Fire Service 2.0: Embracing the Technology Transformation

Bart van Leeuwen combines more then 20 years of experience as an operational fire fighter at various fire departments in the Netherlands with running 20 years of leading Netage B.V. a SME delivering Smart Data for Smarter Firefighters. This unique combination gives him the opportunity to identify relevant research and its application in real world scenario.

Bart serves as a par-time (70%) career Senior Fire Fighter and Station Instructor at Brandweer Amsterdam-Amstelland ( Amsterdam Fire Department ).

His personal interest in this field are the effects of information on Situational Awareness, how do we channel the information overload generated by modern information systems so that emergency responders are neurologically able to process this information in a high pressure high consequence environments without getting overloaded.

Sai Narain is currently a Technology Strategy Director on the Microsoft State & Local Government team, specializing in Public Safety & Justice. With 18+ years of experience in the public safety industry and expertise in Fire/EMS/911 technologies, he currently works with government operations, fire service, law enforcement & justice partners in envisioning the art of the possible, and how technology can be a force multiplier and assist organizations with intergovernmental agency data sharing, cybersecurity, and collaboration. He also works closely with the Microsoft partner ecosystem that supports State & Local Government.

Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in managing Organizational Change, Government Operations, Emergency Management, and Fire Management. Strong risk management-oriented professional with a Master's degree focused in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University.

Sarah specializes in enterprise e-commerce and customer experience. She is an accomplished commercial leader with comprehensive experience driving digitization strategies, generating improvement in customer engagement and revenue growth.

Sarah is currently managing the IoT Connected Solutions platform for IDEX Fire & Safety. With 12+ years of experience supporting emergency responders, she partners with members of the fire service and channel partners to deliver innovative solutions so they can accomplish their mission safely and effectively.

In 2023 Kevin Sofen joined the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) as a Technology Advisor to help plan and lead the upcoming 2023 Technology Summit International on December 6-8 in Irving Texas. Kevin spent 11+ years at W.S. Darley & Company, overseeing community development, market strategy, and emerging technology. Since 2012, Kevin successfully commercialized a range of products that include packaged water in a box, virtual reality training, and autonomous drone solutions. In 2017 Kevin launched the www.SmartFireFighting.com community which highlights thought leadership and change management around technology and innovation adoption in the fire service.