Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In this special episode of Inside Plano, host Amanda McNew sits down with former Deputy City Manager Sam Greif as he reflects on his decades-long career in public safety and city leadership ahead of his retirement. From his early days as a firefighter and paramedic to serving as Plano’s fire chief and later deputy city manager, Sam shares lessons learned about leadership, compassion, mental health and what it truly means to serve a community. The conversation also highlights Plano’s innovative 24/72 fire schedule, the importance of succession planning and why Plano’s “secret sauce” starts with putting people first.
👥 Hosts & Guest
Host: Amanda McNew
Guest: Sam Greif, former Deputy City Manager, City of Plano
🗒️ Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome and introduction to Deputy City Manager Sam Greif
(01:40) Sam’s path into public safety and early EMS and fire service work
(06:30) Career-defining moments and lessons from tragedy and recovery
(11:15) Leadership growth through non-operations roles and education
(15:10) Why compassion is essential in fire and public safety careers
(18:40) Mental health, burnout, and Plano’s 24/72 fire shift innovation
(24:30) What it meant to help implement the 24/72 schedule in Plano
(29:00) Transitioning from fire chief to deputy city manager
(34:10) Succession planning and developing strong teams in Plano
(40:45) A lighthearted “who knows Sam best?” rapid-fire segment
(48:30) Advice for future public safety professionals
(52:40) Looking ahead to retirement and a message to Plano residents
🔗 Resources & Links
City of Plano: plano.gov
Plano Event Calendar: plano.gov/calendar
Subscribe to Inside Plano: insideplano.com
Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Nextdoor, X
More ways for you to #LovePlano:
*Subscribe to weekly Plano City News: share.plano.gov/PCNyt
*Follow Plano on Social Media: share.plano.gov/Socialyt
*Share what you love about Plano using #LovePlano on social
In this special episode of Inside Plano, host Amanda McNew sits down with former Deputy City Manager Sam Greif as he reflects on his decades-long career in public safety and city leadership ahead of his retirement. From his early days as a firefighter and paramedic to serving as Plano’s fire chief and later deputy city manager, Sam shares lessons learned about leadership, compassion, mental health and what it truly means to serve a community. The conversation also highlights Plano’s innovative 24/72 fire schedule, the importance of succession planning and why Plano’s “secret sauce” starts with putting people first.
👥 Hosts & Guest
Host: Amanda McNew
Guest: Sam Greif, former Deputy City Manager, City of Plano
🗒️ Episode Highlights
(00:00) Welcome and introduction to Deputy City Manager Sam Greif
(01:40) Sam’s path into public safety and early EMS and fire service work
(06:30) Career-defining moments and lessons from tragedy and recovery
(11:15) Leadership growth through non-operations roles and education
(15:10) Why compassion is essential in fire and public safety careers
(18:40) Mental health, burnout, and Plano’s 24/72 fire shift innovation
(24:30) What it meant to help implement the 24/72 schedule in Plano
(29:00) Transitioning from fire chief to deputy city manager
(34:10) Succession planning and developing strong teams in Plano
(40:45) A lighthearted “who knows Sam best?” rapid-fire segment
(48:30) Advice for future public safety professionals
(52:40) Looking ahead to retirement and a message to Plano residents
🔗 Resources & Links
City of Plano: plano.gov
Plano Event Calendar: plano.gov/calendar
Subscribe to Inside Plano: insideplano.com
Follow Plano: Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Nextdoor, X
More ways for you to #LovePlano:
*Subscribe to weekly Plano City News: share.plano.gov/PCNyt
*Follow Plano on Social Media: share.plano.gov/Socialyt
*Share what you love about Plano using #LovePlano on social
