Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell’s mission to elevate the fire service

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell’s mission to elevate the fire service

From Better Every Shift by FireRescue1

April 30, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 304

About this episode

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell discusses her mission to elevate the fire service and the importance of fire safety research.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell is working to elevate the fire service. She prioritized this mission during her tenure as U.S. fire administrator and continues the push in her new role as principal fire safety strategist for UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute. Dr. Lori details the new role, spotlighting FSRI’s role in advancing global fire safety research, especially in lithium-ion batteries and climate change impacts. We dig into all this, plus: Where the USFA should live within the federal government The significance of One Voice advocacy for the fire service worldwide Advice for emerging fire service leaders How to manage burnout in high-stress fire service careers Practical steps for fire service leaders to influence policy and national safety standards Read next: ‘Don’t let USFA go back in the shadows’: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell’s message to fire service leaders It’s time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback.

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell

Topics covered

  • fire service
  • fire safety research
  • leadership
  • burnout management
  • policy influence
  • lithium-ion batteries
  • climate change

Keywords

  • fire service
  • leadership
  • burnout
  • policy
  • fire safety
  • lithium-ion batteries
  • climate change

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UL Research Institutes, Fire Safety Research Institute, USFA, One Voice

More episodes of Better Every Shift

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Better Every Shift podcast page.