DC Firefighter Jonathan Tate is on a mission to improve the physical and mental well-being of first responders. Through Food on the Stove and the new Food for Thought initiative, Tate is tackling stigma, building community, and reminding first responders that caring for themselves is just as important as caring for others.

Jonathan Tate, DC firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove, talks with Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Kelleher about his seminar, “Attention to Detail – A Blueprint to Fire Service Efficiency,” which outlines steps to fight complacency and improve proficiency through a focus on operational efficiency.

Jonathan Tate speaks with retired Fire Chief Marc Bashoor about his seminar “Could You Rescue You?” After personal wake-up calls, Bashoor committed to fitness and nutrition. This Equipped Talk explores his focus on health, moral focus, and mental toughness drawn from decades of experience in the fire service.

Lt. Jermaine Harris of the Chicago Police Department and DHS National Unit Chief Willie Crump discuss the challenges law enforcement faces in recruitment, retention, and community relations. They explore how micromanagement, often a response to these challenges, can hinder team effectiveness and morale.​

Lt. Jermaine Harris of the Chicago Police Department and Dr. Patrick Malone, Director of American University's Key Executive Leadership Programs, discuss the importance of adaptive thinking for first responders. They explore how self-awareness enhances decision-making in dynamic public safety environments.​

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner discusses CAHOOTS, a 30-year-old mobile crisis intervention program that diverted thousands of non-violent calls from police to unarmed mental health professionals. Funded through the police department, CAHOOTS handled 17% of EPD’s call volume, saving millions annually. The program ceased operations in Eugene in April 2025 due to funding issues.​

Jonathan Tate, D.C. Firefighter/EMT & Founder, Food on the Stove

Food on the Stove is a D.C.-based nonprofit founded to promote healthy lifestyle management from a holistic perspective. With programs ranging from healthy cooking demonstrations to partnerships with local farms to supply healthy food to firehouses, this firefighter-operated and focused organization has found innovative ways to fulfill its mission.

Reginald Freeman, Fire Chief, City of Oakland

From social justice demands, to gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion, to a less experienced workforce, the 21st-century fire service is faced with unprecedented challenges. Chief Freeman discusses leadership principles and initiatives necessary to be successful in this ever-evolving field.

Cathy Lanier, Former Chief, Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C.

Promoted to Chief in 2007, Lanier spent nearly a decade creating a legacy of community engagement – years that saw a 23% drop in violent crime and a homicide rate that hit a 50-year low in 2012. Here, she shares how she led the department to this success and a restoration of community faith in policing.

Maureen Stoecklein, Firefighter/Paramedic/Registered Dietitian, Canton Township Fire Department,

First responders are tactical athletes facing daily heightened levels of job-related mental and physical stress. They are expected to be high performing individuals, navigate life or death decisions, and manage extreme trauma in highly unpredictable environments. This talk offers a comprehensive yet simple approach to meeting the unique nutrition demands of first responders.

Sgt. Jermaine Harris, Chicago Police Department, Area Community Engagement & Support (ACES)

Fighting crime and reducing violence takes innovation and patience. Explore how building Community Response Teams of neighborhood leaders and influencers is one of the best ways to make cities safer.

Keith Thornton Jr., Dispatcher II, Chicago Police Department

On the evening of August 7, 2021, Thornton received a call reporting three officers being ambushed while conducting a “routine” traffic stop. The moments after revealed expert training and command of the situation, demonstrating the best in emergency response through strategic 911 dispatching.

Laurie Reyes and Tara Bond, Montgomery County Department of Police

Officers Reyes and Bond provide an overview of what is now known as the Montgomery County Police Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer's, Dementia Outreach Program.

Dan Batsie, Chief of Emergency Medical Services, Vermont Department of Health

Developing a culture of public safety relies on engagement and connecting. This inspiring talk explores how bringing people together is the foundation for building stronger and safer communities.

Dr. Paul Nystrom, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Hennepin Healthcare System Inc.

Sleep is something we often cut short for any number of reasons, or even for no reason at all. We intuitively know we need to get more, but do we prioritize it? What are the downsides of not getting enough? Nystrom explains why first responders must prioritize sleep.

B.K. Blankchtein, Chief Instructor, Masada Tactical Group

Over the past few years, attacks on EMS personnel responding to calls have increased significantly. EMS first responders must be prepared to protect themselves, their patients, or innocent bystanders as the situation dictates. Blankchtein covers the skills and methodologies designed specifically for the unique environment in which EMS operates.

Toni Washington, Fire Chief/Emergency Manager, City of Decatur, GA

As one of 10 Black female fire chiefs in the U.S., Washington speaks about the the gender- and race-based obstacles she has overcome to achieve and maintain her leadership position in Decatur, GA. Learn the guiding principles Washington uses to maintain control of her destiny.