The practical PIO

For the voluntold public information officer: Communicate confidently

Resources, tools, and training for emergency personnel who never planned to be communicators but became their agency’s voice.

See it in action

Stop staring at blank pages. See how the Practical PIO helps you write professional news releases in seconds—even at 3 a.m. after a long incident.Currently in private beta testing with emergency services professionals across the US and Canada.

how it works

Create better releases, faster

Answer a few questions. Get professional releases tailored for multiple platforms.

  • Converts NIMS/ICS terminology and jargon to plain language

  • Follows Associated Press Stylebook guidance

  • Creates news releases tailored to specific platforms

  • Saves you 30+ minutes per press release

Built by someone who has been there

I’m John Collins, a certified firefighter/EMT, award-winning journalist, former PIO, and content strategist. I know what it’s like to stare at a blank page at 4 a.m. after a long incident as the morning news cycle looms, doubting I have what it takes to share a quality news release.The Practical PIO exists because I know that many of you are filling the role under the heading “other duties as assigned” and you find crisis communications scary.You deserve resources built for your reality.

Photo of a man outdoors with a blurry tree in the background

Join the Practical PIO waitlist

Become one of a growing list of 30+ emergency services workers from small fire departments to state emergency management offices, municipal police departments to private sector companies across the United States and Canada in getting updates as we progress.

AND MORE

Plus: Resources for PIOs

While building this tool, I'm also working on:

  • Newsletter: Real (anonymized) breakdowns of social media posts, featuring constructive feedback

  • Practical PIO Instagram: PIO-related social media content and tips you can employ right away

  • Field guide: A handbook for reluctant communicators who never planned to be a PIO (I have an outline, but have not started actually writing.)

Want updates on all of this? Join the waitlist above to hear about everything as it launches.

Practical PIO is a venture of Triple Oak Enterprises focused on providing resources for emergency services communicators.© 2026 by Triple Oak Enterprises LLC