What is FSPA Doing?

By: Robert Avsec, Fire Service Member

A couple of questions that come up frequently to many of us at FSPA go something like these:

• What is FSPA doing?
• Why should I—a fire service leader, psychologist, or masters-level clinician—join FSPA?

In addressing the first question, I’ll start by telling you that FSPA is the first and still only organization that’s working to “bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service.”

No other organization in the U.S. or Canada is bringing fire service leaders, psychologists, masters-level clinicians, and peer support team members together to network, share information, and hear presentations on the latest research and best practices that are helping to develop a field of fire service psychology–a field that currently does not exist–that’s recognized by the American Psychology Association (APA), just as there is for law enforcement and our military services.

We work at accomplishing those things by holding our annual conference in October, even during the COVID-19 pandemic when we had to conduct conferences via Zoom. We were able to hold our first in-person post-COVID conference last October in Atlanta (Thank you to the Fire Chief Rod Smith and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation for sponsoring and supporting that successful event).

We also attend other firefighter health and wellness conferences where we network with other organizations on behalf of FSPA members, learn what other organizations are doing regarding firefighter mental and behavior health, and yes, recruit new members and sponsors for FSPA. In just the first half of 2024, FSPA members have been actively present at:

• The Washington Metro Council of Governments (MWCOG) Firefighter Health and Safety Symposium hosted by the Washington, D.C., Fire and EMS Department in Alexandria, Virginia (March 19th and 20th).
• The Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium hosted by the U.S. Fire Administration on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland (April 5th and April 6th).
• The Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium hosted by the Congressional Fire Service Institute in Washington, D.C. (April 29th and April 30th).

Beyond attending conferences and symposia, FSPA’s leadership is focused on tasks and activities that align with the FSPA Vision:
Create the specialty of fire service psychology.
And the FSPA Mission:
Develop the scientific study and application of professional psychology to meet the needs of the fire service.
We encourage you to learn more about what that work looks like by reviewing the downloadable documents on the FSPA website. There you’ll find white papers–written by FSPA members–on these topics:

• The Position of FSPA: Current State of Fire Service Psychology 2023
• Human Factors in Firefighter Fatalities
• Trauma Risk Management
• Firefighter Pre-Employment Psychological Screening
• Fire Service Cultural Competency Training Program
• Psychological Autopsies

Why Should Someone Join FSPA?

Since you’re reading this on the FSPA website, you’re already a member, right? But how about other fire service leaders, psychologists, and masters-level clinicians that you work with or socialize with? We can’t say it any better than this blog post by one of FSPA’s newest members, Jeff Stapleton, in his own words.

I am currently working as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Arizona and am also a Psychology student working towards my Doctorate in Psychology. Just in the beginning stages of Psychology but heading in the right direction. I joined FSPA because:

1. Professional Development: Joining the association offers opportunities for ongoing education, training, and professional development. This includes access to workshops, seminars, and resources that enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of fire service psychology.
2. Networking: Being part of the association allows me to connect with like-minded professionals, both within and outside your immediate work environment. Networking provides valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of community within the field.
3. Stay Informed: Associations provide members with updates on the latest research, trends, and best practices in fire service psychology. This keeps me informed about advancements in the field and helps me stay current with relevant information.
4. Peer Support: Fire service psychology can be a challenging field, and having a network of peers facing similar issues can provide a valuable support system. The association may facilitate communication and collaboration among members, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
5. Advocacy: Associations advocate for the interests and concerns of their members at a broader level. Being part of such an organization allows me to contribute to the collective voice, helping to shape policies and practices in the field.
6. Contribution to the Field: By participating in the association, I will have the opportunity to contribute my own experiences, research, or insights to the broader field of fire service psychology. This will be a fulfilling way to give back and contribute to the growth of the profession.

What are some reasons why you joined FSPA? We’d love to know!