Building Fire Service Technology from Within: Careers, Champions, and Challenges
Luke Culleny, Business Systems Analyst, Chatham County Fire Department
Dale Rolfson, Battalion Chief - CTO, Indianapolis Fire Department
Kirk McKinzie, Captain - Retired Annuitant, Cosumnes Fire Department
As modern fire departments increasingly rely on data, software, and emerging technologies, a growing need exists for firefighters who can serve as internal technology champions. This panel explores the real-world challenges departments face—identifying the right people, navigating internal processes, working alongside municipal IT divisions, and implementing technology in a way that delivers operational value.
Panelists will share practical strategies for both leaders and firefighters: how chiefs can recognize and develop tech-minded personnel, and how firefighters can carve a path from the field into technology and administrative roles. The discussion will highlight proven methods for implementing a scalable “crawl, walk, run” approach to technology adoption in agencies of all sizes.
Attendees will leave with clear, actionable pathways to building a career in fire service technology, along with insight into how operational experience uniquely positions firefighters to bridge the gap between emergency response and innovation.