Get to Know Your FSPA Operations Chief
FSPA Operations Chief Robert Avsec is a retired fire service professional, author, and advocate focused on firefighter leadership and mental health. Here’s a clear overview…
From Fitness to Fulfillment: The New Challenge Facing Retired Firefighters
By: Robert Avsec, Batt. Chief/Paramedic (Ret.), FSPA Operations Chief For much of the 20th century, many firefighters in large departments—such as Boston, Philadelphia, and New…
In Memorium: Dr. Charles “Chuck” Allen
The late Charles “Chuck” Allen was an early member of FSPA and was actively engaged in the organization as a member of the Board of…
This Isn’t a Hose-Measuring Contest Anymore
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief The title of this post comes from a recent article by the same name published on CRACKYL Magazine. Below…
FSPA Seeks Member to Serve as Newsletter Managing Editor
We are seeking an FSPA member to serve in a volunteer capacity as Managing Editor to create and maintain an online quarterly newsletter for…
“We have to be held responsible for what we say”
By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief Sharing this post from a LinkedIn colleague, Bill Carey, Associate Editor for FireRescue1 and EMS1 at Lexipol. I heard…
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…
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…