Complete Your FSPA Member Profile—Because Connections Matter

One of the greatest strengths of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) is the diversity and depth of experience among its members. From fire service professionals and behavioral health clinicians to researchers and educators, our collective knowledge is powerful.

But that power is only fully realized when we can find one another, learn from one another, and connect. That’s why completing your FSPA Member Profile is so important.

Why Your Profile Matters

Your member profile isn’t just a form—it’s your professional introduction to the rest of the FSPA community. A well-completed profile helps:

• Facilitate networking with members who share your interests or expertise
• Build meaningful collaborations across disciplines
• Strengthen the mission of FSPA by making it easier to “bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service”
• Highlight your voice and the unique perspective you bring

Whether you’re new to FSPA or a long-time member, your profile helps others understand how you fit into the bigger picture—and how they might connect with you.

Here’s Example: Mine

Let’s take a look at how I use my profile to create connection and clarity.

Robert Avsec is a retired battalion chief who served 26 years with the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire and EMS Department. (My profile communicates both my experience and  current engagement in the fire service community).

I clearly share:

My background: A seasoned fire service leader with real-world experience

My current work: Serving as FSPA’s Operations Chief. Writing about fire and EMS issues on my website, fireemsleaderpro.org, and my blog, Talking “Shop” 4 Fire and EMS.

My purpose within FSPA: Contributing my fire service perspective to help bridge the gap between the fire service and professional psychology.

My level of engagement: Serving as FSPA’s Operations Chief, I’ve also had the honor and pleasure of serving as the MC for three FSPA Conferences, and look forward to a fourth “gig” at this year’s conference in Portland, Oregon. 

My profile does more than list credentials—it tells a story. It invites connection. It signals, “Here’s who I am, what I care about, and how I contribute.”

What Should Your Profile Include?

You don’t need to write a novel—but you should aim to give fellow members enough information to understand and connect with you. Consider including:

• Your professional background and expertise
• Your affiliation with the fire service and/or psychology field
• Your reason for joining FSPA
• Any projects, publications, or platforms (blogs, websites, social media)
• Your areas of interest or focus within FSPA

Think of it as your professional handshake.

Strengthening Our Community—One Profile at a Time

FSPA’s mission depends on connection. Every completed profile strengthens our network and makes it easier for members to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another.

If your profile is incomplete—or hasn’t been updated in a while—take a few minutes today to revisit it. You never know who might be looking for someone with your exact experience or perspective.

Let’s make it easier to find each other—and to build the relationships that move our profession forward.

Take a moment today: log in, update your profile, and help strengthen the FSPA community.