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What if the future of the volunteer fire service depends on reaching people in places we've never thought to look? Kevin Billingsley, better known as "KBill," is doing exactly that. As the founder of Social FD, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Kevin is using technology, social media, livestreaming, and community engagement to promote the fire service, connect families, and help volunteer fire departments tell their stories.
In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy Donch sits down with Kevin to explore the mission behind SocialFD.org. From providing free websites and hosting for volunteer fire departments to offering ready-to-use social media content, fire prevention messaging, and community engagement tools, Social FD is helping departments build stronger relationships with the people they serve. For smaller and rural departments with limited budgets and resources, these tools can make a tremendous difference in raising awareness, generating support, and introducing the next generation to the fire service.
But Kevin's mission goes far beyond building websites. Through family-friendly livestreams on Twitch, interactive games, giveaways, and his popular Pack Lounge, KBill is creating a positive community where firefighters, families, and kids can come together. He also hosts a Saturday evening radio show on The Thin Line Rock Station, sharing music, fire service stories, history, and conversations that celebrate the job. Through Whatnot, Kevin introduces Legacy Fire Cards and other firefighter trading cards to collectors both inside and outside the fire service, using live pack openings and sales to help fund Social FD's nonprofit mission.
The conversation also explores the importance of positivity, mentorship, tradition, and finding new ways to connect with younger generations. Kevin believes that if we want people to discover the fire service, we need to meet them where they are today. Whether through a website, a social media post, a livestream, a trading card, or a simple conversation, every interaction is an opportunity to build community and strengthen the future of the fire service.
Connect with Kevin Billingsley and Social FD:Website: https://socialfd.org — Free website resources, social media content, and community engagement tools for volunteer fire departments.
Twitch: Find Social FD and KBill for family-friendly interactive livestreams, games, giveaways, and the Pack Lounge.
The Thin Line Rock Station: https://thethinline rockstation.com — KBill's Saturday radio show, 5–7 PM Central / 6–8 PM Eastern.Whatnot: Find Social FD for live trading card openings, auctions, and Legacy Fire Cards.Facebook:
Search Social FD and join the Social FD Community Group to connect with firefighters, first responders, and their families.
At its heart, this episode is about recognizing that the fire service has an incredible story to tell. Kevin Billingsley is finding new, creative ways to tell it, and in doing so, he's helping ensure the next generation has an opportunity to discover everything this job has to offer.
