Join CAPIO for an insightful webinar exploring the critical role of public safety communications during large-scale emergencies, featuring a case study on the LA/Malibu wildfires. This session is designed for public agency communicators, emergency response coordinators, and local government leaders who want to enhance their crisis communication strategies. 

You’ll gain practical tools to manage communications confidently during a crisis and foster greater community trust. Plus, you’ll hear seasoned wildfire response communicators share real-world insights from their experiences on the front lines.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Proven strategies for communicating during high-stakes emergencies
• How to collaborate effectively with elected officials in crisis situations
• Steps to prepare IT and communications systems for disaster readiness

SPEAKERS

Erik Scott 
Fire Captain II / Paramedic Public Information Officer 
Los Angeles Fire Department

Andy VanSciver
PIO / Firefighter
Ventura County Fire Department

Nick Schuler
Deputy Director of Communications & Emergency Incident Awareness
CAL FIRE

Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 CAPIO members/Free for Professional+/$45 non-members

Register

This session is good for:
Emergency Communications

SPEAKER BIOS

Erik Scott 

Erik Scott is a Fire Captain II / Paramedic and the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. With nearly 25 years of experience—including prior service with the City of Fillmore—he is known for his leadership, remaining calm amidst chaos, and dedication to public service.

Captain Scott began his LAFD career as the Top Overall Recruit and holds an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. He has been recognized as Firefighter of the Month, served as a UCLA paramedic instructor, trained as a Terrorism Liaison Officer, and is a graduate of the West Point LAFD Leadership Program.

As LAFD’s spokesperson, he has conducted thousands of media interviews across local, national, and international outlets. He was the trusted voice during the Palisades Fire and is frequently deployed statewide as a Type 1 PIO during major wildfires. A frequent keynote speaker, Captain Scott is also deeply committed to youth mentorship and community service.

Andy VanSciver

Andy VanSciver is a firefighter and Public Information Officer (PIO) with the Ventura County Fire Department, also serving as the lead PIO for CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1. With extensive expertise in crisis communications and emergency messaging, he has been deployed to some of California’s largest wildfires as well as the devastating 2023 wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.

In 2025, Andy deployed to the Palisades Fire and supported the Watershed Protection Mission following the Palisades and Eaton responses with CAL FIRE IMT teams. The year prior, he contributed to one of California’s most demanding fire seasons as a PIO, responding to the Franklin Fire (Malibu), Mountain Fire (Camarillo), Boone Fire (Coalinga), White and Rancho Fires (Kern County), and the Post Fire (Los Angeles and Ventura Counties).

His leadership in communications earned him national recognition as the 2024 National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) Communicator of the Year. He has since shared his expertise on the national stage, delivering a keynote address at the 2025 NAGC Conference in Pittsburgh with CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Communications Nick Schuler, and presenting again with Deputy Director Schuler at the 2025 National Information Officers Conference in Clearwater, Florida.

Andy’s fire service career began in 2008 as a reserve firefighter with the City of Santa Paula Fire Department, where he first stepped into the PIO role. His passion for public safety led him to transition from the publishing industry into full-time firefighting in 2015. Following the 2018 merger of Santa Paula Fire with Ventura County Fire, he continued serving as a firefighter PIO.

Beyond emergency response, Andy is dedicated to developing the next generation of PIOs. He teaches courses across California in partnership with CAL FIRE, preparing future communicators to manage high-stakes emergency messaging.

Nick Schuler

Chief Schuler currently serves as the Deputy Director of Communications for CAL FIRE. As a key member of the department’s executive team, he provides essential guidance on crisis communications strategies to the Director/Fire Chief and collaborates closely with the Governor’s Office, the California Natural Resources Agency, and various state, local, and federal agencies. Chief Schuler has played a critical role in managing the Department’s statewide communications strategy during some of the largest disasters in California’s history, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major fire sieges, and other all hazard incidents and initiatives.

Chief Schuler began his career with CAL FIRE in 1998 as a Fire Fighter I in San Diego. His professional growth included a promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer, where he gained diverse experience across various disciplines, including Schedule A, Schedule B, Helitack, and training cadres. In 2004, he became a Fire Captain, taking on roles such as Camp Captain, Station Captain, and Administrative Captain, where he was instrumental in developing the San Diego Unit’s first Public Information Program.

In 2009, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, initially overseeing the Public Information Program before transitioning to a field battalion for four years. By 2015, Chief Schuler had advanced to Northern Division Assistant Chief in San Diego, managing Rainbow Conservation Camp, two field battalions, and various unit programs, including the Deer Springs Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement. In 2018, he took on the role of Southern Division Deputy Chief, overseeing two conservation camps, three field battalions, the San Diego Emergency Command Center, Emergency Medical Services, the dozer program, Public Affairs Bureau and a variety of department working groups.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Schuler has dedicated over 18 years to Type 1 Incident Management Teams, holding key positions such as Public Information Officer, Operations Branch Director, Operations Section Chief, and Deputy Incident Commander. His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in numerous teaching cadres and working groups, including the creation of the department’s current funeral and memorial policy.

Chief Schuler holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Emergency Management and Fire Science. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles City Fire Department Leadership Academy and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Public Information Officer (PIO) by the Center of Public Safety Excellence. His achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the 2020 Directors Leadership Award for Superior Performance, a Letter of Appreciation from the Director of Presidential Advance in 2020, Congressional and Senate Recognition for Outstanding Community Service in 2018, and accolades for superior accomplishment and innovation in 2011.