About this episode

Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer discusses the challenges of leadership in the fire service and the importance of innovation over comfort.

Nobody tells you that becoming chief means owning problems you can’t fully control, absorbing pressure that doesn’t clock out and still leading like the weight isn’t showing. Columbia (Mo.) Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer digs into the uncomfortable realities of adding bugles, including the pressure to move an organization forward when maintaining the status quo is far easier. Schaeffer talks succession planning, firefighter wellness, organizational culture and why chiefs have to stop acting like “fire gods” and start acting like servant leaders. He also offers a sharp warning about becoming part of the “CAVE” mentality — Chiefs Against Virtually Everything — and why protecting comfort is one of the biggest threats to innovation. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

People in this episode

Guest: Brian Schaeffer

Topics covered

• leadership
• fire service
• organizational culture
• firefighter wellness
• succession planning
• innovation

Keywords

• fire service
• leadership
• CAVE mentality
• servant leaders
• firefighter wellness
• organizational culture
• succession planning

Sponsors

TheFireStore

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Columbia Fire, FireRescue1

More episodes of Better Every Shift

• Safety Stand Down 2026 goes all-in on fitness · May 21, 2026 · 43 min
• Zam’s formula for better health and performance · May 15, 2026 · 34 min

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