In this episode of CRR Radio we talk with West Midlands FIre Service Chief Officer Phil Loach about the research project being undertaken in the UK to develop evidence-based methods for evaluating the impact of CRR (or as they call it, Integrated Risk Management). Phil Loach is Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service, the largest UK Fire & Rescue Service outside of London. Alongside this, CFO Loach is also the Vice Chair for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) which is made up of Chief Fire Officers from all 50 UK Fire & Rescue Services. Within the NFCC, CFO Loach is Programme Executive for the Community Risk Programme which has been set up to develop a comprehensive, evidence based and accredited risk analysis toolkit that is endorsed by the NFCC to assist UK fire and rescue services in developing their community risk management plans, while also being available to inform the understanding of Government departments around approaches to community risk management. The Programme is currently carrying out a Research Project that will include reaching out across the world to understand the approaches taken internationally when it comes to Community Risk Management. The Community Risk Programme is therefore inviting the International Fire Community to get in touch with the program if they would like to contribute or be involved in the exchange of ideas and sharing of approaches. Fire departments in the United States and other countries outside the UK can do so by contacting Group Commander Martin Ward-White at Martin.Ward-White@wmfs.net.
Joseph Walters
Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshall (OSFM)
Executive Officer
Joe Walters is the Executive Officer for the State Fire Marshal, with the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal (OSFM). As the first “Executive Officer ” Joe has been integral in moving the OSFM into the 21st century, from technology advancements, fleet refreshments, equipment needs to health and wellness awareness. Since 2016, he has also led a part in the agencies community risk reduction programs. He has been proactive in fire prevention programs throughout the State and has assisted with the dissemination of important fire & life saving information via social media and other platforms. He currently sits on the Mid Atlantic Life Safety Conference Committee as the operations command, trying to enhance the program. By trade he is a fire investigator and worked in the field for several years prior to the appointment of Executive Officer. He worked several high profile cases and made many arson and explosive related arrests. He has had the opportunity to sit in forums such as the Truman Symposiums and the FEMA AFG content development group. On his off time, he is a 20-year veteran of the volunteer fire service where he currently serves in the role of Captain. He has held many roles including Assistant Treasurer and Vice President. He is also an instructor for the National Safe Boating Council and specialize in the maritime rescue discipline. He and his wife own a small custom t-shirt business, which was started just before the birth of their child, in 2015. When not working, he loves sitting on the Chesapeake Bay on his boat or tearing up the mud four wheeling in the woods.
