Firefighter Nation
@firefighternation.bsky.social
Igniting firefighter wellness!
www.FirefighterNation.com
www.FirefighterNation.com
Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle explores what makes firefighting more than a profession. Beyond risks, it’s the relationships, rituals, and intentional connection that build resilience and a positive mental health culture. Listen here: https://ow.ly/VcFH50Y0IUC
January 21, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle explores what makes firefighting more than a profession. Beyond risks, it’s the relationships, rituals, and intentional connection that build resilience and a positive mental health culture. Listen here: https://ow.ly/VcFH50Y0IUC
Why do we rush a rig in for service but ignore our own warning lights? Firefighter mental health matters. Recognize your signals and get help early. Full read: https://ow.ly/aSxe50XZchp
Heed the Warning Signals: A Firefighter Mental Health Check-In
Firefighters tend to be responsive when it comes to taking care of our rigs and equipment. So why aren't we addressing our personal "check engine" lights regarding mental health?
ow.ly
January 18, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Why do we rush a rig in for service but ignore our own warning lights? Firefighter mental health matters. Recognize your signals and get help early. Full read: https://ow.ly/aSxe50XZchp
The fire service isn’t a business, but we’re asked to act like one. Operating efficiently isn’t the same as operating effectively. Our mission demands the right resources, not the minimum. Read why and how we can adopt business practices without losing our purpose.
👉 https://ow.ly/VXWL50XY0Ff
👉 https://ow.ly/VXWL50XY0Ff
Adopting Business Practices for the Fire Service Without Sacrificing the ‘Why’
The fire service is not a business, but the fire department is often asked to operate like one. Christopher Piece on the practices that fire leaders can employ without undermining the mission.
ow.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:14 PM
The fire service isn’t a business, but we’re asked to act like one. Operating efficiently isn’t the same as operating effectively. Our mission demands the right resources, not the minimum. Read why and how we can adopt business practices without losing our purpose.
👉 https://ow.ly/VXWL50XY0Ff
👉 https://ow.ly/VXWL50XY0Ff
We would never let someone perform technical fireground tasks without training.
So why do we still tolerate untrained leadership?
Experience matters.
Standards matter too.
Leadership lives in the balance.
https://ow.ly/cWZq50XX0iV
So why do we still tolerate untrained leadership?
Experience matters.
Standards matter too.
Leadership lives in the balance.
https://ow.ly/cWZq50XX0iV
Raising the Standard: Fire Service Leaders Need More than Experience
Experience is invaluable in the fire service, but it should not be at odds with formal learning that establishes a baseline for your department. Alex Zielinski on building leaders.
ow.ly
January 14, 2026 at 10:18 PM
We would never let someone perform technical fireground tasks without training.
So why do we still tolerate untrained leadership?
Experience matters.
Standards matter too.
Leadership lives in the balance.
https://ow.ly/cWZq50XX0iV
So why do we still tolerate untrained leadership?
Experience matters.
Standards matter too.
Leadership lives in the balance.
https://ow.ly/cWZq50XX0iV
The senior man seat is hard to leave for a reason.
It builds crews, trust, and confidence. Promoting out of it too early can slow development for everyone else.
This piece gets honest about timing, ego, and knowing when it is really time to move on: https://ow.ly/2kEE50XVLOF
It builds crews, trust, and confidence. Promoting out of it too early can slow development for everyone else.
This piece gets honest about timing, ego, and knowing when it is really time to move on: https://ow.ly/2kEE50XVLOF
Denying Development: Promoting Out of the ‘Senior Man’ Role
Some firefighters may want to stay in the "senior man" role. While such members are undoubtedly needed, make sure you're doing so for the right reasons.
ow.ly
January 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM
The senior man seat is hard to leave for a reason.
It builds crews, trust, and confidence. Promoting out of it too early can slow development for everyone else.
This piece gets honest about timing, ego, and knowing when it is really time to move on: https://ow.ly/2kEE50XVLOF
It builds crews, trust, and confidence. Promoting out of it too early can slow development for everyone else.
This piece gets honest about timing, ego, and knowing when it is really time to move on: https://ow.ly/2kEE50XVLOF
Being a chief isn’t about sitting behind a desk. It’s about showing up—riding along, training with your crews, sharing the day-to-day. Earn respect by actually caring for your people, letting them do their work, and watching them grow: https://ow.ly/G4MG50XSCFq
From the Firehouse to HQ: A Perspective on Leadership
Chief officers miss the hands-on elements of the job, but Shane Bridges offers some practical methods for staying connected with members in the field.
ow.ly
January 6, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Being a chief isn’t about sitting behind a desk. It’s about showing up—riding along, training with your crews, sharing the day-to-day. Earn respect by actually caring for your people, letting them do their work, and watching them grow: https://ow.ly/G4MG50XSCFq
In this clip, Brent Thorne talks honestly about how identifying only as “a firefighter” nearly cost him the relationships that mattered most. It’s a reminder that the job is important, but being present at home matters just as much:
https://ow.ly/7mf850XRZi1
https://ow.ly/7mf850XRZi1
January 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM
In this clip, Brent Thorne talks honestly about how identifying only as “a firefighter” nearly cost him the relationships that mattered most. It’s a reminder that the job is important, but being present at home matters just as much:
https://ow.ly/7mf850XRZi1
https://ow.ly/7mf850XRZi1
We protect our bodies with gear. Our minds deserve protection too. How are you taking care of what you carry from the job?
Read more here: https://ow.ly/Ysah50XRjqr
Read more here: https://ow.ly/Ysah50XRjqr
Conscious vs. Subconscious Perspective
Your mind is always hungry. What you feed it today impacts tomorrow. Small, intentional habits can protect mental health.
ow.ly
January 3, 2026 at 8:20 PM
We protect our bodies with gear. Our minds deserve protection too. How are you taking care of what you carry from the job?
Read more here: https://ow.ly/Ysah50XRjqr
Read more here: https://ow.ly/Ysah50XRjqr
Happy New Year! Cheers to a safe and healthy 2026.
January 1, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Happy New Year! Cheers to a safe and healthy 2026.
Culture isn’t about slogans or posters on the wall. It shows up in how we take risks, follow policy, treat each other, and serve the public.
If unsafe or toxic behavior is tolerated, that becomes the standard: https://ow.ly/xIlF50XNPWa
If unsafe or toxic behavior is tolerated, that becomes the standard: https://ow.ly/xIlF50XNPWa
Culture Check: Is Your Fire Department Okay?
An organization gets the behavior it rewards. Chase Sargent on how fire service leaders can consciously mold a fire department's culture.
ow.ly
December 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Culture isn’t about slogans or posters on the wall. It shows up in how we take risks, follow policy, treat each other, and serve the public.
If unsafe or toxic behavior is tolerated, that becomes the standard: https://ow.ly/xIlF50XNPWa
If unsafe or toxic behavior is tolerated, that becomes the standard: https://ow.ly/xIlF50XNPWa
Occupational disease in the fire service is not bad luck.
It is exposure, repeated over years.
In this clip, Tonya Herbert talks about what lives in our gear, why PFAS matters, and how decon fits into long term health.
Full episode here:
https://ow.ly/A8t250XNPjP
It is exposure, repeated over years.
In this clip, Tonya Herbert talks about what lives in our gear, why PFAS matters, and how decon fits into long term health.
Full episode here:
https://ow.ly/A8t250XNPjP
December 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Occupational disease in the fire service is not bad luck.
It is exposure, repeated over years.
In this clip, Tonya Herbert talks about what lives in our gear, why PFAS matters, and how decon fits into long term health.
Full episode here:
https://ow.ly/A8t250XNPjP
It is exposure, repeated over years.
In this clip, Tonya Herbert talks about what lives in our gear, why PFAS matters, and how decon fits into long term health.
Full episode here:
https://ow.ly/A8t250XNPjP
Retiring due to injury shouldn’t make you feel like you failed. Too many of us walk away alone, judged for circumstances beyond our control.
It’s time we change how we support firefighters forced into disability retirement and honor their service: https://ow.ly/r0Ja50XNPeS
It’s time we change how we support firefighters forced into disability retirement and honor their service: https://ow.ly/r0Ja50XNPeS
No Dignity, No Doubt
When firefighters retire due to disability, they may be ostracized and feel alienated from the department. But it doesn't have to be that way.
ow.ly
December 26, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Retiring due to injury shouldn’t make you feel like you failed. Too many of us walk away alone, judged for circumstances beyond our control.
It’s time we change how we support firefighters forced into disability retirement and honor their service: https://ow.ly/r0Ja50XNPeS
It’s time we change how we support firefighters forced into disability retirement and honor their service: https://ow.ly/r0Ja50XNPeS
Promoting firefighters without leadership training? That’s like giving lumber & nails but no hammer. 🪚 Leaders need planning, people skills & clear intent to build high-performing teams. Train them first, then watch them succeed: https://ow.ly/Bycc50XNIEx
Give Them the Tools to Do the Job: Training Fire Service Leaders, Part 1
Jerry Knapp shares some powerful leadership tools and time-tested military leadership concepts that can help form your officers and prepare them for the role.
ow.ly
December 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Promoting firefighters without leadership training? That’s like giving lumber & nails but no hammer. 🪚 Leaders need planning, people skills & clear intent to build high-performing teams. Train them first, then watch them succeed: https://ow.ly/Bycc50XNIEx
We train for maydays, RIT, and worst case scenarios.
We should train just as hard to look out for each other off the fireground.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/55wp50XMA3B
We should train just as hard to look out for each other off the fireground.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/55wp50XMA3B
Breaking the Silence on Firefighter Suicide
Discussing suicide stirs up a variety of thoughts and feelings for many firefighters, but we must not remain silent in the face of this crisis.
ow.ly
December 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
We train for maydays, RIT, and worst case scenarios.
We should train just as hard to look out for each other off the fireground.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/55wp50XMA3B
We should train just as hard to look out for each other off the fireground.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/55wp50XMA3B
We adapt. We improvise. We still show up. But that’s not proof we don’t need better staffing, training, and gear. Read why the fire service deserves more than a line item: https://ow.ly/Ufzp50XLIpC
I'm Not Your Insurance Policy
People are only glad they had firefighters when they really needed us. The rest of the time, we’re scrutinized, second-guessed, and asked to justify our very existence.
ow.ly
December 18, 2025 at 11:15 PM
We adapt. We improvise. We still show up. But that’s not proof we don’t need better staffing, training, and gear. Read why the fire service deserves more than a line item: https://ow.ly/Ufzp50XLIpC
Firefighters are wired to give everything to the job.
That’s also how we burn ourselves out.
If the job is always first, your health and your family pay the price.
Using PTO isn’t quitting on the mission. It’s protecting yourself and the people who count on you: https://ow.ly/ce3b50XL0Uw
That’s also how we burn ourselves out.
If the job is always first, your health and your family pay the price.
Using PTO isn’t quitting on the mission. It’s protecting yourself and the people who count on you: https://ow.ly/ce3b50XL0Uw
December 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Firefighters are wired to give everything to the job.
That’s also how we burn ourselves out.
If the job is always first, your health and your family pay the price.
Using PTO isn’t quitting on the mission. It’s protecting yourself and the people who count on you: https://ow.ly/ce3b50XL0Uw
That’s also how we burn ourselves out.
If the job is always first, your health and your family pay the price.
Using PTO isn’t quitting on the mission. It’s protecting yourself and the people who count on you: https://ow.ly/ce3b50XL0Uw
New officer or new crew?
Your first 100 days set the tone for everything that follows.
Standards. Training. Trust. Accountability.
Lead early. Lead visibly.
Read the full article:
https://ow.ly/Oapj50XKAkl
Your first 100 days set the tone for everything that follows.
Standards. Training. Trust. Accountability.
Lead early. Lead visibly.
Read the full article:
https://ow.ly/Oapj50XKAkl
The First 100 Days as the Company Officer
The first 100 days with your new fire crew are critical to establishing your expectations and bona fides as a company officer.
ow.ly
December 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
New officer or new crew?
Your first 100 days set the tone for everything that follows.
Standards. Training. Trust. Accountability.
Lead early. Lead visibly.
Read the full article:
https://ow.ly/Oapj50XKAkl
Your first 100 days set the tone for everything that follows.
Standards. Training. Trust. Accountability.
Lead early. Lead visibly.
Read the full article:
https://ow.ly/Oapj50XKAkl
Being a new officer isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up. Your crew notices everything. Lead with consistency, respect the craft, and set an example they can actually follow. 🔥🚒
Read the full article: https://ow.ly/LQVQ50XJW4K
Read the full article: https://ow.ly/LQVQ50XJW4K
The Officer in the Mirror: Doing Your Part for the Firefighters and the Public
The role of the fire officer is to lead firefighters to success through training and consistency. Michael Scotto has some tips for new officers.
ow.ly
December 15, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Being a new officer isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up. Your crew notices everything. Lead with consistency, respect the craft, and set an example they can actually follow. 🔥🚒
Read the full article: https://ow.ly/LQVQ50XJW4K
Read the full article: https://ow.ly/LQVQ50XJW4K
This job isn’t meant to be done solo.
If you don’t have people checking you and backing you, you’re exposed.
Your circle keeps you standing when the job starts taking shots.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/OjxJ50XIQ2Z
If you don’t have people checking you and backing you, you’re exposed.
Your circle keeps you standing when the job starts taking shots.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/OjxJ50XIQ2Z
Circles That Keep Us Standing: Building Relationships in the Fire Service
This job can be rough, and sometimes the weight is enough to crush you. Wayne Jones on how building a trusted circle can help firefighters survive a career.
ow.ly
December 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
This job isn’t meant to be done solo.
If you don’t have people checking you and backing you, you’re exposed.
Your circle keeps you standing when the job starts taking shots.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/OjxJ50XIQ2Z
If you don’t have people checking you and backing you, you’re exposed.
Your circle keeps you standing when the job starts taking shots.
Read more:
https://ow.ly/OjxJ50XIQ2Z
First in. No aide. No backup. Just you, the radio, and the fire.
Here’s how to lead when you’re the only one wearing the white helmet: www.firefighternation.com/fire-leaders...
#FireService #IncidentCommand #Firefighters
Here’s how to lead when you’re the only one wearing the white helmet: www.firefighternation.com/fire-leaders...
#FireService #IncidentCommand #Firefighters
August 13, 2025 at 3:12 PM
First in. No aide. No backup. Just you, the radio, and the fire.
Here’s how to lead when you’re the only one wearing the white helmet: www.firefighternation.com/fire-leaders...
#FireService #IncidentCommand #Firefighters
Here’s how to lead when you’re the only one wearing the white helmet: www.firefighternation.com/fire-leaders...
#FireService #IncidentCommand #Firefighters
From wildfires to pandemics, the fireground isn’t getting simpler. Chaos theory shows us how adaptability and decentralized command can keep us effective when it matters most.
Full article: ow.ly/HkXu50WE4vm
Full article: ow.ly/HkXu50WE4vm
Embracing Chaos: A New Paradigm for Fire Service and Political Engagement
Viewing emergency services through the lens of chaos theory reveals the urgent need for flexible funding models and investment in adaptive training and technology.
ow.ly
August 11, 2025 at 7:11 PM
From wildfires to pandemics, the fireground isn’t getting simpler. Chaos theory shows us how adaptability and decentralized command can keep us effective when it matters most.
Full article: ow.ly/HkXu50WE4vm
Full article: ow.ly/HkXu50WE4vm
Today is PTSD Awareness Day. Studies show Brazilian jiu-jitsu can improve PTSD, anxiety & depression in firefighters and first responders. Learn why it may help you or someone you know: www.firefighternation.com/health-welln...
#PTSD #FirefighterHealth
#PTSD #FirefighterHealth
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and PTSD
A study suggests that Brazilian jiu jitsu may be effective at mitigating the impact of PTSD for firefighters and first responders.
www.firefighternation.com
June 26, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Today is PTSD Awareness Day. Studies show Brazilian jiu-jitsu can improve PTSD, anxiety & depression in firefighters and first responders. Learn why it may help you or someone you know: www.firefighternation.com/health-welln...
#PTSD #FirefighterHealth
#PTSD #FirefighterHealth
"The most courageous thing we can do is allow our experiences to change us."
Veteran Roger Sparks shares his journey from combat to creativity, and why firefighters need to embrace vulnerability for real healing.
Watch The Resilient Responder: ow.ly/9ucL50VV2TP
Veteran Roger Sparks shares his journey from combat to creativity, and why firefighters need to embrace vulnerability for real healing.
Watch The Resilient Responder: ow.ly/9ucL50VV2TP
May 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
"The most courageous thing we can do is allow our experiences to change us."
Veteran Roger Sparks shares his journey from combat to creativity, and why firefighters need to embrace vulnerability for real healing.
Watch The Resilient Responder: ow.ly/9ucL50VV2TP
Veteran Roger Sparks shares his journey from combat to creativity, and why firefighters need to embrace vulnerability for real healing.
Watch The Resilient Responder: ow.ly/9ucL50VV2TP
