S6 - E7: Kevin Mangan - PIO High Springs Fire Dept, High Springs FL

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert interviews Kevin Mangan, the public information officer for High Springs, Florida. Kevin shares his journey from a volunteer firefighter to a PIO, emphasizing the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with working in a small agency. He discusses the importance of building relationships within the community, managing communications during crises, and the necessity of transparency and trust in a close-knit environment. Kevin highlights how social media has transformed public communication, allowing for real-time updates and engagement with the community, while also addressing the challenges of misinformation and rumor control.

 Throughout the conversation, Kevin provides insights into the day-to-day operations of a PIO, including the balance of administrative duties and public outreach. He shares anecdotes about successful community engagement initiatives, such as collaborating with local organizations to effectively disseminate information. The episode concludes with Kevin's advice for new PIOs, emphasizing the importance of networking and maintaining credibility in public communications, and a reminder that mistakes are part of the learning process in this vital role.

Kevin’s BIO: Kevin entered the public safety sector in 2004 as a volunteer firefighter and part-time dispatcher in his hometown of Amherst, New Hampshire, before moving to Florida to pursue a career in radio in 2006.
 
Several years into his "Florida Man" designation, Kevin re-entered the fire service as a volunteer firefighter/PIO in High Springs, Florida, while working as a full-time radio station DJ and operations manager.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for consistent, accurate information from local government, prompting the city to hire its first Public Information Officer. Mangan currently serves as the City's PIO and the fire department's PIO and Fire Administration Manager.

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