Supporting the LAFD Through Video
Producing a Training Series for the Los Angeles Fire Department
In my time working in Los Angeles, I had the privilege of helping produce, shoot, and edit an internal training series for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). It was one of those rare projects that left a lasting impression on me — not just because of the scale of the production or the unique access we were given, but because of the incredible people we met along the way.
Right now, many of those firefighters and chiefs are on the front lines, battling some of the largest wildfires in LA’s history. As they work tirelessly to protect lives and communities, I feel it’s important to reflect on the time I spent with them, highlight the important work they do, and share how internal communication videos like this one can make a real impact for large organizations.
The Project: A Training Series for One of the Nation’s Largest Fire Departments
The LAFD is one of the largest and most respected fire departments in the country, responsible for protecting millions of people across the Los Angeles metropolitan area. They’re constantly adapting their tactics and protocols, and keeping their firefighters trained and informed is critical to their success.
I was brought in to help produce a multi-part training series that would be used internally to educate and align firefighters and chiefs across dozens of stations. The series covered essential protocols and best practices, featuring on-camera interviews with firefighters and leadership, as well as live-action training footage — including close-up shots of live fire exercises.
Working Alongside LA’s Bravest
One of the most memorable aspects of this project was the people.
From the firefighters to the chiefs, everyone I met was kind, welcoming, and incredibly well-spoken on camera. These are individuals who spend their lives running toward danger, yet they took the time to welcome us into their stations, share their knowledge and experiences, and help us capture their work in a way that would resonate with their teams.
The LAFD allowed us to get unprecedented access to their training exercises, including live fire drills. Standing that close to real flames — with firefighters working in perfect sync — was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
The Power of Internal Communications for Large Organizations
While this project was specific to the fire service, it underscored a universal truth: Internal communication is essential for large organizations that need to keep teams aligned and informed.
The LAFD’s training series was about more than just protocols. It was about:
Sharing knowledge across multiple stations.
Ensuring consistency in tactics and procedures.
Creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
For any organization with distributed teams, internal video communication can be an invaluable tool. It allows leaders to:
Deliver important messages clearly and consistently.
Engage employees or team members with visual, digestible content.
Reinforce company culture and values.
At Monolith, we bring the same level of care and professionalism to internal communications videos as we do to external marketing content. Whether it’s training modules, onboarding videos, or executive updates, our goal is to help organizations connect and align their teams through effective, thoughtful video content.
A Moment of Reflection
As I write this, firefighters across Los Angeles are battling massive wildfires, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities. Many of the kind, dedicated people I met during this project are likely on the front lines right now, working long hours in difficult conditions to keep others safe.
Reflecting on my time with the LAFD, I’m reminded of the courage and selflessness these individuals embody every day. It was an honor to capture their stories and help produce a training series that continues to support their mission.
How This Experience Shapes Our Work at Monolith
While this project wasn’t completed under the Monolith name, it’s the kind of meaningful work we continue to pursue through The Framework — our face of corporate video services.
Internal communications videos like the one we produced for the LAFD are a powerful way to connect, inform, and inspire teams within an organization.
Whether it’s:
Training modules for first responders.
Onboarding videos for large organizations.
Event recap videos that reinforce key messages.
We’re committed to creating videos that serve a purpose, bring people together, and make an impact.
For organizations with distributed teams or essential training needs, internal communication videos ensure that everyone stays aligned, even when they’re spread across different locations.
Final Thoughts: Honoring Those Who Serve
This project wasn’t just about producing a video series — it was about telling the stories of people who dedicate their lives to service. The LAFD welcomed us into their world, shared their knowledge, and allowed us to capture their work in a meaningful way.
As they continue to face new challenges, including massive wildfires, I’m reminded of their courage, resilience, and dedication. It was an honor to work with them, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help share their story.
At Monolith, we believe in creating videos that matter. Whether it’s a corporate training series, a brand story, or a creative project, we bring the same care, professionalism, and storytelling expertise to every project we take on.
If your organization needs internal communications video content, we’d love to help.
