Fire & EMS Leader Pro The job of old firefighters is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters!
Do you know of a fire service leader–They can be of any rank– who’s working in their fire department or region to promote mental and behavioral health services for firefighters and EMS personnel?
If so, wouldn’t their name look good on this year’s award from the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA)?
Past Honoree Highlight: Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Elliott
Joe Elliott, a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD), was honored as the FSPA Fire Service Leader of the Year for 2023 at the 6th Annual Conference of FSPA in Atlanta. Elliott is also the Peer Support Team Coordinator for CFD and the President of Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48.
I’m now going to share some the comments from two of his nominators—The guy was nominated by three different people!
He demonstrates authentic vulnerability to other firefighter members by routinely speaking about going to therapy himself both in trainings, 1-on-1 peer support, and in administering small group psychological first aid, daring members to question his masculinity and inner strength. I have been honored to be alongside him in the toughest of moments. He was personally asked to speak with members of multiple fire departments after one of the worst possible calls: multiple child homicides committed at the hands of a parent. The tension in the room was palatable and daunting and he kept pace and tone with the expertise of a clinical professional and the tears of a firefighter and a father who has held a dying child in his arms.—Dr. Erica Birkley
Joe Elliott recognized a need to better support firefighters in the Cincinnati Fire Department and worked hard to advocate for improved wellness services. Since his appointment as the first Peer Support Coordinator for his agency in October 2022, Joe has been successful in singlehandedly propelling an undeniable culture change.
He oversees a team of 50 peers trained by the IAFF to support his agency and respond to critical incidents. Under his direction, CFD has brought in wellness funding, training and awareness presentations, trauma-informed practices, and has contracted with a culturally competent psychologist to ensure his peers are benefitting from the best program possible.
As Joe’s counterpart at the Cincinnati Police Department, I personally relied upon Joe to assist my members following the loss of an officer to suicide. Our own peer team was highly impacted by this event and Joe and his peers did not hesitate to step up and support our officers when they most needed it.” — Tiphanie Galvez, Wellness Coordinator, Cincinnati Police Department
Do you know of a fire service leader who’s working in their fire department or region to promote mental and behavioral health services for firefighters and EMS personnel? If so, please nominate them for the FSPA Fire Service Leader of the Year for 2025!
For all the details and the online portal to submit your nominiation, go to the Awards webpage. The award will be presented at the 8th Annual Conference of FSPA in Pearland, Texas, October 9-10, 2025.
