Fire & EMS Leader Pro The job of old firefighters is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters!

Tag Archives: strategic project management

Leadership, Change, and High‑Trust Conversations

May 7, 2026 Leave a comment

By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Voss for an in‑depth conversation about leadership, organizational change, and what it really takes to lead people through uncertainty in a Fire and EMS environment. In this interview, we explored themes from my book, Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How ...

Retired Battalion Chief–And now published author!

September 20, 2022 Leave a comment

If you’ve come upon this book expecting to read about emergency calls, I responded to during my 26-year career with the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire and EMS Department, I'm afraid you might be a tad disappointed. But if you want to learn about the greatest single assignment that I had the pleasure and satisfaction of serving in during my career, you have the right book. Because in this book you'll learn about how a single project that I was a part of that created not one, but two transformational changes in our fire and EMS department.

The Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) membership includes fire service leaders, psychologists, and masters-level mental health clinicians (e.g., LCSW, LPC, MFT) who are committed to "building a bridge between professional psychology and the fire service.
Two primary elements of that "bridge" are (1) developing Culturally Competent Clinicians and (2) developing a true understanding of the 5 domains of psychology (Assessments, Intervention, Industrial/Organizational, Operations, and Consultation) and what how they can improve the mental and behavioral health of firefighters and EMS personnel.
It’s essential to practice self-care and check in with yourself regularly. Be aware of how you’re feeling, especially after difficult shifts. Don’t let symptoms of trauma or stress reach a dangerous level. Visit the FSPA website, www.firepsychology.org for more information, including how you can join the effort to "build the bridge!"