Beyond “Paragods”: Why Fire Departments Need the Whole Team
Most fire service professionals are familiar with the long‑standing tension between EMTs and paramedics. EMTs joke about “paragods,” while some paramedics view EMTs as less…
Author: Robert Avsec
Some powerful prose from our Founder, Dr. Kristen Wheldon!
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Having spent the last couple of days with Dr. Wheldon at the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Annual Fire and…
FSPA in Washington, D.C.
FSPA Represented at the 2026 Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief On…
🔥 Call for Presenters: 2026 FSPA Conference | Portland, OR | October 15–16, 2026 🔥
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The fire service is evolving—and so is how we support the minds and hearts of those who serve. At…
FSPA’s New Continuing Education Manager
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief It give us great pleasure to announce that FSPA Member, Dr. Catherine Harris, Psy.D, has agreed to take on…
New Host for Our Monthly Mental Health Clinician Consultation
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief We at FSPA want to give our sincere thanks to Dr. Charles “Chuck” Allen, the fellow who got the…
Let the Nominations Begin!
Honoring Those Who Serve the Fire Service: FSPA’s Annual Award Nomination Process is Open! By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Every year, the Fire Service…
Keep ’em separate for better mental health balance
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Love this post from my fire service colleague and fellow member here at FSPA, Matthew Thorpe, @mthorpeoafm! Another great…
What Makes the Fire Service Psychology Association Different?
For decades, the fire service has operated without a formally recognized psychological specialty dedicated to its unique operational, cultural, and mental health needs. While the…
Better together: Clinicians and firefighters
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The following was posted over on LinkedIn by a colleague, Dr. Kat Aguilera, a psychologist, trauma specialist, and military…