EPISODE 055: CHIEF RICHARD KELLY | OAKLAHOMA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Leadership Crucible Podcast

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The Heart of a First Responder: Serving People and Finding Meaning
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure to be a perfect leader, striving for an unattainable standard, and struggling to find your purpose and balance in your career, then you are not alone! The quest for ideal leadership can often lead to burnout and relational strain, making it difficult to achieve true fulfillment and success.
In this episode, you will cover:
-Overcoming adversity cultivates resilient leadership skills, essential for navigating challenging situations in the fire and emergency services.
-Achieve a harmonious work-life balance to enhance your leadership effectiveness and overall well-being.
-Embrace the transformative power of technology to revolutionize your leadership approach in the fire and emergency services.
-Uncover the deeper meaning in your firefighting career, igniting a sense of purpose that drives impactful leadership.
-Master effective crisis management strategies to safeguard your team and community during emergencies.
My special guest is Chief Richard Kelly
Chief Richard Kelly, the esteemed fire chief of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, boasts a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the fire and emergency services. Chief Kelly's journey, which commenced in 1991, has seen him ascend through various pivotal roles within the fire community, showcasing an unwavering commitment to leadership and excellence. His active involvement in esteemed organizations such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Leadership Crucible Foundation Association highlights his dedication to advancing the field. Chief Kelly's academic accomplishments, including a Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Responder Administration from Oklahoma State University, alongside his successful completion of multiple leadership programs, underscore his relentless pursuit of professional growth. Beyond his illustrious career, Chief Kelly's devotion to literature, family, physical fitness, and community engagement reflects his multifaceted approach to life and leadership.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:01:23 - Chief Richard Kelly's Background
00:03:32 - Chief Kelly's Journey into the Fire Service
00:06:20 - Experience at the Oklahoma City Bombing
00:14:54 - Building Relationships and Collaboration
00:16:37 - Personal Growth and Transformation
00:19:04 - Leadership Lessons from Adversity
00:23:26 - Evolving Nature of Leadership
00:29:49 - Leading with Responsibility
00:30:47 - Embracing Technology
00:31:30 - Adapting to Technology
00:32:26 - Overcoming Challenges
00:33:19 - Finding Purpose and Balance
Bio:
Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard A. Kelley joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1991 and was appointed Fire Chief in September 2017. He was promoted through the ranks in suppression and also held the positions Special Operations Coordinator, Technical Rescue Station Officer, Ride-out Officer, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief of Support Services and Deputy Chief of Operations. He is a Fire Instructor Level II, EMT, HazMat Technician, Rescue Technician, Dive Team Member and OK-TF1 Task Force Leader. Chief Kelley was an adjunct instructor for Eastern Oklahoma County Vo- Tech Fire Training Academy mentoring and training students for over a decade.
He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Kelley is the President for the Oklahoma State Fire Chiefs Association, he also serves on the Board for the YMCA of Greater OKC, Ex Officio Member and Conscience Committee of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Board of Trustees and the OSU-OKC Fire Protection AAS and BT Degree Advisory Board.
Chief Kelley has been recognized for many awards throughout his career, Captain/Major of the year in 2005 and Major of Special Operations in the Work Section of the Year in 2006.
Chief Kelley has an A.A.S.in Municipal Fire Protection and a Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Responder Administration from Oklahoma State University. He has attended the National Fire Academy for multiple classes and completed the Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program in 2015 and Leadership OKC (Class 37) in 2018.
Along with his wife Liz, Chief Kelley’s household includes daughters Mikayla, Johnna and Addison, and stepchildren Emily and Nick and grandchildren Karter Jaye, Gunner Barron, Erin, and Legend. He enjoys spending time with his family and physical fitness. He attends Life Church NW.