Report from the FSPA Conference in Pearland, Texas
The 8th Annual Conference of the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) got off to a great start with an emotional Keynote Address by Firefighter Eduardo “Eddy” Liceaga of the Pearland Fire Department, host for the conference.
Firefighter Liceaga gave a moving account of being trapped by a structural collapse while combating a structure fire where he suffered broken bones and extensive burns. But that would not be all.
Eddy went on to describe his descent into a dark place as he struggled with trying to recover from his physical injuries, being separated from his fire department family, and being separated–physically and mentally–from his family.
He gave great thanks to Pearland’s Fire Chief, Jack Taylor, and psychologist, Dr. Gina Dunckel, for being there for him and providing the resources that enabled his ultimate recovery.
As he continues his recovery, Firefighter Liceaga is currently assigned to Pearland Fire Department’s Administration Building, where he remains actively engaged in departmental initiatives. He serves on the Recruiting Committee and the Training Division, where he plays a vital role as the new hire liaison—mentoring incoming firefighters and fostering a culture of support and professionalism.
FSPA Annual Awards
One of the best parts of our FSPA conference is the recognition for those individuals who are working in the firefighter and EMS personnel mental and behavioral health space to make improvements. Here are this year’s honorees along with the narrative submitted by those who nominated them.
Nominated by Assistant Fire Chief Norman Becker of Joint Base Charleston (SC) Fire & Emergency Services, Dr. Tracy S. Hejmanowski stands as a national leader in trauma-informed care for first responders. A licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of service, her early work with veterans and repatriated POWs laid the foundation for a career devoted to those who serve.
In 2025 alone, Dr. Hejmanowski led immersive retreat-based programs supporting 32 responders and their companions, while continuing her work as Executive Director of the First Responder Project and consultant to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Shield Program. Her clinical reach is matched by her programmatic innovation: as lead clinician for the U.S. Air Force’s “Ready Firefighter Program,” she helped launch a global mental health readiness initiative impacting over 12,000 military and civilian firefighters.
A published author, national speaker, and recipient of the Center for Operational Stress Control’s Caregiver of the Year Award—the first ever awarded to a civilian—Dr. Hejmanowski exemplifies the highest standards of compassion, cultural competence, and operational insight in responder wellness.
Chief Becker “struck gold” for a second time with his nomination of Ms. Elizabeth Evans, LISW-CP for FSPA’s Masters-Level Clinician of the Year. Here’s his nomination narrative:
Elizabeth Evans stands out as a model of excellence in the clinical field, particularly in her transformative and tireless work supporting the mental health and resilience of South Carolina’s fire service professionals. As a Master-Level clinician with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) since 2006, Elizabeth has demonstrated a career-long commitment to public service, bringing clinical expertise, cultural competence, and innovation to the frontlines of emergency response.
Elizabeth is a Certified First Responder Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, who has embedded herself directly into the firefighter community. In 2023, she joined the North Charleston (SC) Fire Department’s Peer Support Team. In 2024, she completed the “Mile in Our Boots” program an immersive, four-day experiential training academy designed to help clinicians understand the physical and emotional realities of first responders that’s conducted annually by the South Carolina First Responders Assistance and Support Team.
Her training in Critical Incident Stress Management combined with a hands-on approach as an on-scene, ride-along clinician, uniquely qualifies her to provide real-time, culturally attuned support to first responders in the Charleston, South Carolina Lowcountry.
Dr. DeAngelo Bradley was nominated by Assistant Chief Andre Johnson and here’s his narrative:
It is with deep respect and enthusiasm that I nominate Dr. DeAnjelo Bradley for Fire Service Leader of the Year. A former combat firefighter and visionary scholar, Dr. Bradley has devoted his life to protecting lives and transforming how the fire service addresses mental and physiological health.
His groundbreaking Theory of Continuous Therapeutic Management (CTM), born from lived experience and clinical insight, is now under consideration for inclusion in the OSHA National Registry and has been presented to the United Nations as a global solution to responder burnout. From briefing international delegates to lecturing across the Americas, Dr. Bradley’s influence is both national and global.
As an inventor, he developed the Guardian Angel Device—an innovative, CTM-integrated tool for real-time responder support. As a federal emergency management leader at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, he oversees fire safety operations while piloting wellness initiatives for first responders. His nonprofit, The Planned Purpose Program, extends his impact to youth and marginalized communities through mentorship and trauma-informed care.
Dr. Bradley exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, compassion, and scientific rigor. His service is not only distinguished, it is redefining the future of fire service wellness.
Save the Date!
It’s not too early to put the dates for the 9th Annual FSPA Conference on your calendar! In 2026, the conference will hosted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the conference location will be Portland, Oregon. The conference dates are October 15-16, 2026 with the Fire Service Cultural Competency Certificate Program taking place on October 14th (The day before the conference) and October 17th (The day after the conference).
More details regarding the 2026 conference will be posted on the FSPA website, www.firepsychology.org, so save it to your browser and stay up to date!
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