Analyst Talk LEAN - AFESA - LeBlanc, Heiderman, & Deutschman

Episode: 00340 Released on October 12, 2026 Description: What happens when crime analysts and fire analysts start comparing notes? They may discover they are working on many of the same community problems, just from different perspectives.

In the third episode of the Law Enforcement Analyst Networks (LEAN) series, Jason Elder welcomes Jessica LeBlanc, Melissa Heiderman, and Shannon Deutschman from the Association of Fire and Emergency Services Analysts (AFESA). The guests introduce this growing professional association, explain its four pillars of advocacy, education, innovation, and networking, and discuss how AFESA is building a community for analysts working in fire, rescue, and emergency services. They also share their career journeys and the challenges of establishing analytical roles within their agencies.

The conversation explores how fire and emergency services analysts use data to improve emergency response, resource allocation, GIS mapping, and community risk reduction. The guests highlight the similarities between crime analysis and fire service analysis, including the challenges of collecting reliable data, gaining support from first responders, and turning information into actionable insights. The discussion even leads to the creation of a new, entirely unofficial concept: NPTED, or Nuisance Prevention Through Environmental Design. What starts as a lighthearted exchange about Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) raises an interesting question about applying environmental design principles to problems beyond traditional crime prevention. Who knows? Maybe NPTED will catch on!

A central theme of the episode is the opportunity for greater collaboration between law enforcement and fire service analysts. From overdoses and pedestrian safety to wildfires and emergency response, the guests explain how sharing data and perspectives can help agencies better understand and address community problems. They also discuss the future of AFESA, the importance of professional recognition, and the value of building networks that extend beyond departmental boundaries. Whether you work in law enforcement, fire services, or another area of public safety, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how analysts can learn from one another and make a greater impact together. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
Name Drops:
Public Service Announcements:
Jessica Elsmore (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jessica-elsmore-the-hustler/)
Kyle Mcfatridge (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kyle-mcfatridge-the-sna-sme/)
Jennifer Loper (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jennifer-loper-the-junk-drawer/)
Related Links: 
https://www.afesa.org/
https://www.cpse.org/
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
5 E’s of Community Risk Reduction: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/community-risk-reduction/
Jessica LeBlanc:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jessica-leblanc-the-90-percentile-analyst/  
Association(s) Mentioned: 
Vendor(s) Mentioned: 
Contact: AFESA@cpse.org   
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t38mugbpggymmx6y/LEAN_AFESA_transcript.pdf  
Podcast Writer: 
Podcast Researcher: 
Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.
Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. 
Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  
Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  
Podcast Twitter: @leapodcasts

00:00:25 - Introducing AFESA Panel
00:08:00 - AFESA's Mission, Four Pillars, and Membership
00:16:00 - What Does a Fire and Emergency Services Analyst Do?
00:23:00 - Comparing Crime Analysis and Fire Service Analysis
00:33:00 - GIS Mapping, Emergency Response, and Resource Planning
00:39:00 - How AFESA Supports Analysts Through Networking and Mentorship
00:43:00 - How AFESA Can Benefit Law Enforcement Analysts
00:47:00 - How Law Enforcement Analysts Can Support AFESA
00:50:00 - CPTED, Environmental Design, and the Birth of NPTED
00:57:00 - The Future of AFESA and Professional Development 

Jessica LeBlanc	Melissa Heiderman	Shannon Deutschman