Firefighter Nation
@firefighternation.bsky.social
Igniting firefighter wellness!
www.FirefighterNation.com
www.FirefighterNation.com
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
When trust in the department breaks, it doesn’t just hurt firefighters — it impacts their families too. 😔
This article shares the emotional and mental toll of organizational betrayal from the spouse’s perspective — & how fire families can find strength in each other.
📖 Read now: ow.ly/cyaG50VQ60V
This article shares the emotional and mental toll of organizational betrayal from the spouse’s perspective — & how fire families can find strength in each other.
📖 Read now: ow.ly/cyaG50VQ60V
Navigating the Impact of Organizational Betrayal on Home Life: The Spouse’s Perspective
Explore the issue of organizational betrayal within the fire service and its impact on firefighter trust and well-being. Learn how this issue affects not only firefighters but also their families.
www.firefighternation.com
May 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM
When trust in the department breaks, it doesn’t just hurt firefighters — it impacts their families too. 😔
This article shares the emotional and mental toll of organizational betrayal from the spouse’s perspective — & how fire families can find strength in each other.
📖 Read now: ow.ly/cyaG50VQ60V
This article shares the emotional and mental toll of organizational betrayal from the spouse’s perspective — & how fire families can find strength in each other.
📖 Read now: ow.ly/cyaG50VQ60V