Your Conference Schedule
On-Site Registration and Check-In 7:00 am to 8:00 am Daily
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| – | Introduction of Pearland FD Chief, J.J. Taylor for Opening Remarks by Robert Avsec, Master of Ceremonies, followed by the Presentation of Colors and our National Anthem. |
| – | Avsec introduces Keynote Speaker, Firefighter Eduardo “Eddy” Liceaga. |
| – | Wheldon & Avsec: Presentation of FSPA Awards. |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Effective Psychological Pre-Employment Evaluations in Fire Services, Daniel R. Altman, Ph. D. |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) Training Among First Responders—Kristen Wheldon, Psy. D & Captain Heather Buren |
| – | Lunch |
| – | Re-Humanizing the Heroes: Recognizing and Confronting the Dehumanization of First Responders, Kari Mika-Lude, Ph. D. |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Fire Service Seatbelt Use: A 20-Year Case Study—Burt Clark, Ed. D and Fire Chief Jason Mays. |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | FSPA Membership Meeting |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| – | Opening Remarks from MC Robert Avsec. |
| – | Presentation by Pearland FD |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Human Factors in the Dutch Fire Service: Changing the Culture to Normalize Mental Resilience, Jasper Tobias Brouwer, Master of Science (Psychologist); Captain (Royal Netherlands Air Force). |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Effective Psychological Fitness for Duty Evaluations in Fire Services, Daniel R. Altman, Ph. D. |
| – | Lunch |
| – | The Slow Burn: Understanding the Morbidity of Suicidality—Catherine Harris, Psy. D |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Stress Reduction for Mental Health Practitioners Serving Firefighters—Ben Bernstein, Ph. D |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | AI for Fire Departments and Mental Health Professionals: A Primer, Greg Menvielle |
| – | Break (10 minutes) |
| – | Dr. Gina Dunckel: Announcement of location for FSPA Conference in 2026 and presentation by the host city. |
| – Close of Conference | Close of Conference |
Pre and Post-conference events
Fire Service Cultural Competency
Certificate Program
October 8th & 11th | $1500 $1,000
FSPA’s inaugural program–With our training partners from the DC Fire and EMS Department–at last year’s conference was a HUGE hit with the participants. This year we’re delighted to have the Pearland Fire Department as our training partner.
This two-day program provides both hands-on and workshop training for psychologists and masters-level mental health clinicians who work with firefighters and EMS personnel and those who desire to do so in the future.
- Day #1 – October 8th, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Day #2 – October 11th, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Registration for this program is available on the Conference Registration webpage as an ADD-ON option. When you register for this program as part of your conference registration you’ll SAVE $550.00 off the list price!
Add-on when you register for the conference
Live Fire Sprinkler
Demonstration
October 8th | 6:00 PM
Join us for a powerful pre-conference demonstration that brings fire safety to life—literally. In a dramatic side-by-side burn comparison, you’ll witness how quickly fire consumes a fully furnished room versus one protected by a residential sprinkler system.
The difference is not subtle. Within moments, the sprinklered room halts the spread of flames, preserving life and property. It’s not just a system—it’s a silent sentinel, responding instantly, even when no one’s home.
After seeing this, you’ll understand why installing residential sprinklers is one of the most effective ways to protect your family and your future.
Kick Off the FSPA Conference with Impact: Pre-Conference Events in Pearland, Texas Before the main conference sessions begin, join us for a dynamic lineup of pre-conference programming designed to educate, connect, and inspire.
👥 Culturally Competent Clinician Program (October 8th)
Day #1 of FSPA’s flagship training for mental health professionals working with first responders. For details, visit the Before Your Conference Begins webpage.
🚿 Live Fire Sprinkler Demonstration
Witness fire protection in action. In a dramatic side-by-side burn comparison, you’ll see how quickly fire devastates a non-sprinklered room—and how a residential sprinkler system can stop it in its tracks. For details, visit the Before Your Conference Begins webpage.
🍷 Welcoming Reception
Cap off the day with a relaxed evening of connection and conversation. Meet fellow attendees, swap stories, and build relationships that will carry through the conference and beyond. Light refreshments, good company, and a shared commitment to advancing culturally competent care in the fire service—what better way to begin?
