Fire Service Psychology Association | Site-Wide Activity

Robert Avsec posted an update: Dr. Emil Rodolfa and Dr. Lydia McGaffee, a […]

Fri, 22 May 2026 21:36:07 -0700

Dr. Emil Rodolfa and Dr. Lydia McGaffee, a Fire
Service Psychology Association psychologist member, are the tentative guest
editors for the new Special Issue, Mental Health and Psychological
Resilience in Firefighters of the academic journal Fire. Fire (ISSN
2571-6255) is open access and peer-reviewed, and you can learn more about the
scope of…

Robert Avsec posted an update: In his latest post on CRACKYL Magazine, Kory […]

Fri, 22 May 2026 16:29:05 -0700

In his latest post on CRACKYL Magazine, Kory Pearn, firefighter, founder, and editor of the magazine really “nails it!” IMHO

“Firefighter [mental and behavioral] wellness needs to shift from fear-based messaging toward strength-based systems that aim to sustain, and not diminish, those…

crackyl.com

Here’s What We Got Wrong About Firefighter Wellness - CRACKYL

Thrive Firefighter wellness needs to shift from fear-based messaging toward strength-based systems that aim to sustain those who serve.

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:58:27 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted an update: What happens when an AI chatbot starts to feel personal, […]

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:01:50 -0700

What happens when an AI chatbot starts to feel personal, and then you decide to leave?

In this episode of The People’s AI, presented by the Vana Foundation, we explore a new and increasingly important question in AI: can you take your AI memory, chat history, and personal context with you when you switch models?

As AI assistants become more…

Robert Avsec posted an update: It's a good day for clinical social workers in […]

Thu, 21 May 2026 20:55:36 -0700

It’s a good day for clinical social workers in private practice… the Social Work Interstate Compact has finally been enacted! This starts the countdown for estimated 9-12 months for states to begin issuing multi-state licenses.…

linkedin.com

It's a good day for clinical social workers in private practice... the Social Work Interstate Compact has finally been enacted! This starts the countdown for estimated 9-12 months for states to begin… | Christopher Brown, LICSW | 43 comments

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:33:05 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted an update: Firefighters and EMS professionals operate in […]

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:43:40 -0700

Firefighters and EMS professionals operate in environments defined by chaos, trauma, and split-second decision-making. Yet, despite these realities, many departments still rely on psychological assessment tools that were never designed for the fire service—or worse, skip them…

fireemsleaderpro.org

Why Fire Departments Need Fire-Service-Specific Psychological Assessments: A Strategic Imperative for Safety, Readiness, and Retention – Fire & EMS Leader Pro

Robert Avsec posted an update: Greetings FSPA Members! 😊Our community is built […]

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:57:39 -0700

Greetings FSPA Members! 😊

Our community is built on dedication, compassion, and the commitment to support those who serve. Now is your opportunity to play a direct role in recognizing the very best among us.

I’m excited to invite you to step forward and volunteer for one of our FSPA 2026 “Of the Year” Task Groups—a meaningful way to help…

firepsychology.org

2026 FSPA Award Nominations – Fire Service Psychology Association

Robert Avsec posted an update: Here are the details for “Dr. Chuck” services. FYI, he […]

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:41:51 -0700

Here are the details for “Dr. Chuck” services. FYI, he was a Nebraska Cornhusker by birth so his services are in his hometown:

For those who can attend, the celebration of life will be held on Sat May 30th, with the viewing on May 29th.

“Celebration of Life” for Chuck will be on Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 am

Cantrell Funeral Home – 609 S…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Mon, 18 May 2026 01:57:23 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted an update: […]

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:58:40 -0700

The rise of moral distress: How ‘make it work’ is slowly breaking the fire service

Every deferred engine, denied staffing request and compromised rescue plan leaves behind moral residue chiefs can’t shake

A really good article with references that FSPA Fire Services members will recognize and that FSPA clinicians can really benefit from…

firerescue1.com

The rise of moral distress: How ‘make it work’ is slowly breaking the fire service

Every deferred engine, denied staffing request and compromised rescue plan leaves behind moral residue chiefs can’t shake

Robert Avsec posted an update: The following message comes from FSPA's founder and […]

Sun, 17 May 2026 01:55:12 -0700

The following message comes from FSPA’s founder and Board of Advisors Chair, Dr. Kristen Wheldon:

“I’m heartbroken to share that Dr. Charles “Chuck” Allen passed away on May 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.”

“For so many of us in the Fire Service Psychology Association, “Dr. Chuck” wasn’t just a colleague, he was friend, a…

Robert Avsec posted an update: The Firehouse Yak: How the Fire Service […]

Sat, 16 May 2026 00:51:29 -0700

The Firehouse Yak: How the Fire Service Psychology Association is Leading Efforts in Firehouses

Peter Matthews, Editor at FIREHOUSE Magazine is joined by Robert Avsec and Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski from the Fire Service Psychology Association to discuss firefighter wellness as part of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

On the podcast, Tracy and I…

podbean.com

How the Fire Service Psychology Association is Leading Efforts in Firehouses | The Firehouse Podcast

Retired chief Robert Avsec and Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, who work with the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), dive into the topics of firefighter mental health and psychology as part of the annual Mental Health Awareness Month. Avsec relates firefighter mental health support for firefighters like hazmat responses, with four … Continue reading

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:20:55 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:51:41 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted an update: Task Group DELTA has been given the 27 […]

Mon, 04 May 2026 23:36:49 -0700

Task Group DELTA has been given the 27 presentation proposals for the 2026 FSPA Conference in Portland, Oregon, October 15-16, 2026, that were received by the submission deadline of April 28, 2026.

Thank you to our five FSPA member psychologists who have volunteered to review those proposals and select the presentations for our conference!

Robert Avsec and Frank Dellucky are now connected

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:43:32 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: Picked up this one over on LinkedIn from my colleague […]

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:06:42 -0700

Picked up this one over on LinkedIn from my colleague and researcher extraordinaire, Sara Jahnke, PhD.

I’m going to say something that probably won’t surprise anyone in this space.

A peer-reviewed review (say that 5 times fast) published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry found PTSD prevalence rates of 6–32% among law enforcement officers,…

linkedin.com

ResponderStrong | LinkedIn

ResponderStrong | 1,133 followers on LinkedIn. RespongerStrong acknowledges and supports the common and diverse challenges of the Responder community. | ResponderStrong, a community of and for Emergency Responders, acknowledges diversity in the Responder community by providing Responders, Families, and Agencies … Continue reading

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:46:52 -0700

“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…

Alison Fienning and Sarah Parks are now connected

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:08:50 -0700

Alison Fienning and Elizabeth Ramquist are now connected

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:20:05 -0700

Alison Fienning and Stacy Raymond are now connected

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:15:19 -0700

Alison Fienning and Silvia DeGirolamo are now connected

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:42:14 -0700

Dr. Kristen Wheldon and Alison Fienning are now connected

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:50:07 -0700

Robert Avsec and Alison Fienning are now connected

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:50:04 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: In the fire service, most of us have seen it firsthand: […]

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:59:49 -0700

In the fire service, most of us have seen it firsthand: the quiet (or not so quiet) tension between EMTs and paramedics. Labels get thrown around. Egos get bruised. But when the tones drop, everyone knows the truth—the system only works because both roles matter.

That same lesson applies to how we support the psychological well‑being of…

firepsychology.org

Beyond “Paragods”: Why Fire Departments Need the Whole Team – Fire Service Psychology Association

Robert Avsec and Stacy Raymond are now connected

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:49:43 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: When topics like trauma, suicide risk, and behavioral […]

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:56:18 -0700

When topics like trauma, suicide risk, and behavioral health are presented by individuals without psychological training or licensure, the risk of misinformation—and unintended harm—is real.

In this article, I describe the position of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) that psychological content at major fire service conferences…

lnkd.in

Psychological Expertise Matters in the Fire Service

I recently attended a national fire service conference, along with several of my fellow Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) members, where we observed a presentation addressing a critical psychological issue in the fire service that was delivered by individuals who … Continue reading

Robert Avsec and Silvia DeGirolamo are now connected

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:12:17 -0700

Silvia DeGirolamo posted an update: Good morning!I’m excited to have found this group and […]

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:56:07 -0700

Good morning!

I’m excited to have found this group and looking forward to meeting folks on the upcoming calls/zooms.

For the past 18 years I’ve worked as a civilian psychologist inside the military — primarily with special operations — on talent selection/management, leader development, and human performance. My husband became a firefighter…

Silvia DeGirolamo changed their profile photo

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:23:37 -0700

Jeannelle Perkins changed their profile photo

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:51:16 -0700

Jeannelle Perkins updated their profile

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:37:51 -0700

Robert Avsec and Jeannelle Perkins are now connected

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:06:18 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: Our newest published author, our own Dr. Kristen Wheldon, […]

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:26:31 -0700

Our newest published author, our own Dr. Kristen Wheldon, is raffling off a signed copy of her book, Fire Service Psychology: A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Firefighter Health, Safety, and Longevity at the FSPA Meet & Greet at FDIC in Indianapolis!

See the link for details but hurry because the deadline to register for the raffle is…

facebook.com

Burton Clark

The FSPA will raffle a signed copy of Dr. Wheldon’s new book at our Meet & Greet. Sign up to attend, must be present to win.

Robert Avsec posted an update: Greetings FSPA Members! 😊 First, let me apologize to […]

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:05:34 -0700

Greetings FSPA Members! 😊

First, let me apologize to Dr. Elizabeth Ramquist for the technical glitch that didn’t allow for her “2nd day on the job” as the host for our Monthly Clinicians Consultation (MCC) session.

The link took for those who tried to sign in today’s session took them to the February 11, 2026session, which of course is in…

Kevin Kelley changed their profile photo

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:30:28 -0700

Kevin Kelley changed their profile photo

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:28:14 -0700

Kevin Kelley updated their profile

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:26:22 -0700

Kevin Kelley changed their profile photo

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:16:35 -0700

Kevin Kelley changed their profile photo

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:15:16 -0700

Dr. Kristen Wheldon and Scott Kilpatrick are now connected

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:04:35 -0700

Greg Menvielle and Jason Mays are now connected

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:27:07 -0700

Jason Mays changed their profile photo

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:26:46 -0700

Robert Avsec and Blake Bidleman are now connected

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:44:01 -0700

Blake Bidleman changed their profile photo

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:41:43 -0700

Robert Avsec posted an update: A powerful piece of prose from one of our presenters […]

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:41:13 -0700

A powerful piece of prose from one of our presenters from our 2025 Conference, Dr. Kari Mika-Lude:

If any of you are wondering why fewer and fewer therapists are accepting insurance these days, this is why.

Imagine you have a job that pays you based on tasks completed. Pretty standard, right? But now imagine that up to a year later (or…

therapistresourceinstitute.com

Therapist Resource Institute – TRI

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:46:15 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:46:29 -0700

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…

Robert Avsec posted a new post.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:14:52 -0700

🔥 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…