Joseph Pfeifer (Former FDNY Chief) on Leadership Through 9/11 & Emergency Preparedness
Episode Description
KNOWLEDGE@WHARTON ARCHIVES: On September 11, 2001, New York City Fire Department Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer saw the first aircraft hit the North Tower and radioed the alarm, the first FDNY fire chief to take command. Today, Pfeifer is the New York City Fire Department's Chief of Counterterrorism and Emergency Preparedness and a Citywide Command Chief. Wharton management professor Michael Useem talked with Pfeifer recently about his leadership during the 9/11 rescue efforts, what firefighters in NYC and beyond do to prepare for the unexpected, and lessons learned in leadership and crisis management.
More on this interview: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/leading-on-911-and-beyond-new-york-city-fire-departments-joseph-pfeifer/ 📂 Leadership
Brief Summary
Joseph Feifer discusses his firefighting career and leadership lessons from 9/11, emphasizing collaboration and preparedness for emergencies.
Key points
- Leadership in Crisis. Joe shares his insights on effective leadership during emergencies, emphasizing shared responsibility.
- The Day of 9/11. Joe recounts his experiences during the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the chaos and urgency.
- Lessons from 9/11. Joe discusses the importance of information sharing among emergency responders post-9/11.
- The Importance of Coordination. Effective emergency response requires collaboration among multiple agencies and resources.
- A Tribute to Leadership. Acknowledging Joe Feifer's 30 years of service and leadership during crises.
Ask about Knowledge at Wharton
Episode highlights
- Leadership in CrisisJoe shares his insights on effective leadership during emergencies, emphasizing shared responsibility.“Leadership is about sharing the danger.”2:54Sep 7, 2011
- The Day of 9/11Joe recounts his experiences during the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the chaos and urgency.“We were running out of time.”13:25Sep 7, 2011
- Lessons from 9/11Joe discusses the importance of information sharing among emergency responders post-9/11.“We need to share information.”19:49Sep 7, 2011
- The Importance of CoordinationEffective emergency response requires collaboration among multiple agencies and resources.“It's not just one resource, it's multiple resources.”25:13Sep 7, 2011
- A Tribute to LeadershipAcknowledging Joe Feifer's 30 years of service and leadership during crises.“Thank you for putting your life on the line on that very fateful morning.”26:06Sep 7, 2011
