4: Deputy Director Nick Schuler

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Deputy Director of Communications & Emergency Incident Awareness, Chief Nick Schuler, as they discuss the importance of communication and public information, firefighter mentorship, leadership lessons, and seeking continuous professional development throughout your fire service career.

Biography:

Chief Schuler currently serves as the Deputy Director of Communications for CAL FIRE. As a key member of the department's executive team, he provides essential guidance on crisis communications strategies to the Director/Fire Chief and collaborates closely with the Governor's Office, the California Natural Resources Agency, and various state, local, and federal agencies. Chief Schuler has played a critical role in managing the Department's statewide communications strategy during some of the largest disasters in California's history, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major fire sieges, and other all hazard incidents and initiatives.

Chief Schuler began his career with CAL FIRE in 1998 as a Fire Fighter I in San Diego. His professional growth included a promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer, where he gained diverse experience across various disciplines, including Schedule A, Schedule B, Helitack, and training cadres. In 2004, he became a Fire Captain, taking on roles such as Camp Captain, Station Captain, and Administrative Captain, where he was instrumental in developing the San Diego Unit's first Public Information Program.

In 2009, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, initially overseeing the Public Information Program before transitioning to a field battalion for four years. By 2015, Chief Schuler had advanced to Northern Division Assistant Chief in San Diego, managing Rainbow Conservation Camp, two field battalions, and various unit programs, including the Deer Springs Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement. In 2018, he took on the role of Southern Division Deputy Chief, overseeing two conservation camps, three field battalions, the San Diego Emergency Command Center, Emergency Medical Services, the dozer program, Public Affairs Bureau and a variety of department working groups.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Schuler has dedicated over 18 years to Type 1 Incident Management Teams, holding key positions such as Public Information Officer, Operations Branch Director, Operations Section Chief, and Deputy Incident Commander. His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in numerous teaching cadres and working groups, including the creation of the department's current funeral and memorial policy.

Chief Schuler holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Emergency Management and Fire Science. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles City Fire Department Leadership Academy and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Public Information Officer (PIO) by the Center of Public Safety Excellence. His achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the 2020 Directors Leadership Award for Superior Performance, a Letter of Appreciation from the Director of Presidential Advance in 2020, Congressional and Senate Recognition for Outstanding Community Service in 2018, and accolades for superior accomplishment and innovation in 2011.

Chief Schuler is a member of several professional organizations, including the California Public Information Officers Association, National Association of Government Communicators, National Information Officers Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), California Professional Firefighters (CPF), and CAL FIRE Local 2881.

Show Notes: https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/4-deputy-director-nick-schuler