Responder Resilience

Videos

May 29, 2024

Wildlife Warriors: A Tale of Two ACOs | S4 E22

Join us as we reveal the raw, unfiltered look at the human side of animal control with Jennifer Merenda, Chief Animal Control Officer, City of Bridgeport, CT, and Gina Gambino, Head Animal Control Officer for Monroe, CT. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the careers of these seasoned professionals and…

View more
May 22, 2024

S4 E21 Shrinks Unwrapped—The Inside Scoop on Responder Therapy

Today, we’re not just breaking down doors; we're breaking the stigmas. The sirens fade, all units are returning to quarters, and the streets are safe again - but what happens to those who just calmed the chaos? This episode cuts through the silence that often shadows frontline personnel, diving directly…

View more
May 15, 2024

Hi Nguyen—Lead, Don't Bleed: Preventing Supervisor Burnout | S4 E20

Join us as we converse with Hi Nguyen, a former officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police turned Leadership Coach, exploring the critical role of leadership training for frontline supervisors. We'll uncover how effective leadership techniques not only enhance team performance, but also bolster mental health and boost retention rates.…

View more
May 8, 2024

Ashley Valenzuela—Dialing Up the Future of 911 | S4 E19

Ashley Valenzuela is not just answering the call; she's rewriting the playbook for 911 telecommunicators everywhere. Ashley is a seasoned 911 dispatcher and the brains behind The Raspy Dispatcher. Since stepping into the high-stakes world of emergency dispatch in 2018, Ashley has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the…

View more
May 2, 2024

Resilience Toolbox: XDCuff—Soft Restraints Reinvented

XDcuff is a patented, stretcher-integrated limb restraint designed to cut application times reducing providers exposure to accidental assault and improving speed of care. In the fast-paced world of emergency medical services, first responders are constantly seeking innovative tools that can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in the field. Enter the…

View more
May 1, 2024

Voices from the Frontline Of EMS | S4 E18

In this unique episode of our podcast, we bring you an exclusive compilation of stories, insights, and innovations from the front lines of EMS. Join us as we explore the minds and hearts of those who dedicate their lives to saving others, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges and…

View more
April 24, 2024

Unboxing The Cop Box: Brotherhood, Healing, and Growth | S4 E17

In this compelling episode, we reunite three distinguished law enforcement veterans: retired Chief John Monaghan, retired Chief Douglas Wyman, and retired New Hampshire State Police Sergeant James Steinmetz. These three friends, previously featured in the impactful film "Inside the Box," come together once more to delve into profound discussions on…

View more
April 17, 2024

Chief Motes and Marie Gumá—Mental Health Lifeline for Clay County’s Bravest | S4 E16

Responder Resilience welcomes Acting Fire Chief David Motes and Command Counseling founder Marie Gumá, sharing insights on their groundbreaking mental health program for Clay County Fire Rescue. They shed light on the critical need and their collaborative efforts, emphasising the program's impact on recruitment, retention, and the overall safety and…

View more
April 10, 2024

Rob Rudewicz—Duty, Depression, and Deliverance | S4 E15

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we delve into the life of Rob Rudewicz, a man whose career in law enforcement spanned two decades, culminating in his retirement as a Captain from the Hartford Police Department. Rob's journey is not just a tale of policing a city he grew…

View more
April 3, 2024

Chris Moore—Shuffling the Deck on A.C.E.S. | S4 E14

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the impactful world of first responders and the mental health challenges they face, through the lens of Captain Chris Moore's personal and professional experiences. As a key figure in his department's Behavioral Health and Peer Support Team, Chris opens up about his own…

View more
March 29, 2024

Resilience Toolbox: Cognomovement: Better Sleep & Focus, Reduced Stress

In this new installment of Resilience Toolbox, we're spotlighting Katie Wrigley, Founder, The Pain Changer®, who works with first responders using Cognomovement, a transformative tool which can calm the nervous system, allow better sleep, reduce stress, and promote the ability to focus at a much higher level. For more info,…

View more
March 27, 2024

John Kelly—Infidelity: Temptation and Transformation | S4 E13

Join us in this unprecedented behind-the-badge episode as we focus on the heartbreak of infidelity with law enforcement veteran, author, and coach John Kelly. We investigate betrayal, affairs and rebuilding shattered trust in first responder marriages. John brings a wealth of knowledge on smashing the cycle of self-destruction and maintaining…

View more
March 20, 2024

Al Pratts—Succeed in the Need to Lead | S4 E12

Ready to take your career to the next level and achieve that long-awaited promotion? Tune in as we welcome Al Pratts, Deputy Chief and Chief of Special Operations at North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and delve deep into the intricate relationship between the first responder promotional process and mental…

View more
March 14, 2024

Resilience Toolbox: Cutting Edge Mobile Decon Units for Firefighter Cancer Prevention

Resilience Toolbox shines a spotlight on Pasco County Fire Rescue with Chief Anthony Perez as he delves into the specialized Mobile Decon Units designed to handle the decontamination of turnout gear and other personal protective equipment (PPE) at fire scenes. This cutting-edge approach plays a crucial role in preventing the…

View more
March 13, 2024

This Too Shall Pass?? Real Talk on Stress vs Serenity | S4 E11

In this special episode, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator Pete Elste, Firefighter Pete Nichio, Therapist Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW-EMT, and Crisis Intervention Clinician Scott Alvord, LCSW, come together for Real Talk: Stress vs Serenity. Under the theme of "This too shall pass," they explore strength in vulnerability and recovery from job-related trauma.…

View more
March 7, 2024

Resilience Toolbox—Prenuvo: Whole-body imaging for the early detection of cancer and other diseases

On installment of Resilience Toolbox, we’re spotlighting Prenuvo, the company pioneering proactive whole-body imaging for the early detection of cancer and other diseases. We’ll be hearing from, Dr. “Sefi” Chodakiewitz, Retired Firefighter Sal Banchitta (FDNY, ret.), and Dr. Robert Bard. We discuss: -How is Prenuvo different from traditional MRI technologies…

View more
March 6, 2024

Chief Anthony Perez—Igniting Growth and Excellence | S4 E10

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anthony Perez, the Fire Chief of Pasco County, Florida. We explore the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into a new leadership role, the innovative cancer prevention initiatives he has implemented within his department, and the impact of recruitment and retention…

View more
Feb. 28, 2024

Ernie Stevens: The Power of De-escalation in Law Enforcement | S4 E9

Join us for an engaging episode where we explore mental health and de-escalation with Ernest Stevens, author of the best-selling book "Mental Health and De-escalation: A Guide for Law Enforcement Professionals.” As a pivotal member of the San Antonio Police Department Mental Health Unit, Ernie brings a wealth of experience…

View more
Feb. 21, 2024

Joseph T. Bonanno—Recipes for Resilience: Coping with Suicide | S4 E8

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Joseph T. Bonanno, a true American hero who has served in both the USAF and The FDNY. Joseph opens up about the profound impact of suicide on his life, especially following the tragic loss of his brother Michael in 2012.…

View more
Feb. 14, 2024

Jason Harney: Movies That Matter for Police and Their Families | S4 E7

In this episode of Responder Resilience, we delve into the world of impactful filmmaking with Jason Harney, a retired Police Sergeant turned Documentary Filmmaker. Join us as we explore Jason's journey from serving with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for over two decades to his current role as a…

View more
Feb. 7, 2024

Jason Patton—Saving Lives Through Connection and Comedy | S4 E6

Get ready to meet firefighter/paramedic Jason Patton, the creative genius behind Fire Department Chronicles. We take a peek into his world and the work he does both on and off the job. Jason shares his unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of being a first responder, as we tackle…

View more
Jan. 31, 2024

Derek O. Hanley— Focusing the Lens on EMS in Crisis | S4 E5

In this episode, we delve into the powerful stories behind "Photos From the Front Lines" with photographer, paramedic and disabled veteran combat medic, Derek O. Hanley. Discover the stories that honor but also reveal the brokenness of EMS, and learn about the urgent need for improving responder recruitment, retention and…

View more
Jan. 24, 2024

Bonnie & Stacy: What Do The Shrinks Think? | S4 E4

In the latest episode of Responder Resilience, trauma therapists Dr. Stacy Raymond and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT, dive deep into the crucial aspects of first responder mental health. Drawing from EMS & FIRE PRO Expo interviews, they provide compelling insights into what emergency service leaders want their colleagues to know about…

View more
Jan. 17, 2024

Todd Donovan—From Silence to Strength | S4 E3

🎙️Join us for an emotional and inspiring episode featuring retired Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Todd Donovan. 🚒 We dive deep into his journey, exploring what triggered his depression and suicidal thoughts. We'll explore the groundbreaking world of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and discover Todd's impactful role in the National Alliance of Mental…

View more