PIO Podcast (02/12/26): Captain Kenny White and the Drone Volt Demo

<p>Host Captain Shawn Millerick is in the studio with in studio guest Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Wonders. The team talks about the Drone Volt demo. The episode also includes a Black History Month segment led by Captain Kenny White, covering career milestones, mentorship, representation, and the department’s ongoing efforts to highlight cultures throughout the year.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Drone Volt in the Field</strong></p><p>Shawn talks with Grant and William from Drone Volt during a department demo. They share company background, where Drone Volt is based, and where the team is operating globally. The conversation includes an overview of multiple aircraft and use cases, including camera payloads with optical zoom and infrared, heavy lift applications, and an eVTOL platform with longer duration and onboard capabilities.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Captain Kenny White</strong></p><p>Shawn calls Captain Kenny White to discuss a recent large incident response, how conditions and expectations can shift quickly, and how previous experience at a location can help guide safer decision making. Kenny also reflects on joining the department in 2005, progressing through the ranks with the support of mentors and peers, and shares perspective during Black History Month on learning that the promotion was a department milestone, the importance of mentorship and representation, and how cultural highlights through the Diversity Committee and social media aim to build connection and encourage future firefighters.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>AI Ryan, QR Ryan, Real Ryan and the Joke of the Day</strong></p><p>QR Ryan, AI Ryan, and an appearance by Real Ryan close out the show with the Joke of the Day and a rabbit trail about smoked tri-tip and pasta. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Links Mentioned in this Episode</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://sbcofd.smugmug.com/Podcasts/PIO-Podcast-Show-Notes/n-sL7vfj/i-mfB4Lrk/A" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Handwritten note from Ryan to Shawn and Ben</a></li></ul>