First Responders

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What do you hope to see change about the criminal justice system over the next two decades?

Criminal justice reform: Seeking accountability for surging crime

This is a great question changes. I would like to see in the CJ system over the next two decades. I would like to see more accountability for people that go out and conduct criminal Behavior. I think we live in a society now, and a lot of places were we're not taking crime that serious and the statistics show, otherwise crime is going through the roof, New York. He used to be a relatively safe City about a decade ago. It still had its crime and its problems but now crime has just exploded. So in the future, I would like to see criminals held more accountable for the crimes they commit. And I think that's a step in the right direction. We a lot of problems in the criminal justice system, but we have got to get control over this surging crime problem. So, I hope that happens soon.

I hope to see more accountability for criminal behavior in the CJ system over the next two decades. A step in the right direction would be to hold criminals more accountable for their actions, as crime has been increasing drastically in recent years.

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In the next two decades, I hope to see changes in the criminal justice system that prioritize accountability for individuals engaging in criminal behavior. Currently, it seems that crime is not being taken seriously enough in many places, leading to a surge in criminal activity. For example, cities like New York, which used to be relatively safe, are now experiencing a significant increase in crime.

To address this issue, I believe it is crucial to hold criminals more accountable for the crimes they commit. While there are certainly other problems within the criminal justice system that need attention, gaining control over the rising crime problem should be a priority. I hope to see progress in this area in the near future.

In what ways have you seen the criminal justice system evolve over the past two decades?

Criminal justice system: Evolving accountability & mental health focus

What a great question. How has it the CJ system evolved over the last two decades? I think we're a lot more accountable. I know some people will probably disagree with that but law enforcement and First Responders are much more accountable than when I first started which is a good thing. First Responders and criminal justice professionals need to be accountable for their actions and I'd like to believe and maybe I'm just naive that most who work in the criminal justice. Justice field and First Responders are good. People just trying to do a very difficult job in a very difficult environment. But we need a lot of work and we're getting there. We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to reform and making the changes we need to make. And I also think mental health, awareness and action behind that has evolved over the last two decades. And we still have a lot of work to do in that realm too. So I hope you have a great day. Thank you for the

The criminal justice system has become more accountable over the last two decades, and mental health awareness has also increased. However, there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of reform and addressing mental health issues.

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The criminal justice system has seen significant evolution over the past two decades. One notable change is the increased accountability of law enforcement and first responders. This accountability is crucial in ensuring that professionals in the criminal justice field are held responsible for their actions. While there is still work to be done in terms of reform, it is encouraging to see progress in this area.

Another area of evolution is the growing awareness and action surrounding mental health. Over the past two decades, there has been a greater recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. However, there is still much work to be done in this realm as well.

Overall, while progress has been made, there are still significant challenges and improvements needed within the criminal justice system. It is important to continue striving for reform and positive change.

How do you incorporate self care into your personal and professional life, and what impact has it had on your success?

The Key to Success: Prioritizing Self-Care for Personal and Professional Growth

You know, this is another great question and when it comes to incorporating self-care into your personal professional life, you have to do that. There's no if ands or but you have to put yourself first. Now I'm not talking about being a narcissist or ignoring friends and family in your life, but if you're not taking care of yourself first and you're not practicing that self-care. How are you going to be 100% for everybody else? So you make time for you everyday, if it's 5, 10 minutes, doesn't matter some time for you your alone, time in your private space, whatever, but you have to do that first, you know, we've all heard of that old analogy where the action in Mass falls on the plane. And who are you going to put it on first, you're going to put it on you because you need to take care of yourself and you need to make time to do that every day. Have a great day.

You have to make time for yourself every day in order to practice self care. Put yourself first and make sure you are taking the time to take care of yourself so that you can be 100% for everyone else.

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Incorporating self-care into both personal and professional life is essential, and it's something I prioritize. It's important to put yourself first, not in a narcissistic way or by neglecting others, but by recognizing that if you're not taking care of yourself, you won't be able to be fully present for others.

I make sure to carve out time for myself every day, even if it's just 5 or 10 minutes. This could be alone time in a private space or engaging in activities that bring me joy and relaxation. It's like the analogy of the oxygen mask on an airplane - you have to put it on yourself first before helping others.

Incorporating self-care has had a positive impact on my overall well-being and success. By taking care of myself, I have more energy, focus, and resilience to tackle challenges and be there for others. It allows me to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, making time for yourself and practicing self-care is crucial. So, prioritize yourself and have a great day.

What was your path to becoming a first responder?

From Military to First Responder: A Natural Path of Service

My path to becoming a first responder was, I grew up in a military family, so I had that strong Foundation. My dad was in the military for many years, but I also have First Responders in my family. There a lot of them were Chicago police officers. So my pathway was the military. It was kind of a natural progression for me. Coming from a military family, even though some don't go that route, I went that route and as soon as my military time was over, I knew I wanted to serve continue to Serve in a law enforcement capacity so that was my route. The military, instill discipline, you know, being disciplined, physically fit mentally fit into the daily life of being into a being in the military, so that carried on into my law enforcement career. But I think you'll see that a lot in First Responders, a lot of them start out in the military and then get into law enforcement. So, great question. I hope you are having a great day.

I grew up in a military family and followed that route, which instilled discipline and physical fitness. After my military service ended, I pursued a career in law enforcement, which is a common path for first responders.

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My path to becoming a first responder was influenced by my upbringing in a military family. With my father serving in the military and several family members working as Chicago police officers, I had a strong foundation in service. For me, it was a natural progression to join the military after growing up in that environment. Once my time in the military concluded, I knew I wanted to continue serving in a law enforcement capacity.

The military instilled discipline, both physically and mentally, which carried over into my career in law enforcement. Many first responders have a similar background, starting out in the military before transitioning into roles in law enforcement. It's a common pathway that provides a strong sense of discipline and dedication.

Thank you for the great question, and I hope you're having a wonderful day.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of sharing your knowledge and experiences as an author, coach, speaker and educator?

Connecting and Inspiring: The Reward of Sharing Knowledge and Experiences

I think one of the most rewarding aspect for me with, you know, being a speech or in a speaker, a coach and an author and having the experience I do is connecting with people, you know, covid-19, fficult time for everybody, you know, because we were doing all things virtual, but I love being in an audience, I love talking to people and talking with people, not just talking at them and interacting with them because we are all craving that human connection. The something that technology will never Take the place of. So yeah that's probably the most rewarding aspect of what I do now as well as my primary job and that's helping First Responders is the physical, the human interaction and getting to know people and hearing their stories. That for me has probably been one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do and I am blessed at what I do. So I hope you have a great day and above all be safe.

One of the most rewarding aspects of what I do is connecting with people and having meaningful interactions. This is something technology will never be able to replace and it is something that I am very blessed to experience.

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One of the most rewarding aspects of being an author, coach, speaker, and educator is the opportunity to connect with people. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the shift to virtual interactions, I find great joy in engaging with audiences and having meaningful conversations. It's not just about talking at people, but rather talking with them and fostering genuine human connection. This is something that technology can never replace. Additionally, in my primary role of helping First Responders, I am privileged to hear their stories and get to know them on a personal level. This aspect of my work brings me immense fulfillment. I feel blessed to be able to do what I do. Wishing you a wonderful day and, above all, stay safe.

How can you let mistakes go in order to move forward?

Don't Let Mistakes Define You: Moving Forward is Key

You know, how can you let mistakes go in order to move forward? I would say the simplest answer is quit living in the past. You know, I tell people all the time, we all have a past, we all make mistakes, but the mistakes are in the past and your mistakes you have made in your life, doesn't Define who you are right now. I think that's the problem with a lot of people and I've made many mistakes personally professionally throughout my life but I try not to let my past. Just dictate my future and I think that's a lot of times. That's the problem with a lot of people is they say oif top. I made this mistake Financial mistake, whatever personal mistake professional mistake. And that's who I am. That is not who you are. Your mistakes, do not dictate who you are right now. The problem with a lot of people is they let the mistakes that they've made overcome their life, they live in the past, the past is the past. Really today. This moment is all you have. That's it. Tomorrow's not guaranteed. So I don't let my mistakes dictate who I am right now. Hopefully, I don't make the same mistakes but I don't let my mistakes dictate where I'm going right now. And who I am the past is in the past, but the hard thing is letting the past go and realizing that you have a bright future because you do, if you want it to and you let it

The best way to move forward from mistakes is to quit living in the past. Your mistakes don't define you, and it's important to remember that the future is yours for the taking if you want it to be. Letting go of the past is the hardest part, but doing so can lead to a brighter future.

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To let go of mistakes and move forward, the simplest answer is to stop dwelling on the past. We all have a past and make mistakes, but those mistakes do not define who we are in the present. Many people struggle with allowing their mistakes to dictate their future, but it's important to remember that your past does not determine your current identity.

Personally and professionally, I have made numerous mistakes throughout my life. However, I make a conscious effort not to let my past define my future. Your mistakes should not have power over your life. Instead, focus on the present moment, as that is all we truly have. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I don't let my mistakes shape who I am now. While I strive to avoid repeating those mistakes, I also don't allow them to hinder my progress or determine my path. The past is behind us, and it can be challenging to let go. However, it's crucial to realize that you have a bright future ahead if you choose to embrace it and let go of the past.

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Patrick Fitzgibbons is a National Liaison for FHE Health and their Shatterproof Program for First Responders – Helping first responders everywhere get the help and support they need and deserve. A retired Police Commander from Colorado with over two decades of experience in various capacities, he is also a military veteran serving with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC. Patrick holds advanced degrees in Organizational Development and Leadership. Patrick is a part-time college professor and enjoys mentoring and coaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals. Patrick is an avid supporter of first responders and The US Military. Patrick is also a sought-after speaker and coach to criminal justice organizations and personnel. Patrick enjoys spending time with his family and friends, taking care of his body and mind, and of course, being the host and creator of the Criminal Justice Evolution podcast.