Fire & EMS Leader Pro The job of old firefighters is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters!

Tag Archives: fire service career development

The Fire Service is a Great Career–That Doesn’t Last Forever

August 19, 2019 Leave a comment

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer This past week, I posted the following on my Facebook account: That’s me, at my first job at Allied Ambulance Services, circa 1979. Hard to believe that it was 40 years ago today, August 13th, 1979, that I arrived in Richmond, Virginia to start my first job in public safety working as an EMT ...

What’s in Your Career Planning Toolbox?

February 9, 2017 1 Comment

From time to time, I like to give you--my loyal readers!--and newcomers an opportunity to see previously posted blogs on a particular subject. When I've done so in the past, many of you have commented that it was nice to reread a piece or read one you've missed without having to search around. So, without further ado, today's topic is you and your fire service career planning and development.

Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months--From Scratch Now available on Kindle and in paperback editions!

The Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) membership includes fire service leaders, psychologists, and masters-level mental health clinicians (e.g., LCSW, LPC, MFT) who are committed to "building a bridge between professional psychology and the fire service.
Two primary elements of that "bridge" are (1) developing Culturally Competent Clinicians and (2) developing a true understanding of the 5 domains of psychology (Assessments, Intervention, Industrial/Organizational, Operations, and Consultation) and what how they can improve the mental and behavioral health of firefighters and EMS personnel.
It’s essential to practice self-care and check in with yourself regularly. Be aware of how you’re feeling, especially after difficult shifts. Don’t let symptoms of trauma or stress reach a dangerous level. Visit the FSPA website, www.firepsychology.org for more information, including how you can join the effort to "build the bridge!"