Responder Resilience

Join us for an insightful conversation on Responder Resilience, featuring Paul Combs, an acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, and firefighter/EMT. Paul's unique blend of artistry and emergency service expertise offers a distinctive perspective on the critical issues faced by first responders. We'll explore Paul's journey in the fire service, his approach to leadership, and how his car...

In this essential installment of the Clinician's Guide Masterclass, we focus on strategies for clinicians to work effectively with first responders. We will hear from four mental health therapists who have successfully developed practices centered on serving emergency services. Kurt Fuchs, LCSW, Kristin Lewis, LMFT, Bonnie Luft, LPC and Jennifer Spirito, LCSW are members of the Fairfield Coun...

In this episode, Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne (FDNY, Ret.) unravels the stressors that grip firefighters and fireground officers on critical calls. Chief Dunne shares secrets to maintaining command presence, and for those stepping into the shoes of Incident Commander, he offers wisdom to lead with confidence. Discover practical tips on making split-second decisions and strategies to ensure messages c...

In this episode of our Clinician Masterclass Series, we explore the sensitive topic of Suicide Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., founder of Resilient Heroes, NFP, and a Chicago Police Officer. Elizabeth discusses the methodologies involved in conducting psychological autopsies, emphasizing the importance of privacy and dignity for the deceased and their families. We learn how the i...

In this edition of our Clinicians Guide Masterclass, we shine a spotlight on the world of mental health counseling within the Special Operations Forces community. We sit down with Christopher Ostrander, PhD, the visionary Founder and President of SOF Network, the nation's first and only clinical directory of licensed mental health providers who specialize in working with the SOF community. We...

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Chiefs Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, authors of the groundbreaking book, 30 Fires You Must Know. We revisit one of the most pivotal incidents featured in their book: the 1975 New York Telephone Fire, a landmark event that underscores the severe consequences of occupational exposure to toxic smoke. Through exclusive clips from our past interview w...

In this timely episode, we sit down with Captain Jared Vermeulen of Boca Raton Fire Rescue to unpack the critical components of effective leadership and management within the fire service. Captain Vermeulen shares insights from his book, The Modern Fire Officer, offering a roadmap for cultivating a thriving, supportive environment for both fire officers and their teams. By viewing his crew as an e...

In this episode, we talk with Vinnie Montez, a retired Colorado Sheriff's Office commander and current Public Information Officer who has made a name for himself as a nationally touring stand-up comedian. Vinnie shares stories from his dual career paths, illustrating how humor has been a valuable tool in law enforcement.  We delve into his documentary, "Vinnie-isms: The Story of the Cop...

Daniel Sundahl, acclaimed artist and retired paramedic/firefighter, presents "Post-Traumatic Growth—Finding Benefits Within Challenges."  He will take us on a visual narrative of resilience and transformation as we view and listen to his personal story of post-traumatic growth. ​​Through a powerful narrative interwoven with his unique photo art, Daniel shares his transformative journey f...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Dedmon, the dedicated Outreach Director for the 911 Training Institute and a retired police dispatcher from Southern California. Ryan is on a mission to help 911 professionals recover from and grow beyond post-traumatic stress. We investigate the pressing staffing crisis affecting 911 centers across the nation, and explore the concrete tools that public safet...

We continue our deep dive for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders into "Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters" with Part 2 featuring Dr. Kristen Wheldon.  As the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Dr. Wheldon brings a wealth of experience and passion for enhancing the behavioral health of firefighters and their families. Join us as...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore, a trailblazing 31-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022, a period that encompassed the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic. As the highest-ranking Officer in the EMS command and the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in the history of FDNY, Chief...

Join us in this wide-ranging episode as we sit down with Eric Reynolds, a retired Boynton Beach police officer, sports nutritionist, and personal trainer, to explore his remarkable journey. Growing up in Miami, Eric was profoundly influenced by his mother, Sgt. June Hawkins of the Miami Dade Police, which fueled his dedication to law enforcement. From 2001 to 2019, Eric served with distinction, ea...

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police, where he served in various capacities including...

In this installment of our masterclass series for clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the fine points of working with firefighters. Our guest, Robbie Adler-Tapia, Ph. D., Psychologist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant/Certified Therapist, will guide us through the unique challenges and stresses that firefighters face in their line of work. We will explore cultural competence and key str...

In this essential episode, we sit down with Kristofor Healey, a former Special Agent renowned for spearheading the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history. We discuss Healey’s transition from law enforcement to motivational speaking, and how he intertwined his experiences with the timeless wisdom of Stoicism. We explore the practical applications of Stoic philosophy in high-stress environments gui...

In this masterclass episode for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the dynamics of mental health and therapy for military veterans who have transitioned into roles as first responders. Joining us is our resident EMDR trauma therapist Stacy Raymond, PsyD, an expert in mental health for this extraordinary group. The daughter of a retired police officer and US Marine, Sta...

In this episode, we invite you to join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the visionary Founder of the First Responder Project. Dr. Hejmanowski brings a wealth of experience from her work consulting with multiple Florida Sheriff’s Offices, the Air Force’s Ready Firefighter Program, and the Navy. Together, we will explore powerful concept...

On this special edition of Responder Resilience, we invite you to join an enlightening masterclass tailored for clinicians, featuring trauma therapists Dr. Nicole Navega, PhD, LCSW, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT. With their extensive backgrounds in providing therapy to EMS and 911 emergency professionals, Nicole and Bonnie bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the unique challeng...

We invite you to join our insightful conversation with Bridget Truxillo, JD, the CEO and Founder of Lady Law Shield Law Firm. Bridget’s journey is not only inspiring but deeply rooted in her experiences as a former Deputy Sheriff, where she served in Patrol, Undercover Narcotics, and the SWAT Team. Her unique perspective sheds light on the challenges and decisions faced by law enforcement officers...

In this compelling episode, we dive into the heart of firefighter wellness with Kory Pearn—Publisher, Editor-In-Chief, and CEO of CRACKYL Media Inc. Kory is a 20-year veteran firefighter, industry author, and keynote speaker. His mission? To shine a light on the wellness challenges that come with the territory and to teach others how to thrive, not just survive, in this high-stakes profession. We...

In this info-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of moral injury with the brilliant Dr. Rita Brock, Director of the Volunteers of America Shay Moral Injury Center. Her program extends its life-saving support to first responders, healthcare providers, social workers, and others facing the harrowing effects of moral distress. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of moral injury versus...

In this episode, we make a push into the flames with Lt. Tina Guiler, a fire Lieutenant and fire inspector who joined the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in 1999. But her story doesn't stop there. Tina is also the Owner and CEO of Triple F - Fierce Female Firefighters, an initiative that sparked the creation of the Triple F Dolls. These dolls are more than just toys; they're beacons of empowermen...

In this dynamic episode, Stacy and David sit down with the remarkable Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute. They dive into one of the most pressing issues in law enforcement today: police officer suicide. Dr. Johnson, with a master's in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in organizational leadership management, brings...

This week's episode is a wild ride into the heart of leadership with Dr. Candace Ashby, Battalion Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department. Dr. Ashby dives deep into the essence of "Bottom Up" leadership, revealing how the rank and file can make a difference. Have you ever wondered why fire organizations feel so disconnected? Dr. Ashby explains it all. She breaks down the critical...