Thought Leadership
Thought Leadership from Fire Service Leaders: Top Essays in the 2026 Darley Thought Leadership Essay Competition
Beginning in 2023, the Darley Thought Leadership Essay Competition has challenged members of the fire service to tackle some of the profession’s most pressing issues. This…
Don’t Just Attend, Deploy: The Conference Commando Guide to Fire & EMS Conferences
I’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to attend national fire and EMS conferences. They provide outstanding educational sessions, meaningful conversations, opportunities to build new professional relationships, and…
No Ordinary Retirement: Life After the Fire Service
Leave it to my fire service colleague, Kory Pearn, to answer that question in a big way! In addition to being a Captain with the St.…
Networking in the Digital Age: Rethinking the Action Plan for 2025
Networking is still the lifeblood of professional growth—but the circulatory system has evolved. It’s no longer just about collecting contacts or broadcasting updates. Today, networking is…
Men in the fire service: It’s time to step up!
By: William Hux, Chief Fire Marshal, Va. State Fire Marshals Office, Va. Fire Marshal Academy Now that FDIC 2025 has ended and 37,000 fire service members…
America’s Fire Service is not a Family – Opinion
Editor’s Note: The following from my fire service colleague, John Murphy, was originally published on LinkedIn and is presented here with his permission. By: John K.…
How do we build a “House of Mental Health Wellness” for Firefighters and EMS Personnel?
You’re going to have a house built for you. What skilled professionals will you need to build your house? If the house of your dreams is…
Today is National Employee Resource Group Day
By: Stephanie White, Firefighter/Paramedic and Guest Blogger Or at least that’s what my LinkedIn feed is telling me [National Employee Resource Groups Day 2024 was November…
Why I write
I write because I want people to think, especially about what they don't know. My aim is to inform, educate, and challenge readers to encourage them to engage with new ideas. In return, I learn from their feedback.
Understanding Firefighter Suicide: A Call to Action for the Fire Service
Today’s Firefighters face unique and intense challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. The nature of their work exposes them to traumatic events, physical danger,…
Uniting Forces: The “Nine Sisters” and the Fire Service Psychology Association for Firefighter Mental Health
Firefighters face unique and intense challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. From witnessing traumatic events to enduring physically demanding tasks, the mental toll is…
Fire Service Psychology: Where are the major fire service organizations?
In the bustling world of firefighting and emergency services, there’s a long-lost sister—a quiet advocate working tirelessly behind the scenes. Her name? Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA). Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Psy.D is the President and Founder of FSPA, and has been championing her cause, but why haven’t the major fire service organizations rushed to embrace FSPA? Let’s explore this intriguing question.