How are we doing mid-2026?
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief
Can you believe that in just a few days we’ll be halfway through another year? And it’s only a little over 3 months until we’ll gather in Portland, Oregon for the 9th Annual FSPA Conference, hosted by the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
But before we begin the 2nd half of 2026, 
I know it’s a “bit loud” but it’s what I mean as I give some “props” to the following FSPA members who have stepped up to make a meaningful contribution to our efforts to build a bridge between professional psychology and the fire service.
Board of Advisors Chair
Kristen Wheldon. Our indefagible Board Chair who it seems is everywhere, all the time. Leading a FSPA contingent, once again, to the Congressional Fire Services Institute Symposium and Dinner. Representing FSPA at the funeral services for the late “Doctor Chuck” in his home town in Nebraska. And many other places carrying the FSPA banner!
Congressional Fire Services Institute Attendees
These FSPA Members also made the journey to Washington, D.C., Anne Bisek, Burt Clark, Shelby Moreira, and Kadie Lombardo (And me).
FSPA Town Hall Meeting at FDIC
Carla Moore, Gina Dunckel, Greg Stroud, David Dachinger, and Burt Clark hosted a meeting at FDIC in Indianapolis where attendees at that conference had the opportunity to learn more about FSPA.
BTW, all of those folks above traveled to represent FSPA on “their own dime.” Thank you!
Task Group ALPHA
Tracy Hejmanowski, Task Group Leader
- Darshan Patel
- Ramsey Ali
- Alexis Rivera
- Andrew Holter
- Christy Haynes
- Christina Fredrickson
- David Dachinger
- Katharine Sheridan
- Laura Duncan
- Liz Comstock
- Lydia McGaffee
- Margaret Gavian
- Patrick Palmieri
- Shelby Moreira
Task Group BRAVO
Daniel Altman, Task Group Leader
- Norman Becker
- Erica Birkley
- Jennifer Bissett
- Bryan Castelda
- Douglas Craig
- Jill Durand
- Deborah Jones
- Kadie Lombardo
- Jon Moss
- Lara Sigurdson
Task Group CHARLIE
John Ambery, Task Group Leader
- Zoe Cameron-Casey
- Burt Clark
- Diana Concannon
- Greta Couper
- Emily Haas
- Erik Kambarian
- Daniel Kistner
- Matthew Laughlin
- Nicholas Moore
- James Rychard
- Ben Stone
- Gregory Stroud
ICYMI, check out my ealier blog post about Project Sentinel and those three Task Groups.
Task Group DELTA
Reviewed 27 presentation proposals and selected the eight presentations for our FSPA Conference in Portland.
Nicole Morgan, Task Group Leader
- Diana Concannon
- Linda Dunn
- Catherine Harris
- Anka Vujanovic
Task Group ECHO
Will begin working on July 1st to select the Psychologist of the Year.
- Silvia DeGirolamo
- Rick Boone
- Diana Concannon
Task Group Foxtrot
Will begin working on July 1st to select the Fire Service Leader of the Year.
- Rick Griggs
- Richard Franchetta
- Mary Beth Micos
Task Group Golf
Will begin working on July 1st to select the Masters-Level Clinician of the Year.
- Tamara Delisle
- Tim Soule
It’s not too late to join any of these Task Groups (I’m sure that Tamara and Tim could use some company!). Send me an email to chiefavsec@firepsychology.org to join!
Last, and certainly not least, are two ladies who have taken on two of FSPA’s most important recurring roles.
Continuing Education Unit Chief
Catherine Harris
Host for the Monthly Clinicians Consultation Sessions
Elizabeth Ramquist
Call to Action
So, where will you choose to make a contribution to FSPA’s work in the second half of 2026?
Responses