disaster Strikes: Lessons from the UPS Flight 2976 Response at Louisville International Airport
2w ago00:43:48Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the unthinkable becomes reality? On November 4, 2025, UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, creating one of the most significant emergency responses in the airport's history. In this episode of Knox & Friends, Neal Zipser sits down with Josh Grimes, C.M., Chief and Director of Public Safety for the Louisville Airport Authority, to discuss the response from the moment the Alert III notification sounded through the recovery and investigation that followed. Chief Grimes shares: How years of training prepared his team for a real-world disaster The challenges of coordinating a multi-agency emergency response Lessons learned about leadership, preparedness, and resilience The importance of supporting first responders after traumatic incidents How the Knox eLock System helped secure critical evidence while saving an estimated $75,000–$80,000 in overtime costs Whether you're in aviation, fire service, emergency management, or public safety, this episode offers valuable insights into preparing for high-consequence events and leading through crisis. Guest: Josh Grimes, C.M. Chief & Director of Public Safety Louisville Airport Authority
Transcribe →It's Time to Get Past the "It's Not Going to Happen Here" Mindset
Feb 600:30:51Tap to summarizeThe "it's not going to happen here" mindset is a dangerous, complacent attitude in school safety that leads to inadequate security, deferred investments, and, ultimately, vulnerability. Overcoming this barrier requires shifting from reactive to proactive measures, including regular safety audits, staff training, and fostering a culture of alertness rather than fear. In this podcast, Dr. Kevin Eberle, a safety consultant and former COO and school principal from Buffalo, NY, discusses how schools and law enforcement work together to shift their mindset to a more proactive approach to school safety, including ensuring that law enforcement has access when and where they need it most.
Transcribe →Making Inroads: The Female Influence is Stronger Than Ever in the Fire Service
Jan 1200:32:59Tap to summarizeAs the old “fireman” days are now well behind us, the fire service industry continues to seek new ways to recruit and retain female firefighters and to embrace a traditionally underrepresented demographic. Whatever the industry is doing seems to be working, as women are taking leadership roles at an accelerated pace. In this Knox & Friends podcast, two of the leading fire marshals in the U.S. discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist for both current female firefighters and those interested in starting a fire service career.
Transcribe →The Importance of Making Your Voice Heard
Dec 900:34:37Tap to summarizeCommunicating with your local, state, and federal representatives is more important than ever in today’s political environment. Fortunately for the fire service, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) works to educate members of Congress on the needs and challenges facing our nation’s fire and emergency services, helping them understand how federal support impacts local first responders.In this Knox & Friends podcast episode, Michaela Campbell, the new Executive Director of CFSI, shares her insights on how first responders can make their voices heard, the keys to successful advocacy in the nation’s capital, and much more.
Transcribe →The Importance of Defending Codes and Standards
Jul 14, 202500:30:13Tap to summarizeMike Morgan is very involved in the fire industry. From being on the board of the National Association of State Fire Marshals to being heavily engaged with the volunteer firefighting community, Mike still makes time to lead the fire service programs in his home state of Colorado. One thing that currently has him concerned is the attack on model codes and standards. Hear from Mike on this issue, as well as the importance of grooming new leaders, attracting and retaining volunteers, the growth of wildfires, and more in this podcast.
Transcribe →Driving Change Through Leadership
Mar 17, 202500:36:09Tap to summarizeDr. Lori Moore-Merrell recently concluded her tenure as the U.S. Fire Administrator. Over the past four years, she used her position to drive change and advocate fiercely for firefighters. She joins Knox & Friends to discuss how she got into the fire service, where her passion comes from, why NERIS is so important, who she looks up to, what’s next for her, and much more.
Transcribe →NFPA Education Director Brings Passion to New Role
Oct 31, 202400:24:07Tap to summarizeIn this podcast, Kelly Ransdell discusses her plans as NFPA’s new Director of Public Education and where her passion for public education comes from. One of her priorities includes the continuing development of the Steps for Safety program, which pairs fire and EMS professionals with community partners to educate older adults about home fire and fall safety through group presentations and home visits.
Transcribe →A Community-Wide Challenge Led to a Community-Wide Solution
Jun 14, 202400:26:12Tap to summarizeWhat turned out to be a false alarm at a school got local agencies in Columbus (Georgia) talking about delayed access. That led to discussions among various departments, including the fire department, Homeland Security department, police and sheriff departments, and school district. The result was the initiation of a Knox eLock Program throughout Columbus. What could have been a complicated, time-consuming endeavor to get off the ground instead went smoothly. Learn how the program became a partnership and a “no-brainer” in this Knox & Friends podcast.
Transcribe →Firefighting Challenges in Alaska and the Use of Knox Products at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mar 25, 202400:17:58Tap to summarizeKyle Green, fire marshal with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, has spent his entire fire service career in Alaska—and he wouldn’t change a thing. In this podcast, Kyle discusses the unique challenges of fighting fires in Alaska and how the university he works at is facing today’s fire and life safety issues head-on. Kyle also shares his tips on visiting Alaska and what he loves most about the state.
Transcribe →The Important Role of the NFFF Continues Under New CEO Victor Stagnaro
Oct 24, 202300:21:28Tap to summarizeChief Ron Siarnicki recently retired as the Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The reins of the NFFF have been passed to Victor Stagnaro, who joined Knox & Friends to discuss his past involvement with the NFFF, how he plans to fill the "big shoes" left by Ron, the significant role of the NFFF in the fire service industry, the NFFF's launch of the "Expand Your Legacy: Become a Living Kidney Donor" campaign, and much more.
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