#20 – The Fire We Don’t See: Inside the Fire Service’s Expectation Gap

Oct 21, 2025

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Not every fire is visible. In this episode of The Clear Voice, host James Groom is joined by Associate Vice President and retired Fire Chief Danny Kistner to explore the unseen pressures inside today’s fire departments. Together they examine the growing gap between community expectations and operational realities, from staffing shortages and training limitations to shifting public perceptions about what fire service looks like in modern cities.

Chief Kistner shares lessons from his decades of leadership, offering insight into how communication, education, and transparency can help departments and communities better understand one another. The conversation also highlights the importance of realistic expectations, sustainable staffing models, and community engagement in building safer, stronger cities.

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Produced by Clear Career Professionals

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