Responder Resilience

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA).  Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides. With a focus on firefighter behavioral health awareness, he explains the importance of accurate suicide data collection and how rela...

In this impactful episode, we address the vital mental health challenges faced by EMS and first responders, including post-traumatic stress and the effects of "buffing" calls—responding to emergencies off-duty. Join us for an insightful conversation with Emergency Medical Technician Frank Glowski, as he shares his personal struggles after traumatic off-duty incidents and highlights the i...

Tune in for a candid conversation highlighting behavioral health's critical role in emergency services. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Frank Leto (Ret.), Captain and Deputy Director of the FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU), to discuss the profound impact of 9/11 on firefighter behavioral health. Join us as we delve into the challenges of establishing the CSU in the aftermath of t...

In this episode of our clinician masterclass series, we dive into the unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters and specialized law enforcement units like the Border Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. Join psychologist Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia as she shares essential strategies and techniques for addressing the trauma and stress experienced by these r...

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In the second part of this mini-documentary, Responder Resilience continues the deep dive into the topic of first responder retirement. We are joined by a panel of twenty-one retired or active first responders and resilience experts, representing law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, dispatch, animal control, and...

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In Part 1 of this two-part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience delves into the pivotal topic of first responder retirement. With insights from a distinguished panel of 21 retired or active first responders and resilience experts, we examine the unique challenges and opportunities retirement presents for those in...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*. Chief Ali shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the challenges and...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss the vital topic of organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her personal journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II. Kristina compassionately discusses the importance of having...

In this insightful episode, we engage with Nicole Florisi, M.S., Director of Content and Curriculum at Force Science, to explore the intricacies of human performance and force science in law enforcement. We discuss the nuances of optimizing responder resilience through practical, cutting-edge research on human factors and use-of-force incidents.  How can first responders enhance their performance...

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...