About CAL FIRE Presents: Five Points with the Chief
Hosted by Monte Manson (Deputy Director of the Professional Standards Program) this podcast offers a deep dive into the world of CAL FIRE. Join us as we sit down with CAL FIRE Director & Fire Chief Joe Tyler to explore the most pertinent issues facing our department today.
In each episode, we take on five questions that shed light on CAL FIRE's mission, challenges & vision for the future. Chief Tyler's candid insights & expertise provide a behind-the-scenes look at the critical work of our dedicated professionals. Join us as we tackle the issues that matter most, five questions at a time.
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson discuss how diverse partnerships strengthen CAL FIRE's preparedness and innovation for California's future in this interview.
12 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Reflecting on 2025 and What’s Ahead in 2026
Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew review CAL FIRE's 2025 achievements, honor fallen members, and examine the 2026 budget, providing insight into the department's future direction.
8 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT
Finding a Career with CAL FIRE
Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew explore diverse CAL FIRE career paths and the simplified application process on their new website.
9 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
66-Hour Work Week, Aviation Efforts, Budget Impacts, and More
Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anele Burlew discuss CAL FIRE's 66-hour work week implementation, aviation program expansion, budget impacts, and executive orders related to wildfire response in this informative update.
13 Sept 2024TRANSCRIPT
Opening Up About Open Enrollment
In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson are joined by Human Resources Manager December Brinsfield to break down everything you need to know about Open Enrollment. With more than 12,000 CAL FIRE employees receiving benefits, there's a lot to consider when it comes to making the right choices for you and your family.
We’ll cover key dates, deadlines, and how to submit your paperwork to make changes. Plus, we'll walk you through the tools available to see how different benefit options could affect your paycheck. Whether you’re looking to make updates or just want to stay in the loop, this episode has got you covered with all the essentials for a smooth Open Enrollment process.
Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/q9iahragw141z0ubppyjmiyh23fwj674
3 Sept 2024TRANSCRIPT
Transforming Tomorrow
In this episode, CAL FIRE’s Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, and Deputy Director Monte Manson discuss CAL FIRE’s soon-to-be-released 2024 Strategic Plan — a comprehensive guide that will shape the future of our department. But what does this plan mean for you as a CAL FIRE employee? Why should it matter to you, whether you’re a first-year Firefighter or the Director of the Department?
Join us as we explore how the Strategic Plan isn’t just a document; it’s a call to action. We’ll discuss the pivotal role each one of us plays in driving change and how you can get involved to make an impact on the future of CAL FIRE. Listen now to find out how your efforts today can transform CAL FIRE's tomorrow.
Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/x2ur215qrtiej3j0hp5s8lh70vkohyzp
4 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT
A Conversation with the Chief: Stacy Stanish
While CAL FIRE is renowned as a world-class fire department, our mission extends far beyond firefighting.
In this episode, we dive into the work of CAL FIRE Senior Environmental Scientist Stacy Stanish. Join Chief Joe Tyler and Monte Manson as they chat with Stacy about her role in the Forest Practice Program, the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CAL FIRE's growing number of environmental scientists statewide, and her perspectives on enhancing diversity and inclusion within the Resource Management Program.
Join us for this insightful conclusion to our series of episodes celebrating the invaluable contributions of women across our organization.
Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/sz7ae2wnyarcqtz66ocz2co16cmz7n68
1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT
A Conversation with the Chief: Windy C. Bouldin
Women's History Month may be over, but our recognition of the countless contributions made by women throughout CAL FIRE continues.
In this episode, Windy C. Bouldin, Deputy Director of the CAL FIRE Office of Program Accountability, sits down with Chief Tyler and Monte Manson. With decades of service to CAL FIRE, Windy shares her wealth of experience and insights as a leader within the administrative side of the department, as well as offering her unique perspectives and observations on being a woman in a leadership role. Windy also shares her passion for her pioneering work on the R.V.E.T.S. (Returning Veterans: Enlisting Their Skills for CAL FIRE Service) program. Through her dedication and vision, R.V.E.T.S. has not only provided opportunities for returning Veterans, Service Members, and their families but has also enriched CAL FIRE with their diverse skills and experiences.
You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation as Windy shares her remarkable journey.
Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/78zy8gt417jguftiz3gml8xtir2lknwd
28 Mar 2024TRANSCRIPT
A Conversation with the Chief: Shavawn Johnson
Joining Chief Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson is Fire Captain Paramedic Shavawn Johnson from the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit. Captain Johnson offers a glimpse into her journey which began after a serendipitous encounter with a female firefighter set her on the path to a career of service and sacrifice. In this candid conversation, Captain Johnson not only highlights some of the challenges faced by women in firefighting but also offers valuable perspectives on ways to address and overcome them.
Don't miss this compelling discussion as Fire Captain Paramedic Shavawn Johnson provides insights into the realities, experiences, and triumphs as a member of CAL FIRE's dedicated firefighting team.
Full transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/i5gxtnks9kq3bksrjl13xf4bu85myov6
25 Mar 2024TRANSCRIPT
Leading the Way to a More Diverse CAL FIRE
In recognition of Women's History Month, Chief Tyler and Monte Manson talk with CAL FIRE Deputy Director Serena Ortega. Delving into her 15-year tenure with CAL FIRE, they discuss her deeply-embedded drive to advocate for and support others, and her exceptional leadership in the ongoing development of CAL FIRE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts.
You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with one of the Department's leaders in driving positive change within CAL FIRE's workforce.
Full episode transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/qfzkacwj219ntdmqo37fofoem63t9hy6
29 Jan 2024TRANSCRIPT
Bonus Episode: The History of CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program
In this special bonus episode, Chiefs Tyler and Sjolund take a deep dive into the remarkable history of CAL FIRE's Aviation Program.
Learn about the pivotal moments that laid the foundation for what would become a world-renowned program. Discover the evolution of CAL FIRE's aviation capabilities, tracing the trajectory of technological advancements and strategic innovations that have propelled the program to the forefront of firefighting excellence.
The story of CAL FIRE's Aviation Program is one of continuous adaptation and unwavering dedication to protecting communities and landscapes.
Full episode transcript: https://calfire.box.com/s/0ndvvudkjkqqfgdji6aitdzytk4wvrs4
22 Jan 2024TRANSCRIPT
CAL FIRE's Aerial Firefighting Legacy & Future
We take a deep dive into CAL FIRE's globally acclaimed aviation program. With the largest civil fleet of aerial firefighting equipment on the planet, this program has been a beacon of hope in times of wildfire crises.
Chief Tyler and Chief Sjolund reveal how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of aerial firefighting. From training simulators to a well-established drone program we'll uncover how innovation is making our skies safer and our firefighting efforts more effective.
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on the present and exciting future of CAL FIRE's aviation program. Whether you're a fire enthusiast or simply curious about aerial firefighting this episode is not to be missed!
Full episode transcript available: https://calfire.box.com/s/3rba6q9rjw7dmnl4xen2wm6qzmpq0flc
9 Oct 2023
Shaping the Future
Chief Tyler takes us on a journey into the inner workings of the department as we embark on the development of the 2024 Strategic Plan. Chief Tyler emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring that employees' voices are not only heard but actively integrated at all levels of the organization.
Throughout the episode, Chief Tyler reflects on the accomplishments and milestones achieved through the 2019 Strategic Plan, offering a glimpse into the department's past successes. However, the discussion doesn't stop there; Chief Tyler candidly shares his perspective on the challenges that lie ahead.
Join us for a compelling conversation that highlights the significance of collaboration, transparency, and employee engagement in shaping the future of this dynamic organization. Whether you're a member of the department or simply interested in effective strategic planning, this episode provides valuable insights and food for thought on fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
Full transcript available at: https://calfire.box.com/s/9uahk9vswhuigp6ees9n4vmtttgbem79
11 Sept 2023
The First Five Points
In this engaging and insightful podcast episode, hosted by Monte Manson, the Deputy Director of the Professional Standard Program, listeners are granted an exclusive glimpse into the world of CAL FIRE. Monte Manson sits down with CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, to explore the motivations behind the department's podcast, reflect on Chief Tyler's impactful first year and a half in his dual roles, and dive into the successes and challenges that have marked his tenure.
Chief Tyler shares candidly about the issues that keep him awake at night, drawing attention to the pressing concerns that shape CAL FIRE's operations and its commitment to safeguarding the state's natural resources and communities. With a dedicated workforce of over 12,000 employees, Chief Tyler underscores the importance of conveying his key messages to the CAL FIRE team, highlighting the collective vision and values that drive their mission. This episode offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of firefighting leadership and the critical work performed by CAL FIRE in California.
Download a full transcript of this episode. (https://calfire.box.com/s/nnm220hufeaoo9aclvsvor9s24rq5s55)
Inside a recent episode
The Power of Partnerships
Published 8 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] In fact, before it was wildfire preparedness week, we called it wildfire awareness week. Yeah. But as we watch the fire activity change across California, we recognize that It wasn't just an awareness, but really how to make people more wildfire prepared for a catastrophic wildfire. So, you know, when I look at wildfire preparedness week being the first week of May, you know, the first thing that comes to mind is we used to do it the first week of May and traditionally was the first week of May in California. Yeah. Because that was really the kickoff to the wildfire season. Yeah. Now it's a fire year. […]
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