‘I’m going to change this department if it kills me’: Thomas Bell talks culture change

Better Every Shift · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h

If Chief Thomas Bell of the Greensburg (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Department had a nickel for every time someone remarked that he had some “big shoes to fill” after taking the reins from a local legend who had 60-plus years on the job, well, he’d have a lot of nickels. But the new chief had a simple plan – being himself. Bell vowed to create his own destiny – in even bigger shoes – and revamp a department that needed an organizational culture change in a big way. Bell shares his focus on firefighter safety and health, fireground accountability, recruitment and retention (including the success of…