The Firefighter Deconstructed: Recent Episodes
Christy Warren
Christy Warren, PTSD Survivor and retired fire captain, digs into how the job can affect our mental and emotional health, the ensuing physical symptoms, and how to deal with it. Whether you’re just feeling crappy or have full-blown PTSD, or if you want to know the signs and how to help a brother or sister, we'll talk about it here. A part of Mental Health News Radio Network.
Ryan Espanza worked as a military firefighter, a private ambulance 911 paramedic and is now a Fire Captain with the Suisun Fire Department. He became angry with a short fuse, ready to knuckle up all the time. He started working two jobs around the clock to keep from feeling the crap inside. Once he finally broke and began to deal with the pain that he didn't even know he had, he lives a life full of gratitude and is present for those he loves and for a job he loves. We talk about how our childhoods affect our lives and careers, how being an ALS 911 transport paramedic is on of the hardest and most thankless jobs out there. We talk about how he made this transformation and how you can too.
You can find Ryan:
emtp187@gmail.com
TikTok @yaktosacnback
Heart Strings Counseling
This is an awesome episode! This guy has done so much and has gone through so much. 9/11 left him with PTSD and he faced the ultimate departmental betrayal. Despite everything he has gone through, he has made it to the other side with his family intact, his heart full, and the ability to see all the good that exists. This week's guest is Peter J. Forcelli is a retired Deputy Assistant Director from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Prior to joining ATF he served for 15 years with the N.Y.P.D. He is a survivor of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center, and the lung cancer that he later developed because of his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He wrote a book called The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels
peterjforcelli.com
POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance) NYPD
Copline 1-800-COPLINE
Gary Hayes comes to us all the way from the United Kingdom! He is the Co-Founder of PTSD999, a charity organization that raises money to provide therapy and services for first responders. They also provide training to help educate and spread the word that PTSD is real and can affect anyone. He is a former police officer and constable in London, United Kingdom and he was a member of the 3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets. He was a semi-pro football player. After spending most of his life being a “roughy toughy bloke”, the years of trauma began to add up and brought him within inches of taking his own life. Now he shares his story with his fellow officers and first responders and works his butt off to help those who are struggling. Gary is an amazing man who you don’t want to miss.
PTSD999
Gary Hayes on LinkedIn
Gary Hayes on IG
This episode is with the amazing Nicki Impastato! Nicki and I sit down and talk about her life working as a dispatcher while raising two kids with her Battalion Chief husband. And then we talk about doing all this while struggling with PTSD. Nicki also worked in a system that didn’t know what to do with her when she started struggling. She says, “There was something seriously wrong with me, and they knew about it, and nobody took care of me.” We so often depend on those around us to point out that we are struggling because sometimes we cannot see what is going on around us when we are just trying to survive. Nicki also talks about finding a life and purpose after a long career as a dispatcher. One place she landed was in an equine therapy program called Zenerosity and she became an equine specialist. This woman is truly amazing - I promise you will feel better about everything after listening to her.
nickii@me.com
Zenerosity Equine Therapy
Christy's article about Equine Therapy at Zenerosity
Christy's Website and Link to book Flash Point: A Firefighter's Journey Through PTSD
Veteran firefighter Egan DeLosCobos sits down with the firefighter deconstructed and talks about how the body holds on to stress and what happens to our bodies if we don’t deal with it. Egan and his 3 year old son somehow survived a crazy car accident and although they both walked away with only a few bumps and bruises, the stress of it all ended up attacking Egan’s body. After going round and round with doctors, he finally learned that the key to becoming healthy again was to deal with his PTSD. Using everything he’s learned, he is now a wellness coach making incredible impacts in people’s lives.
@eganfirstwellness (Instagram)
www.firstwellnesshealth.com (Website)
@EganFirstWellnessHealthCoach (YouTube)
Pirate to stuntman to paramedic/firefighter to podcaster and back to stuntman. He’s traveled and worked around the world. He saw the fire culture's damaging effects on its members and that with becoming a single parent, he decided to choose his son over finishing his career. I find this very brave as so many of us say we would choose our family/kids over anything in the world, being a firefighter fulfills a deep need we have that the fear of leaving the job is too overwhelming. I remember wondering who in the hell leaves this job by choice? It’s almost like I didn’t even know that was possible. James shows what a firefighter who grew up learning good coping skills looks like versus those of us who grew up just trying to survive as a kid and are still currently using coping mechanisms that just don’t serve us anymore as adults. We talk about sleep deprivation, and what the fire service needs to do to make us healthier and have better longevity on the job.
jamesgeering.com
Behind The Shield Podcast
One More Light By James Geering
Josh and Olivia sit back down with the Firefighter Deconstructed and talk about having to put their marriage and their lives back together for the second time and why they are so much stronger because of it. This episode embodies how marriage really is about two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other. The insights they share are inspiring and applicable to everyone's lives and relationships. Below are links to each of their previous episodes on this show and tell the back story of this episode. I HIGHLY recommend listening to these episodes also. But you don't need to understand this episode.
Josh first episode
Olivia first episode
Front Line Strong Together - First responder 24/7 Crisis line
Rob Weisberg is a volunteer firefighter in the state of NY. He happened to work across the street from the World Trade Center. When the Towers were hit, he made his way to a nearby fire station and offered his help. He ended up managing a fire station packed full of the injured and lost. Rob developed PTSD and after realizing how much his, “…family took it on the chin,” he decided to do something about it. He took on a mission of hiking the Appalachian Trail by himself. Rob shares with us his incredible “behind the scenes” story at 9/11 and his own personal aftermath. He also tells his incredibly and healing journey on the Appalachian trail. This one is a must listen, all the way to the end. And after, check out his incredible pictures of this journey on his facebook page listed below.
www.facebook.com/RobWeisbergAppalachianTrailHike
rgw164@outlook.com
pawsofwar.org
Kyle, a firefighter with 11 years of service, is no longer on this planet because he was tormented by PTSD and had learned that it’s not ok to ask for help. Our guest, Kerrie Murphy, bravely shares her story of losing her younger brother Kyle. The ramifications of suicide are devastating to those left behind. In this episode you will learn the world is NOT better off with you gone. We must learn it is Okay to ask for help!!!! This story is heartbreaking but so much hope and life come from Kerrie’s story.
This is Part 2: Living Skills. In Part 1 we hear about all the trauma that Teri has beent through while keeping a big smile on her face. In this part 2 episode, Teri shares the rug getting pulled out from under her and then how she put her life back together. She talks with us about how falling into the darkest hole imaginable made it possible for her to transform a life of surviving into a life of living. She shares so many insights and endless inspiration. You will learn so much from this conversation.
www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com
Christy Warren website
This is truly a special 2 part episode with former EMT and then emergency room nurse then emergency room director Teri DeLaMontanya. Teri grew up in turmoil and trauma and learned to “make the most of it” in order to survive. Never allowing herself to feel pain or anger, Teri went through life just constantly moving forward and keeping that happy smile on her face - that is until the rug was pulled out in front of her. In this part 1 “Survival Skills,” Teri shares her childhood and adulthood story and how she developed the skills to survive.
Behavioral Fitness
Christy Warren
James Beal is a paramedic for the Nashville Fire Department. Not only is he being incredibly brave by telling us his story, but he’s talking about it on a podcast — when one of his greatest vulnerabilities has been talking. He grew up with a stutter and childhood trauma. James tells his story with raw authenticity and has something everyone can learn from. You don't want to miss this one.
Lawerence Williams is a 21 year veteran with the Nashville Fire Department. He is as tough as they come. Lawerence struggled with alcohol and PTSD symptoms until he finally went to the IAFF PTSD recovery/rehab center. While there he thought the whole thing was "stupid" and planned on coming home. His wife told him either stay there and get better or don't bother coming home." He stuck it out and 30+ days later he left the Standard of Excellence center a man well on his way to recovery. Like so many of us, the shame and stigma kept him from accepting what was happening to him until he was about to lose everything.
Audra and Chelsi are two firefighter's wives and work-from-home mothers, with a combined 20+ years of experience as first responder spouses. They host a no-BS podcast, on a mission to break the stigma of mental health in first responders while amplifying the voices of their significant others. Together, they smash the negative feelings that come along with being a first responder family, replacing them with positive thoughts and compassionate curiosity. Tune into Dear Chiefs Podcast weekly for candid conversations with mental health experts and advocates and a first-hand look into fire family life with Audra + Chelsi.
email: hello@dearchiefs.com
website: http://www.dearchiefs.com
instagram: www.instagram.com/dearchiefspodcast
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dearchiefspodcast
facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dearchiefspodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearchiefspodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DearChiefs
Retired firefighter and military guy Jim Madison is on the show. He is the epitome of resilience. That saying, it’s not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up. Jim has had to get up off the floor MANY times. He has suffered multiple injuries on the job and has ended up in a wheelchair. That hasn’t stopped him. He races hand cycles and is going to compete in the Los Angeles marathon March 19th. This guy shows that as long as you don't give up you can keep living life and be happy.
https://www.instagram.com/jim.madison.handcycle/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/disabled-veteran-handcycle-racer
ranger_jim68@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/notlate.forsupper
Keith joins the podcast and shares how his life fell apart and after a diagnosis of Complex PTSI, he put it back together. His road to recovery included 6 suicide attempts. He shares incredible insight into what drives some to suicide.
Keith Hanks is a retired Firefighter and EMT that dedicated 21 years of his life to the service of others. He serviced his community as a training officer, certified educator, and field training officer. Keith worked both inner-city EMS as well as fire. Like many in the first responder community the job has its cost. From childhood trauma, traumatic calls, the traumatic passing of his first wife and sexual abuse Keith has faced many trials and tragedies that resulted in self-harm, substance abuse, lies and multiple suicide attempts. After decades of damage Keith began to put the pieces of his life back together.
Keith was diagnosed with Complex PTSI in 2015. The job, the service, his dedication caused this injury, and consequently his retirement. What PTSI didn’t change was the love and devotion to his community and to his fellow first responders. Keith has since dedicated his life to advocating for mental illness, substance and alcohol abuse recovery, and suicide awareness.
I had the honor of being a guest on the incredible podcast, A Slight Change of Plans hosted by cognitive scientist Maya Shanker. Apple named A Slight Change of Plans the best podcast of 2021 and it has over 10 million downloads and Dr. Shanker took the time to interview a retired firefighter/paramedic amongst all the celebrities and well known people she usually interviews. Her podcasts are nothing short of amazing. She puts an incredible amount of work into each one and nails the stories right on the head. I loved my time talking with her and she got my story exactly right. I hope you don't miss this one. You can find A Slight Change of Plans anywhere you get your podcasts.
Slight Change of Plans Podcast
https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/
christyewarren.com
This is the second time Tyler sat down to talk about his journey with PTSD. The first episode he talked about his critical incident that sent him down the PTSD rabbit hole. This time he comes back on to talk about the next phase: retiring from his passion, his identity and having to find a new life. His insightful, articulate and an all around awesome guy.
Ret. Paramedic Cheri Garcia sits down with the Firefighter Deconstructed after a short winder break. Cheri talks about realizing she couldn't do the job anymore without it further ruining her life and who she was. She had to reinvent herself and who she is - and she did with with grace and perserverence. Giving back and helping to save us is what she aims to do.
Michael Loew was a Firefighter and Paramedic for almost 30 years. He cruised along pretty well until he was caught in the middle of the Carr Fire. The Carr fire, burned 229,651 acres of the Shasta and Trinity counties, burned down over a thousand homes and killed 3 firefighters and 5 civilians. Michael talks about his experience at the fire and the effects the danger and devastation caused for him.
This will be the last episode until January of 2023. Christy is taking some time off to regroup and get the show running on full instead of near empty. I hope you will be back for next season and thank you for your time!
Don Pemberton
Don sits down with Christy and talks about coaching first responders to create and maintain healthy lives and actions that can help PREVENT Post Traumatic Stress. He and the organization, 1st Responder Coaching, really have something here that all first responders could use--either as individuals or as whole organizations. I really encourage you to take a listen. This service has the capability to help so many people.
website: www.1strespondercoaching.org
Use the promo code: deconstructed to save 10% off your first month of coaching
facbook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1strespondercoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1st_responder_coaching/
Personal Contact:
https://www.instagram.com/firstresponderlifecoach/
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-pemberton/
Retired police officer Stephanie Polizziani spent 15 years as a police officer, most of them for the city of Berkeley and then moved on to Benicia. She began to feel her life become dark. She planned on just keeping her head down on and not dealing with it. That is until her husband, also a police officer, told her she needed to get some help. Stephanie has a unique perspective as a police officer and a police officer’s wife. She shares how it feels different now to be a police officer’s wife as a stay at home mom. Stephanie also incorporates how all the recent anti police rhetoric has affected her during her career. She is very tough and carries a huge heart.
Today’s show is awesome and everyone should listen to this. Shauna Doc Springer and I talk about an existing and very accessible total game changer in the treatment of PTSD. It’s called the Stellate Ganglion Block. We also talk about first responder suicide and thoughts for friends and loved ones of someone who dies by suicide.
Shauna ‘Doc’ Springer is a licensed psychologist, best-selling author, frequently requested keynote speaker, award-winning podcast host, and one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, suicide prevention, and close relationships. A Harvard graduate who has become a trusted Doc to our nation’s military warfighters and first responders, she navigates diverse cultures with exceptional agility. As Chief Psychologist for STELLA, she advances a new model for treating psychological trauma that combines biological and psychological interventions. Doc Springer is frequently sourced by the media for her uniquely perceptive insights on trauma recovery, post-traumatic growth, psychological health, and interpersonal relationships, developed from two decades of work at the extremes. Her work has been featured in multiple media outlets, including VICE, NPR, NBC, CNN, CBS Radio, Forbes, Business Insider, Military Times, Military.com, Gun Talk Radio, Coffee or Die Magazine, Havok Journal, THRIVE GLOBAL, US News and World Report, NEWSMAX, The Daily News, Police1, Anxiety.org, and Psychology Today. In her recently published book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle AgainstFrontline Trauma, along with Sergeant (Ret) Michael Sugrue, she tackles the complexity of trauma with the law enforcement community, uncovers the unspoken barriers, and outlines a path to healing. RELENTLESS COURAGE has been described by Lt. Col. David Grossman, best-selling author of On Killing and On Combat as “one of the most important books of our time” and “the natural successor to On Combat.
www.stellacenter.com
www.docshaunaspringer.com
RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma
Shauna 'Doc' Springer on the human impact of first responder trauma
Today’s show is all about the brain and what happens to it when it’s exposed to trauma repeatedly. Dr. Nan Herron, a real medical doctor, and I sit down and talk about why people want to drop the D in PTSD and replace it with an I - because it’s not a disorder, it’s an injury. Like a real, physical injury to your brain. Remember we had on Paula Siddens, the CHP officer who had a serious head injury from crashing her bike, and how almost all of her symptoms were the same as PTS? Dr. Herron spells it out in language that even us firefighters can understand. In her private practice she specializes in working with first responders. She has lectured and taught workshops throughout the USA and in Haiti, Fiji and Kenya. She is the Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Santa Rosa Hospital, California.
https://www.fireengineering.com/health-safety/reducing-the-stigma-of-psychiatric-medications/#gref
San Francisco Fire Paramedic Danny McAtee makes his second appearance on the show. We sit down and discuss part of our first responder community that carries an extra weight daily and especially when they struggle with mental health and PTS. The LBGTQ+ community has been invisible for so long in first responder world that we need to make a change so EVERYONE knows they are not alone.
Chris Warren is a retired San Jose Police Officer who was the negotiator on a barricaded subject with a tragic ending. When the tragedy happened, no one talked about it or really even talked to him at all. This critical incident on top of years of being a cop sent him into an rages he didn't know he was capable of. Dealing with his PTS he also learned the other aspects of his life that were eating at him. He has built a new career for himself helping first responders find new careers after retirement.
email: chris@justadegree.com
Phone: 408-230-2622
Show Notes: Kick-ass retired Sheriff Deputy Sally Lobb sits down with The Firefighter Deconstructed and shares her story of becoming and being a woman cop, peer support and her own story of getting PTSI. I personally know Sally and know she is quick witted, smart and tough as nails. When bad shit is going sideways I guarantee you want Sally there. So if Sally can get PTSI, then anyone can get it.
This week I sit down with Captain Paramedic Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Fire Department in the state of Virginia. Chris started and spent about 10 years as a volunteer and then moved over to working as a firefighter full time. Chris and I talk about the specific challenges that Volunteer firefighters face when it comes to mental health. Chris shares his story of falling into that dark hole and climbing his way out of it. He is so very authentic, brave and genuine. Chris is still working and travels all over to speak and share his PTS story.
Chris Moore Cell Phone: 757-536-3373
Chris Moore email: Blue_Dog_Man_99@yahoo.com
The most interesting man in the world, Danny McAtee and I had a great conversation about the job’s challenges, how we don’t ask for help and put everyone else first, even at serious cost to ourselves. Danny is a retired San Francisco paramedic with the SF Fire Department. He continued to get hit (literally) to the point he couldn’t take it any more. Out in the distance he saw a couple of lights that pointed him in the right direction. He could have ignored them but he decided to listen and do the work to get better. Danny is the man.
Cassie Sexton works for First Responder WellnessCassie has extensive Law Enforcement experience in dispatch, jail, and traffic divisions. Early in her career she became eager to learn new specialties, showing natural leadership, and a passion for teaching and presenting. With her diverse background, this opened an opportunity at the local college the last few years allowing her to be a speaker for Dispatch courses, most recently, specializing in wellness and PTS.
Cassie is passionate about helping first responders due to her own healing journey of dealing with PTS through wellness, meditation, and recovery. Cassie helps facilitate and lead peer-run Fellowship Support Groups for first responders twice a week. The support groups allow and provide a safe space for first responders to gather, share, and heal from the unique traumas we all face on the job.
Cassie enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Colt and Ruger. She enjoys traveling the world and loves to learn about other cultures and beliefs
www.firstresponder-wellness.com
The Firefighter Deconstructed has the honor of having Jeff Smith on the show. Jeff spent 20 years as a paramedic in Vancouver, BC and launched a not-for-profit organization called The Detachment Technique, aimed at providing first responders resources and tools to understand and work through their trauma. He struggled with PTSD and almost lost his life to suicide. We get to hear from someone who was inches away from taking his own life when a police officer interrupted his attempt - so we can hear what was going through someone’s mind just before they tried to kill themselves. This is a powerful episode.
https://www.detachmenttechnique.com/
jeff@detachmenttechnique.com
Skip is a retired FF, recovering addict and now is the president of World Wide Support. Paul flew from England to get some of that Wold Wide Support. These guys talk about asking for help and their recovery, which Paul is right in the middle of. Both guests lay it all out and share their difficulties and triumphs. We also talk about the Pete Lewin’s New Foundlands emotional support programs.
https://www.worldwidepeersupport.org/
(SKIP) Martin Ross Ockomon
skipo@worlwidepeersupport.org (765)425-1936
http://petelewinnewfoundlands.co.uk/
24/7 Peer Support
844-844-2584
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
This week’s guest is retired Kern County Fire Captain, Derek Robinson. Derek tells his story of how he reached out for help and continued to not get it, which so many of have had to deal with. He kept going forward and asking for help until he found it. Derek talks about the healing power of journaling and how it turned into a book.
Book: continue: Surviving the darkness, choosing to live
Retired Firefighter/Paramedic Tyler Fausette tells his story of a critical incident that led to a PTS diagnosis. He struggled and struggled and ended up having to medically retire "early" due to his Post Traumatic Stress Injury. Tyler is incredibly articulate in telling his story and shares insight that we all can learn from. This is an incredible story to listen to. I highly recommend listening to it twice.
https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaPFFA/
https://local.iaff.org/a26
Douglas R. Brown runs into burning buildings for a living. After a horrible all he began showing the signs of PTS. His friends and family could tell something was wrong, but Doug was the last to figure it out. He finally asked for help when his marriage was about to dissolve. He began writing as a cathartic way of dealing with the day-to-day stresses of life as a firefighter/paramedic in Columbus, Ohio. Now he focuses his writing on fantasy and horror where he can draw from his lifelong love of the genres. He has been married since 1996 and has a son and a few dogs. He has had four books published to date. Douglas has since given his work a new home under his own imprint of Epertase Publishing where you can find his latest collection of supernatural suspense stories titled A Firefighter Christmas Carol and Other Stories.
Website- A Firefighter Christmas Carol | Epertase (epertasepublishing.com)
Amazon link- A Firefighter Christmas Carol and Other Stories: Brown, Douglas R, Brown, Rebecca, Murphy, Steve: 9781736882030: Amazon.com: Books
Barnes and Noble - A Firefighter Christmas Carol and Other Stories by Douglas R Brown, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Audible- A Firefighter Christmas Carol by Douglas R. Brown | Audiobook | Audible.com
https://bookshop.org/
Fire Escape Cabin: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/375957?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=2bef18ca-a718-4158-b4a8-5a438f873f17
Lt Rob Hiller, of the Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, shares his personal story of a cardiac medical condition, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress - each one almost costing him the job he loves so much. Lt. Hiller continues to walk forward as he continues to get knocked down by his body and his department. He is still working today. Fortunately, his department has accepted mental health awareness as a vital part of keeping their department running and healthy. His story, just like so many, is inspiring in that he’s never given up.
Today retired firefighter Joe Bartholomew shares his story of getting trapped in a basement fire and coming as close to dying as you can get. He talks about how this fire and his 33 years in the fire service left him with PTS. He dealt with department betrayal and a cold shoulder from some of his so called brothers and sisters in the department. Joe tells us how he healed and wants everyone else suffering to know they are not alone.
Finally! A new episode! I talk with Dave Robertson. He is the owner of FireEDGE - Fire Service Training + Career Coaching/Training Officer. He is a Fire Chief (ret) from the Napa Valley, CA. Dave and I discuss the havoc that PTS brings to a first responder and their family. Dave shares his story of finally coming to the realization that he needed help and the real reason he participated in Napa Lunches.
Quentin Waynick started in the first responder muck when he was 15. He did everything from firefighting to dispatching to being a paramedic. He lived on top of the world....until he got angry, really angry. In fact he was fired from his job due to his anger. He lived like this not having any idea what was wrong with him - that is until her heard this podcast and realized he has PTSD and he is not alone.
Retired police officer Ray Fernandez has 30 years on the job. Like so many of us first responders, once a tough guy, he drank with the boys after work and especially after a bad call. He also had a “shit-show” of a childhood. He had PTSD for years and didn’t know it. It cost him his marriage and almost cost him his life. He spent 30 years as a kick ass cop and after doing the work and coming out the other side, he is a kick ass person and loves life.
Olivia Johnson, once a paramedic and now an emergency nurse, married a firefighter name Josh Johnson. Josh Johnson got PTSD and subsequently went through hell. Well guess what, so did his wife Olivia. Olivia is one of the most powerful and raw guests I have on the show. Josh and Olivia’s story is nothing short of incredible. Here was a guy begging for help and he got shit on, sorry I don’t know how else to say it, but he kept getting back up and moving forward. And Olivia stuck around! So today we get to hear Olivia’s story of being married to a first responder. Josh was on this show June 17, and I recommend that you listen to his interview also.
www.3forthelove.com
To contact Olivia: oliviajohnson2980@gmail.com
To contact Josh: joshrjohnson81@yahoo.com
This week we sit down with Neal Oilar. He is a medically retired deputy sheriff-coroner (Del Norte County, CA. 2014-2020). He had several CI’s, two shootings, and ultimately he was stabbed which led to my retirement. He was diagnosed with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. His department left him out to dry. This is the first part of his story.
Albert Veldstra, who has 30 years as a police officer in Stanislas County in the California central valley, sits down with the FF deconstructed and tells his story of how 30 years on the job and an officer involved shooting affected him and his family. He talks about how he recovered and now helps struggling first responders heal and find hope. You are going to love this guy.
Founder of the #Iam911 movement, former 911 dispatcher Ricardo Martinez sits down and shares his story on this episode. Ricardo is the host of the Within the Trenches podcast and is about to release episode 400. He is doing amazing work for dispatchers throughout the country. His passion is sharing the stories of dispatchers and helping them process the trauma they experience on the job. He has started his own media company, hosts and participates in conferences, all dedicated to dispatchers. I really can’t say enough about this guy. You just gotta listen.
https://www.withinthetrenches.net/bizcard
Ellen Kirschman, known as the Cop Doc, is a clinical psychologist that specializes in treating first responders and has been for doing for years and years and years. She is the author of “I Love a Cop” and the recently released second edition of “I Love a Firefighter”. Ellen talks about the specific mental health issues that Wildland firefighters and their families face. We also talk about the importance of seeing a culturally competent therapist and the reasons why. Ellen is a invaluable resource of knowledge and experience in taking care of first responders and our mental health. She is no nonsense and says, “The stigma is stupid!” Ellen also writes fiction and is a clinician at WCPR.
The amazing Josh Johnson, former firefighter, shares his story of getting PTSD and the agony of not knowing where to turn to for help. The point came where Josh’s only answer he could find was almost killing himself with alcohol. He went to work to ask for help and ended up getting fired. Josh truly is an inspiration as he went from trying to kill himself to the incredible attitude and viewpoint that he has now. His focus now is passing this message on to others so they don’t end up suffering a lone as he did for so long. Josh articulates his story very well. I have a good feeling we will hear from him again on this show.
www.3forthelove.com
joshrjohnson81@yahoo.com
Tessa Dunn is on the show! Tessa is the wife of Tom Dunn, who was on the show a few months ago. She stood by Tom’s side as he worked as a Alaska State Trooper. She raised a couple of kids and took care of the family out in the middle of nowhere. When Tom became a State Trooper little did they know That Tessa would became part of the job and experience her own trauma plus helping Tom deal with his trauma. Her and Tom have started Reset Training and Consulting where they help first responders with stress on the job through training in Resiliency, Engaging and Empowering Communities, Soul Care, Employee Retention and Training. Tess is a positive force to be reckoned with! You can’t help but feel good after listening to Tess talk and share her story.
www.resettrainingandconsulting.com
The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with Conrad Weaver, an award winning filmmaker, producer and president of Conjo studios. Conrad is making a documentary film about us, about what first responders go through on the job and the price we pay for doing what we do. The film i scalled 911PTSD. He is traveling all over the united states recording our stories. His goal of the film is to create awareness and help smash the stigma around mental health for first responders. Near the end of the podcast Conrad and I talk about how he had to change careers and find a new purpose. He talks about how he did this and keeps his eyes on his purpose every day. I found it very inspiring.
Where to find Conrad and film info:
https://conjostudios.com/
linktr.ee/ptsd911movie
https://ptsd911movie.com/
To Donate to the film: https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/ptsd911
https://conjostudios.com/
https://twitter.com/PTSD911Movie
https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie
Paula Siddens is a retired Sergeant with the California Highway Patrol with 30 years of service. Paula sustained a serious Traumatic Brain Injury while riding her bike down Mt. Diablo. She was lucky to even survive the accident. Paula and I have also been friends for quite some time but it’s been a long time since we have seen each other.. We recently met up at a training session for the support dog training program, First Response K9. We started talking about my PTSD and her Traumatic Brain Injury. We found that so many of our symptoms were the same. Similar family issues and collateral damage also came up. On this episode we talk about Paula’s accident and the similarities of our journeys. This episode helps to demonstrate how PTSD/PTSI is a true physiological brain injury, not just some emotional problem.
The amazing Steve Serbic from the Undercover Mental Health Podcast sit down with me and tells us his story. Steve is a assistant fire chief, key note speaker, Tedx presenter, author and mental health advocate. Steve rose up through the fire service, and is currently working as an Assistant Chief of operations at Surrey Fire Service, Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area in Canada. He prides himself on being a devoted husband and father of two amazing kids. He survived his battle with depression thanks to the support of his family and friends. That support allowed him to rebuild his life and now he helps others who have decided to fight their anxiety, depression and mental illness. Steve is very open and raw about his own battles with mental illness and travels across North America sharing his story.
You can find Steve at:
steveserbic.com
YouTube
Ted Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBiGeA2lx4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZVsSEWRBnQ
Undercover Mental Health Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undercover-mental-health/id1490639378
Tim Grutzius is a 25+ year fire service veteran and a team member of the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support . He understands the detrimental effect stress can have on the overall wellbeing of our mind, body, and spirit. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach, he has a diploma in Holistic Health Practice, a certificate in Wellness Consulting and is a certified Usui Reiki Master Practitioner. Tim was diagnosed with PTSD and had a tough struggle out of it, but he is out of it. Now he works to help all those first responders who are struggling.
Twitter: @holisticff
@centannilife
Illinois Firefighter Peer Support https://www.ilffps.org/
https://centannilife.com/what-is-reiki/
https://centannilife.com/chakras-spinning-centers-that-express-our-vital-life-energy/
timgrutzius@gmail.com
https://youtu.be/E97l4Cjarpg
www.centannilife.com
timothygrutzius@centannilife.com
Tom and Tessa Dunn sit down with the firefighter deconstructed and talk about what it's like to work as a resident police officer in the middle of nowhere in Alaska. Tom Dunn is the founder of RESET Training and Consulting. He is a recently retired Lieutenant for the Alaska State Troopers (May 2020) who served the citizens of Alaska for over 25 years and is an FBI National Academy graduate of session 253. During his career, he worked in many communities with rural and urban community diversity. He is a certified instructor in several law enforcement disciplines and is a current Mental Health First Aid instructor who has provided instruction at the Alaska State Trooper Training Academy and all over the State of Alaska. Tessa Dunn is the co-founder of RESET Training and Consulting. The mission is to teach first responders and their families, new ways to cope with trauma and exhaustion in the workplace. RESET also partners with staff and families of special needs children. Tessa’s role in RESET will be co-teaching the workshops for spouses of first responders and educators. She is the event organizer and the biggest smile in the room.
RESET Training and Consulting offers training in Resiliency, Engaging and Empowering Communities, Soul Care, Employee Retention and mental health Training.
www.resettrainingandconsulting.com
Tom & Tessa Dunn
907-299-6054
907-315-4077
resettrainandconsult@gmail.com
Eric Weaver is a retired sergeant with the Rochester, NY Police Dept., where he served for twenty years from 1985-2005. He was a police sergeant for the RPD for the last 13 years of his highly decorated career. Prior to his employment with the RPD, he served as a Corrections Officer from 1983-1985 with the Ontario County, NY Sheriff’s Department. While with the RPD, he served in numerous positions within the Department, including numerous patrol assignments, the Tactical Unit, the SWAT team, and Internal Affairs. Eric’s last assignment for the Rochester Police Department was as Mental Health Coordinator, and was the creator, developer, and Commanding Officer of the first Crisis Intervention Team in NYS. The CIT is a specialized unit within the RPD that responds to calls within the Rochester community for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. He continues to serve as a consultant with numerous police departments and their respective communities in NYS in the creation, development, training, and implementation of similar Crisis Intervention Teams, and has served as a leading consultant for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and NYS Office of Mental Health in developing CIT training throughout New York State. Eric is a consultant with the National Council for Behavioral Health, and serves as a National Trainer for the internationally recognized Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid programs. Eric served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer Consortium of New York, was a Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance’s (DBSA) group facilitator and a member of the DBSA National Speaker’s Bureau, and is currently a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-NYS Consumer Affairs Committee. He also serves as a Peer Review consultant for SpecPro Management Services, LLC regarding police mental health training on a state and federal level. Eric is also former pastor and served for several years as the Executive and Counseling Pastor of Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua, NY. Eric holds a certificate in Biblical Counseling from the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/eric-weaver-overcomingthedarkness
Website: www.overcomingthedarkness.com
Email: eric@overcomingthedarkness.com
Kristi Tausinga sits down with the firefighter deconstructed and talks about being a female cop, getting addicted and then unaddicted to painkillers. This woman is one strong lady! She was diagnosed with PTSD and survived a suicide attempt. And on top of all that, she was totally abandoned by her administration. She was sexually assaulted at work by a supervisor and then was written up for engaging in sexual activities while at work. Her passion now is to reach out to those who are suffering and to spread the word that there is help and to smash the stigma - it’s actually courageous to ask for help!!
Instagram: mile_marker_28
Cell phone: 928.587.8375
Safecall: www.safecallnowusa.org
THE Tom Satterly and his wife Jen sit down with the Firefighter Deconstructed. Who are these people? Well Tom spent 20 years in Delta Force, the most elite special forces unit there is. Tom is a legend even among other Tier One special operators. He was in the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) and the capturing of Saddam Hussein. He survived incredible feats of war but he almost didn't survive PTS. Who is Jen? The woman who stood by Tom and went through tough times helping Tom get to the other side. Now they both work non stop to help their brothers and sisters in the military and first responders who have PTS.
Jen Satterly spent three years as Director of Film and Photography with an elite military company and was fully embedded in Special Operation training missions. She is the Co-Founder and Chief of Programs of their nonprofit, All Secure Foundation, and speaking alongside Tom about the challenges that spouses and families deal with both during deployment and coming home.
Books:
All Secure by Tom Satterly
Arsenal of Hope: Tactics for Taking on PTSD, Together by Jen Satterly
https://allsecurefoundation.org/
www.tomsatterly.com
Super kind and fun Scott Medlin sits down with The Firefighter Deconstructed and talks about the toll the job takes and strategies to get and be healthy. Scott has 17 years of experience in the military and law enforcement. Scott shares his own struggles with mental health and addiction from trauma experienced while in combat in Iraq and on the job as a police officer. He has authored two books about health in law enforcement. He has a passion to help others and help stop the stigma and stop first responder suicides.
https://leomotivation.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Medlin/e/B087QVZ26R?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000
Books: MENTAL HEALTH FIGHT OF THE HEROES IN BLUE and 101 HEALTH TIPS FOR POLICE OFFICERS.
Kaia Downing is married to Brad Downing, who was on last week. Kaia was a police officer for ten years and is now a parole officer. Kaia shares her story of being married to someone with PTSD. We discuss what it’s like raising children when your spouse is angry, irrational, and detached. Kaia has the unique understanding of what it’s like to be a police officer and be the spouse of one. This discussion is a very good one and I am sure many many spouses and families out there will relate and find that they are not alone.
firefighterdeconstructed.com
Movie: The Female Brain
Retired police officer Brad Downing was a long time “stuff it” guy and never talked about his feelings. He suffered in silence because of that stupid stigma that can be attached to someone when they ask for help. Brad talks about how stuffing it affected his job, his family and himself. He now works to smash that stigma and let others know it’s ok not to be ok. He has started up a first responder support meeting that provides a safe place for first responders to talk.
Rob Hindley is a Medically retired police officer from the United Kingdom. He went through PTSD twice and speaks to how getting PTSD the second time is even worse than the first time. Rob now works to prevent police suicide and promote police physical and medical wellbeing. He has started peer support groups. We talk about PTSD and the effects it can have on the kids. We also talk about the lack of leadership in this important area and how struggling officers are not being taken care of in all the aspects of a person’s life. He is writing a book highlighting the high price that police officers pay when serving the public.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hindley-98796b13b/
Bill Pepitone, City of New York Mayoral Candidate and former New York Police Officer, sits down with The Firefighter Deconstructed and talks about the heavy toll police work takes on officers and their families. He is a big, strong, tough guy born and raised in the Bronx and HE says it’s ok to not be ok. He says it’s so important to ask for help before you get the point of suicide. If a long time police officer from New York says it’s not weak to be affected by the job and ask for help, then you know it’s ok to not be ok.
https://billpepitonefornycmayor.com/
www.facebook.com/Bill-Pepitone-for-NYC-Mayor-110127470736990/
https://poppanewyork.org/
Former Dispatcher Ryan Dedmon sits down with the Firefighter Deconstructed and talks about his co-worker’s suicide and his own downward spiral. And most importantly, how he climbed back out of it. Ryan is a great speaker and has important information that will help all first responders. He now trains dispatchers and is the Outreach Director for the 9-1-1 Institute, The 9-1-1 institute works to bridge dispatchers with qualified local mental health professionals to be sure they get the help they need. The Institute now includes a team of experts who create uniquely qualified 911 education and consulting services to support the health and performance of our Very First Responders here in North America and abroad.
https://www.911training.net/
Sue M, all the way from Ireland. Sue M is an extraordinary person. She served as a paramedic and then a police officer in the United Kingdom for 14 years and experienced PTSD and several personal hardships and now she devotes her life to helping others get help when they are hit with PTSD. She’s written a book, started a support network, and answers phone calls all day from first responders and their agencies needing help. It’s worth listening to just for the Irish accent. Hear her inspiring story and how she got to where she is now.
Overcoming Trauma on the frontlines, by Sue M.
Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/47lV68
Carlisle Support Network -
Email: csnmgtteam@gmail.com
Carlisle Support Network Forum:
Laptop or PC :https://forums.carlislesupportnetwork.net
For Phone App - search for DiscourseHub then add the following link and if given the option add it as homepage
Retired Police Officer, Christopher Hoyer is a protector, survivor and advocate for mental, physical and emotional wellness. After 20+ years as a street cop, having been faced with the worst horrors imaginable, he has turned his focus to sharing his story with others, helping the law enforcement community prepare for the trauma that comes with the job. He has spoken to thousands, including first responders, mental health professionals and various professional entities, sharing his story in hopes of saving lives. His book, When That Day Comes, was written to honor the memory of all fallen Law Enforcement Officers, one in particular, and to pass on what time on the street taught him about survival ... mental, physical and emotional.
www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hoyer-25398192/
www.facebook.com/lovenotes68/
Today we have Fire District Chief Jason Corthell. Another amazing guy from Texas. Jason is another guy who feel into that dark hole and found a way out. Then he built an incredible peer support team that he shares all over the country. This guy is a 4th generation firefighter and started his firefighting career as a volunteer with Cypress Creek Fire Department in 2004. Jason served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006-2010. Chief Corthell serves as the wellness/fitness initiative director for his department as well as many works within the department’s public relation roles. Jason has a great passion and drive for progressing mental wellness in the fire service through both personal and professional battles and experiences. He has implemented and influenced many others in the pursuit of providing first responders the help that they need. This is a good listen for any department/organization looking to build or improve their peer support team. Chief Corthell also works part-time instructor at Lonestar College Fire Academy. The Corthell Family resides in Hockley, Texas where he is happily married with three children and enjoys woodworking, sports, traveling to breweries, and grilling.
email: jason.corthell@hcesd13.org
Josh’s 13 year firefighting career was cut short by PTSD and department betrayal. His attitude and resilience is nothing short of inspiring. No matter how tough everything became he just kept putting one foot in front of the other. If you listen to this episode you will find yourself rooting for him. And if you can root for Josh, you should be rooting for yourself! Department leadership can learn from this episode too, because this department blew it. They lost a valuable member and treated a human being like a piece of equipment.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-concepcion-828389144/
I love Texas!! Police Chief Gary R. McHone, from Texas, shares how to truly be strong on both sides of the job, as a subordinate and management. He believes the people are the most important resource of an organization, so it will pay great dividends to take care of them both physically and mentally. He talks about how to truly change the culture of a department so talking and investing in mental health happens on a department wide basis. This guy most definitely walks the walk and talks the talk. Leadership of all departments and organizations take notice, the power of vulnerability is real.
http://linkedin.com/in/garymc0919
Facebook.com/gary.mchone.1675
This is an episode of discovery and hope. Dr. Lorie Hood joins The Firefighter Deconstructed and shares her incredible breadth of knowledge of trauma. Dr. Lorie Hood is a leading expert in trauma, PTSD, Neuroscience, and human potential. She has focused her research and clinical work on first responders, victims of mass trauma and high performers. She is the host of the podcast, “The Traumatic States of America” that is incredible. She is board certified in Forensic Traumatology, Domestic Violence, and Emergency Crisis Response (Diplomate Credential). She is trained and well versed in mind body medicine and dance therapy and uses a somatic approach to her work. Lorie has connected her research on intelligence with her research on stress, resilience, trauma and post traumatic growth and has created trainings, programs and curricula that inform human potential and performance on both individual and system levels. Dr. Hood is crazy smart and super caring.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-traumatic-states-of-america/id1508193692
www.loriehoodphd.com
www.thehoodgroupllc.com
www.linkedin.com/in/loriehoodphd
www.respondersfirstllc.com
https://www.facebook.com/LorieHoodPhD
This week Police Chief Daniel Smith shares his story with the firefighter deconstructed. He talks about his childhood and coming to the point in his life that he could go either way, positive or negative. He chose positive and accomplished some amazing things. He also talks about the importance of taking care of yourself on the job and not talking about what bothers you is a road straight to self-destruction. By the way, he is only under thirty but has the wisdom of a 70 year old.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-smith-4b80217a/
danielsmith9980@gmail.com
Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson shows true leadership by talking about the tough stuff, showing vulnerability as a leader. Chief Johnson discusses how important it is for agency leadership to start and continue on the conversation that we are all just human beings, and that vulnerability is the key to true connection and brother/sisterhood. He also talks about building a successful Peer Support Program. Chief Johnson is a Battalion Chief for the Pearland Fire Department in Texas. He has been in the business since he was 15.
Pearland Peer Support Captain Robert Kerber (832) 415-7814
Pearland Peer Support Firefighter Hotline- (281)997-HOPE (4673)
Jacob Johnson- 713-560-3729
Twitter- @BCJohnson1012
LinkedIn- Jacob Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/jacob.johnson.3192
https://www.facebook.com/FDtacticstraining/
Retired Captain Brenda Berkman of the FDNY sat down with The Firefighter Deconstructed and discussed healing from the job and 9/11 and the added trauma of working in a hostile working environment. Brenda is known as the leader of the first women firefighters for FDNY. In 1982 she was hired with 40 other women but was the sole named plaintiff in the lawsuit against the city of New York and FDNY to give women an equal opportunity to become a firefighter. She became a lightening rod for all the anger and hostility towards women becoming firefighters. Despite taking the brunt of the backlash, she continued to champion for women in the fire service and women in general, as she still does today. Captain Berkman spent 25 years on the job. It was an absolute honor to have her on the show.
www.brendaberkmanartworks.com
monumentalwomen.org
www.pbs.org/independentlens/takingtheheat
"Taking the Heat" on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6l56ShNMAE
The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with 14 year firefighter/paramedic and combat veteran Ryan Mains. Why Ryan Mains? Because he ran 130 kilometers for every firefighter who killed themselves in 2019. That’s 80.77 miles for all of us non metric people. Ryan dealt with his own demons and is still working his recovery. We talk about Ketamine treatments, financial problems that face so many first responders with PTSI, and the difficulty of accepting help. Ryan also talks about the IAFF (International Association of FireFighters) Center of Excellence, the treatment and recovery center for IAFF members.
email: runforourlives@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/RunForOurLives/
www.ilffps.org
www.iaffrecoverycenter.com
www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-firefighter-ptsd-ryan-mains-20200103-vaioiikvg5hbth6pvqs6sc3bzi-story.html
This is such an important episode!! The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down and talks with an amazing woman who has made it her life’s passion to take care of fire responders in an area we never thought we’d could end up, in the legal system. Lisa Houle served as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney for 15 years before starting her own practice as a criminal defense attorney. When we first responders end up at the bottom of the PTSD hole and make a huge mistake, like get a DUI or get into trouble, something we normally would never do, we find ourselves at the mercy of the law, on the other side of where we’ve spent our entire careers. Lisa Houle realized there was a great need for representation for first responders who find themselves on that other side. She is a true gift to us and will fight like hell for you. Please listen in.
tel:424.332.9079
lisa@houle-law.com
www.houle-law.com
Captain Dan Willis (ret), Author of Bulletproof Spirit, served as a police officer for the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego for nearly 30 years as a SWAT Commander, crimes of violence-sexual assault-child molest and homicide detective. He has provided emotional survival and wellness training in 35 states and in Canada to over 5,000 peace officers. This guy really knows his stuff. We discuss the important areas of warning signs of emotional distress, the signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSI), the efficacy of peer support programs, dangers and types of maladaptive coping techniques, and so much more about simple ways to help prevent PTSI and help heal from it. This is an incredibly informative episode for all first responders and everyone else!
Website: http://www.FirstResponderWellness.com
Amazon for the book: https://www.amazon.com/Bulletproof-Spirit-Revised-Responders-Protecting/dp/1608686310
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-willis-95468840/
Facebook: Dan Willis
EMDR.org
Melanie Mikeska, who is a total badass, and I sit down and talk about being a sheriff’s deputy in a large county that goes through several budget cuts and has some poor leadership. Having PTSD was hard enough but the department betrayal she experienced was unfathomable. Melanie went through hell and came close to suicide. But she is doing great now and loving retirement. Listen to how she got there.
All the way from Nova Scotia we have quite a guest, Jeffrey Hosick. He is a firefighter, a chaplain, therapist, trauma specialist, author and a professional speaker. We sit down and talk about when not addressing mental health can create a toxic work environment. He explains how the key to recovery is grace. Dr. Jeffrey Hosick is committed to finding ways to have accessible mental health support for first responders, their families, and support networks. When he’s not helping the first responder community, he’s helping corporate organizations eliminate drama in the workplace, bring attention to employee mental health, and teach leadership during crisis management situations. You can tune into one of Jeffrey’s many public speeches by following him online or by hiring him to speak at your next event. Topics Jeffrey discusses include organizational development, organizational behavior, organizational psychology, PTSD, trauma, relationships, mental health, physical well-being, goal setting, communication, and self-esteem. Jeffrey currently holds his PhD in diversified counselling and is currently earning a second PhD in industrial and organizational psychology with an emphasis on consulting. At the end of the show we look at the most recent suicide statistics among first responders.
The Firefighter Deconstructed gets real with John Hofman. This guy knows how to talk and doesn’t care if he ruffles a few feathers, he calls it like he sees it. Coach John Hofman, MS., CSCSD, TSAC-FD is one of leading experts in the field of Firefighter Health and Wellness and currently serves as the Director of Tactical Strength & Conditioning Specialist for Southern California University Health Systems. Prior to going SCU, Coach Hofman spent 10 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the Sacramento Fire Department, where he oversaw the Wellness Centre, coordinated the department’s medical and fitness assessments, developed recruit fitness training, pre-employment medical and fitness evaluations and assisted with the department’s 20-certified Peer Fitness Trainers. Coach Hofman spent a great deal of time getting to know the business end of being a firefighter. I know this is another firefighter episode but it can be applied to ALL first responders. We all work long shifts, we all encounter trauma and a physical and mental beating.
https://www.amazon.com/BEYOND-TURNOUTS-Comprehensive-Firefighter-Wellness/dp/1478178965
https://scuhealth.org/tactical-sports-medicine/
JohnHofman@scuhs.edu
The Firefighter Deconstructed talks with Cristian Hinojosa who has served the Dallas community as a public servant for nearly 15 years. He currently leads the DFD Peer Support Program, providing outreach and support to firefighters. He shares his own struggles and how he turned to alcohol to cope. He currently serves the northeast Dallas area as a Captain and Acting Battalion Chief at Station 28. He has led the second largest DFD employee association, representing over 450 firefighters. This role has carried substantial political and administrative responsibilities and had included extensive interaction with DFD Command Staff, City Council, and the City Manager on a regular basis. Prior to joining the Dallas Fire Department, Cristian worked as an investment banker in New York City and Dallas. He has quite an extensive background in everything. AND he is a ridiculously nice guy with great ideas and perspectives on peer support.
You can find Cristian at:
cvhinojosa@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/DFRpeersupport/?ref=page_internal
214-669-7500
https://www.firehouse.com/home/contact/21116607/cristian-hinojosa-dallas-firefighters-peer-support
The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with Danielle Cook Kawash, Mike Salemi, and Simon Mathews from First In Wellness. They develop wellness programs for Fire departments, yet all of their information applies to all first responders, and yes even dispatchers. For a person who sits for long periods of time, being physically fit will help the body and mind handle all that stress. They work to make and keep firefighters thriving, energetic and resilient. The program provides for on going coaching to help enable success. They have a real understanding to the unique challenges and specific needs firefighters have. First In Wellness talks about the importance of department leadership taking part in the conversation and driving the efforts of wellness and suicide prevention.
https://firstinwellness.com/
The 2-Week COVID Program, which is a taste of the 90-day, and will help build physical resilience (and mental) is available for free. People can sign up for this at www.firstinwellness.com or directly by going to the link: https://p.bttr.to/3hTePRu.
We will be doing a pilot study of the 90-day program for 8-10 firefighters. Anyone interested can email me at info@firstinwellness.com.Here's a summary of the program:
Our 90-day fire program is an online, interactive program designed to run for 3 consecutive months. A lifestyle section and a fitness section form a comprehensive system for building physical and psychological resilience.
The 90-day program includes:
Detailed guidance on lifestyle topics of nutrition, sleep, and Psychological Resilience
6 small group coaching sessions (2 per month) led by nationally board-certified coaches, a psychologist and a registered dietitian
Additional materials on nutrition planning and food preparation, stress management, sleep, and goal setting
9-week personalized, multi-level strength training program designed specifically to improve multi-plane, firefighter-specific movements, and enhance balance and flexibility
*Cutting edge physiological tracking technology to measure progress (Oura Ring, EverSleep)
Taking Charge of Your Recovery. The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with paramedic and dispatcher Michael Henderson. Michael was a paramedic in Oakland, CA and then became a dispatcher. He was a dispatcher on duty during the catastrophic Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa and Napa that became the most destructive fire in California history. We talk about his journey through trauma and the resulting PTSI. Michael’s spiral down to the bottom of that dark hole almost cost him his life. His journey back is one of resilience and inspiration. We also talk about the Stellate Ganglion Block treatment for PTSI and Michael’s experience with it.
You can find Michael at:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028203436078
Mj_henderson@hotmail.com
The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with Sean Wyman and talks about getting out from being miserable. Sean Wyman is an 18 Year Law Enforcement Officer and Trainer, Army Veteran, father of 3, and husband of 14 years. He is also trauma informed care speaker, trauma trainer, and bestselling author. Sean went through a horrific childhood that continued to direct his life and how he lived. Sean realized just how miserable he was and decided to do something about it. His journey is remarkable. Sean has now dedicated his life to helping others get unstuck.
Sean Wyman Links:
gbtcbook.com
gbtc911.com
Rick Markley and I talk about the unique challenges that volunteer firefighters and their departments face in taking care of their wellness and mental health. There is so much more involved than just bad calls. You may think that an episode on volunteer firefighters has nothing to do with you, but with volunteers making up 67% of the fire service in the United States, this subject matters to everyone. Rick Markely has been a Volunteer fire fighter for almost 12 years.
He is also he former editor-in-chief of FireRescue1 and Fire Chief, a volunteer firefighter and fire investigator, and is a contributor to FirefighterCloseCalls. He serves on the board of directors and is actively involved with the International Fire Relief Mission, a humanitarian aid organization that delivers unused fire and EMS equipment to firefighters in developing countries. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's of fine arts. He has logged more than 15 years as an editor-in-chief and written numerous articles on firefighting.
https://volunteerfirefighterintl.com/
Firefighter Close Calls
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/
Book "Pass it on 3: Making Good Progress" (coupon code for 25% off: goodprogress)
https://fireengineeringbooks.com/pass-it-on-3-making-good-progress/
International Fire Relief Mission
https://sites.google.com/ifrm2007.com/ifrm2007-intl-fire-relief/home
The Firefighter Deconstructed sits down with another amazing daughter of a long time police officer. 21 year old Courtney talks about growing up as the oldest kid in a family with a first responder dad that works long hours as a police officer…and ends up with PTSI. No one talked to Courtney to tell her what was going on with her dad. No one explained that her dad was isolating and unavailable because he was being haunted by years of being a police officer. Courtney assumed she should be doing more for her parents instead of her parents doing more for her. At one point Courtney ponders “why even be alive if my parents aren’t here for me.” She also points out that she knows her parents did the best they could. BUT all of this went on much longer than it needed to, if only policeman dad was able to identify what was going on and ask for help. Lack of education and stigma kept Courtney and her dad suffering much longer than needed, which ultimately led to long term issues Courtney is dealing with now. Dear first responder parents (and all parents), you bring your job home with you. You must talk to your kids and you must get help yourself no matter how paralyzing the stigma is. Just listen to Courtney and she’ll tell you all about it.
This Episode is with Anaheim Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Fiorenza. Matt is a 16 year veteran of the the AFD and started drinking alcohol when he was 11. He had many trials and tribulations along the way to recovery. PTS nearly killed him. But he made it through and is a firefighter paramedic for the Anaheim Fire Department station at the Happiest place on Earth. He also works with a few organizations helping those afflicted with PTS and drug and alcohol addiction. Matt is a true inspiration in so many ways.
How to reach Matty:
https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/--
https://www.shiftwellness.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddR6x7iQGys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgFY5Bucvmc&t=61s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo6y8m6t_2Q
https://saveawarrior.org/home#what-is-save-a-warrior
Matty@shiftwellness.com
Matt@saveawarrior.org
matt.fiorenza@simplerecovery.com
IG shift_wellness_firemanmatty
FB Matt Fiorenza LLC
In Part 2, Jay talks more about working at the bomb site, the surrealism and how supportive the entire community was. Jay and I talk about what didn't work and what did work to recover from PTSD. Jay also talks about the passing of Rebecca Kuga, a dedicated psychologist who worked with first responders to heal. She not only gave of herself professionally, but she truly gave her heart, love and compassion to countless first responders. Rebecca recently passed away from breast cancer. Those who were touched by her will never forget. Jay and myself are two of those people. She will greatly be missed.
This episode of The Firefighter Deconstructed has a very special guest. Grace is the 16 year old (soon to be 17) daughter of a police officer with 26 years as a cop (and his first gig was 3 years as a firefighter). Grace and I talk about what it’s like to be the child of a first responder and also of a first responder who gets PTSI. Grace is incredibly articulate and self aware. She makes it very clear that your kids know way more about what is going on than you think, and that trying to protect your kids from the truth will always back fire. This episode is a must listen for any first responder with kids or really anyone with kids. Actually, everyone should listen to this.
Don’t forget to check out FirefighterDeconstructed.com and irel8.org/firefighter-deconstructed
Retired Captain Tim Dietz shares his story of having to overcome personal tragedy and not fully dealing with it caused him to struggle later in his career. We talk about paths to recovery and the importance of peer support. Tim began his fire service career in Oregon in 1979. His first 22 years working on "the line" as a Company Officer/Paramedic, he retired at the end of 2008 as the Behavioral Health Specialist for a metropolitan fire district on the edge of Portland, Oregon. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and an internationally recognized speaker on crisis, grief, and staying happy and healthy in the emergency service professions. His career is devoted to teaching emergency responders and their organizations how to better serve the needs of emotionally traumatized people they may encounter at the scenes of injury or death, and he is also dedicated to preparing and providing tools for those emergency response organizations and individuals who are impacted by the inevitable stress that is an intrinsic part of their careers. He has written a book, is the founder of Responder Be Well, and the Director of WCPR in Oregon.
Responder Be Well.......http://www.responderbewell.com/index.html
Book....... Scene of Compassion A Responders Guide for Dealing with Emergency Scene Emotional Crisis 2nd edition
B Shifter Magazine.......http://www.bshifter.com/SelectMagazines.aspx
The Firefighter Deconstructed is partnering with iRel8 and ResponderRel8!
To download the ResponderRel8 app.......https://irel8.org/firefighter-deconstructed/
Firefighter Deconstructed Website.......FirefighterDeconstucted.com
Tim Kaplan is a 20 year veteran of the Berkeley, (CA) police Department. We talk about his chronic anxiety and how he dealt with it on the job. He spent the majority of his police career in the patrol division while holding a number of collateral assignments including Field Training Officer, Crisis Negotiator Team Leader, and Crowd Management Team member. Tim was assigned to the Sexual Assault Investigations Division for 3 years, and spent 2 1/2 years on a high visibility street level narcotics and violence suppression team. He was trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and assisted on the Peer Support Team. Tim retired at the age of 43 years. He was ready to move on to the next chapter in his life and felt leaving the job would help decrease a constant anxiety that plagued him. His current passion is helping others reach their fitness, health, and wellness goals. Tim co-founded Blue Resilience, a training and consulting firm committed to teaching members of the law enforcement community about stress resilience and wellness. He is a certified tactical strength and conditioning facilitator, a Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Tim holds a Faculty Level Certification from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), a leading resource for workplace wellness.
Email: timkaplanperformance@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/tim.kaplan.16
Meet Jay Scott, retired Fire Lieutenant from the Oklahoma City Fire Department. The Oklahoma City bombing has had lasting effects on everyone, especially those who were there. Jay Scott is no different. His uncanny memory and insight causes him to remember more than he would like. It's been 25 years since the bombing and Jay still continues to find closure for events from that day. It's an incredible story with incredible insights. He remembers so much that one hour is not enough space for all of his story. Please listen to Part 1, I guarantee you will take something away from it that is meaningful.
Deborah is the wife of ret. New York State Trooper, who after struggling with symptoms took years to finally be diagnosed with PTSD. Deborah has been through the gauntlet of being the spouse of a first responder with PTSD. After the diagnosis came and healing began, Deborah used her writing and producing skills to create the award winning documentary film, Code 9: Officer Needs Assistance. This film tells the stories of police officers and their journeys through PTSD. She is currently working to produce another film called Monochrome, about bridging back the trust between the community and the police. Her story is powerful, honest, and loving. It was an honor for me to talk to her and I think you will enjoy this show!
Deborah and her work can be found:
www.code9.org
www.facebook.com/monochromedoc
Code9film.com
www.dangerouscurvesproductions.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO01Qeg15KU&t=74s
More first responders kill themselves than die in the line of duty. Fire captain Jeff Dill decided to do something about it. Jeff is the founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, holds a Master’s degree and is a Licensed Counselor. He is a retired Captain from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois and is a member of the American Counseling Association and National Board of Certified Counselors. FBHA’s goal is to provide behavioral health workshops to fire departments and EMS organizations across the globe, focusing on behavioral health awareness with a strong drive towards suicide prevention and promoting resources available to firefighters/EMS and their families. Jeff and I discuss how the FBHA is working to prevent firefighter, paramedic, EMT and Dispatcher suicides. We talk about what organizations and we as individuals can do to help prevent these tragedies that are increasing in number every year.
https://www.ffbha.org
National suicide prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
To Donate: https://www.ffbha.org/ways-to-help/make-a-donation/
www.FirefighterDeconstructed.com
Retired Sergent Surgue has 20+ years experience in the military and law enforcement. Michael tells his compelling story of having to face a police officer’s nightmare and the debilitating mental health struggle that ensued. Michael demonstrates the strength and resiliency in order to survive and recover, even when it feels like all is lost and there is no hope. He has become a national keynote speaker and dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), Resiliency, and First Responder Suicide Prevention. He also volunteers at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat.
You can find Mike Surgue at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue
Ellen Kirschman is known as the “Cop Doc”. She has 30 years as a clinical psychologist specializing in law enforcement and first responders. Today Ellen and I talk about the importance for first responders to see a therapist who understands the police and first responder culture. We also talk about the differences in the culture of cops and firefighters, and tools for self-care that apply to everyone and anyone. She has written several books including Counseling Cops: what Clinicians need to know, I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know, I love a firefighter: What the families need to know. She has also written fiction including The Right Wrong Thing, Burying Ben, and The Fifth Reflection. Those three books make up the Dot Meyerhoff Police Psychologist Series. Ellen also writes a blog for the magazine Psychology Today. She is a clinician at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat. Ellen has traveled the world teaching, researching and sharing her expertise in police psychology. Ellen is a treasure chest full of information and doesn’t beat around the bush. This is a great episode for first responders, clinicians, and the general public.
Ellen can be found at:
www.ellenkirschman.com
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cop-doc
We have former dispatcher Sue Faria who also happens to be the president of the First Responder Support Network. Sue tells her story of dispatching many years for the CHP and then the sheriff’s office. We talk about her struggles with PTSD and her recovery. Sue is also a chaplain at WCPR and SOS. She talks about the spiritual side of recovery and how that can look like anything that fits you. Dispatchers absolutely are first responders and are the vital link for those in the field.
Jon began his fire career with the Peoria Illinois fire department. He left the department to pursue his true calling, serving God. He and his wife moved to South Dakota and founded a small rural church and he became its Pastor. Some time later the itch to be in the fire service came back. He joined the Sioux Falls Fire Department. Jon serves has served as a first responder for over 20 years and is also on the peer support team at his department. His podcast has been on the air for several years and has reached and given hope to so many people. I highly recommend it. You can find him many places.
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-inside-podcast-peer-support-for-first-responder/id1383580454?i=1000470094988
jon@thefireinsidepodcast.com
Author of the book: Rural Church RESCUE
On this episode we talk to James and Angelica Hendrix. James is a former CHP Officer diagnosed with PTSD and came very close to suicide. He went through hell. But so did his wife Angelica. Spouses are often forgotten about as so much focus is on the first responder and their injury. First James tells his story of struggle with PTSD. Then we hear the story of his wife and her ordeal being in a relationship with James. This is a longer episode but worth it to hear each story of one person’s PTSD.
You know him as the firefighter cradling the bloody baby in the iconic photo from the Oklahoma City Bombing. We will get to know the human inside the uniform as Chris Fields who just went to work that day as a regular guy and had his world turned upside down. Chris shares his story with a great deal of honesty and openness. We are fortunate to have Chris on the show just a few days before April 19th, the 25th anniversary of that bombing.
Chris is now retired and doing well. He travels the nation telling his story in order to help others. He is the vice president of the www.healthyhirehealthyretire.org organization that provides a variety of assistance to fire responders in need.
Where to find Chris Fields
www.chrisfields.org
Twitter: @ff4ou
Instagram: ff4ou
Facebook: Chris Cheryl Rosales Fields
Ret. Police Officer Nathan Schlitz experience's any police officer's worst nightmare. He shares his story of what happened, the toll it took on his well being, and his recovery. He also talks about his work for the non-profit Disaster Responder Assets Network, https://dranetwork.org This organization provides crisis support for first responders and healthcare workers.
We call them our better half, but what is it like to be the other half of someone suffering from PTSD? Diana Banuelos tells her story of being the wife of a Narcotics officer with PTSD. This is a show for anyone who has a partner who is struggling with anything.
What happens when a paramedic responds on his own family? Paramedic Anthony Hendricks tells his story of being a first responder and a husband at the same exact time.
Meet Dr. Joel Fay who has 32 years as a police officer and his doctorate in psychology. He is also a leading and nationally known first responder psychologist and one the co-founders of the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat. We discuss his career, the development of WCPR, and his dedicated work in helping first responders get their lives back.
It's just me today. We talk a little bit about conquering fear and anxiety and some of the good coming out of this pandemic. I also read to you the first chapter of my book.
CAL Fire Captain Noelle Bahnmiller tells her story of becoming a paramedic and then a firefighter. She shares how PTSD drove her to depression and thinking of suicide. Noelle's authenticity and introspection is captivating. This is an episode you will not want to miss.
Mike Koch, a former undercover narcotics officer, spent 19 years on the job. He began as an eager and dedicated officer who served his community with honor. As with many other officers, he used alcohol to numb the pain and trauma he experienced at work. After a series of injuries with the resulting prescription of pain meds, Mike became addicted to narcotics. Mike tells the story of his spiral into addiction, losing everything, and doing the work to reclaim his life. Mike is an exceptional example of resiliency and truly inspirational. Mike now works with first responders who have PTSD and issues of addiction. He also has is own podcast, Positive Connections.
Christy Warren joins Mental Health News Radio Network to talk about her diagnosis of PTSD. She thought her life was over. Tune in as she goes in depth on being a female firefighter and how stigma about mental health made treatment options seem impossible...until they weren't!
Your host, Christy Warren, is a retired fire captain from the Berkeley Fire Department (California). She has 25 years of service as a first responder. She was diagnosed with PTSD and her world was shattered. The stigma and appearing weak were great obstacles to her recovery. She finally went to therapy, took medications, and attended a retreat for first responders with PTSD. She now serves as a peer at this retreat and is getting ready to release her gritty and honest book about her career, struggles, and recovery from PTSD.