First Responders

Criminal Justice

What do you want people considering a career as a first responder to know?

Realities of a First Responder: Tough, Admirable, and Life-Changing

What do you want? People considering a career as a first responder to know, first and foremost, it's very admirable position. It's a big burden you're taking on your shoulders to scrap on that uniform. Be it a police officer, Corrections firefighter, whatever encompasses. Your first responder role on the law enforcement side. You know, it is, it's a very tough position. You're going to be working nights. It's weekends. You're going to miss birthdays anniversaries kids events, graduations, holidays. No be prepared that you know, your life is going to change both with what your schedule is. But also what you're going to see how people are going to interact with you. You're going to have to develop a little bit of a thick skin because you're going to see people at their worst. When something goes bad, that's when you're going to be called. And unfortunately, a lot of times, you may not be the person that they want to see. You could be yelled at spit at Beyond, you know, viral that this, you know, against law enforcement. So you have to develop a thick skin to that aspect of it. But you also have to realize you need to take care of your mental health and don't hold all that in. You need to be willing to talk to people be open but it's a great profession. And it's very admirable. If you're going to go down that road, I loved it. Especially at ATF, 26 years. Their our agency was not very liked by a lot of individuals, but I loved everything I did. And I think it's a great profession that you can get into and just read a lot about it into a lot of research on where you would like to go.

It is a very admirable position to take on the burden of being a first responder, but you have to be aware that it is a tough job. It involves working nights, weekends and holidays, and you will often encounter people at their worst. You must develop a thick skin and make sure to take care of your mental health. Despite the difficulties, it can be a rewarding career, and it is important to do research and make sure it is the right fit for you.

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For those considering a career as a first responder, there are a few important things to know. First and foremost, it is an admirable position that comes with a significant burden. Whether you become a police officer, firefighter, or work in corrections, being a first responder in law enforcement is tough. You will work nights, weekends, and miss important personal events like birthdays and holidays. Your schedule will change, and you must be prepared for that.

Additionally, as a first responder, you will witness people at their worst. When something goes wrong, you will be called to the scene, and sometimes, you may not be the person they want to see. You may face verbal abuse, spit at, or encounter negativity due to the current climate surrounding law enforcement. It's crucial to develop a thick skin to handle these situations. However, it's equally important to prioritize your mental health and not hold everything in. Be open and willing to talk to others about your experiences.

Despite the challenges, a career as a first responder is rewarding and admirable. I personally loved my 26 years at ATF, even though our agency wasn't always well-liked. It's a profession where you can make a difference. If you choose this path, do thorough research and learn as much as you can about the specific field you are interested in.

What qualifications or skills are necessary to be successful in this field?

Communication, empathy, and composure: Key skills for success in this field

What qualifications or skills are necessary to be successful in this field? Well, there are several. One, of course, is communication. You have to be able to communicate with your partners, with individuals that you're speaking with, with your superiors. You gotta be able to, it's not just verbal communication. It's written communication. It's nonverbal communication. But I also think something that may be overlooked a lot is the skills of empathy, the skills of compassion, the skills of being able to relate to others. Because you're being called when somebody's at their worst. And you need to be able to empathize with them and sympathize with them and show compassion. You also have to have the skill of remaining your composure, you know, holding in your anger. If something terrible happens to a young child and you show up, you have to hold that anger back and that you may just wanna scream, but right then you can't. So there's a lot of skills that you need to have to be able to control and to be able to use in this profession. And a lot of those, on top of the defensive tactics and shooting and driving, all that is highly important. But some of the quote unquote soft skills, even though I don't like that term, soft skills, because those are just as important or even more important than some of the other ones. Because being able to communicate effectively can save your life, can save somebody else's lives. So that is very important. So being able to just relate to others, all these different things. Think outside the box of something that you can use to be able to make you a better person.

To be successful in this field, one must have excellent communication skills, empathy, compassion, composure, and the ability to think outside the box. Additionally, defensive tactics, shooting, and driving are all important skills to possess.

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To be successful in this field, there are several qualifications and skills that are necessary. Communication is essential, including verbal, written, and nonverbal communication. However, often overlooked are the skills of empathy and compassion. The ability to relate to others is crucial, especially when dealing with individuals who may be at their worst. Remaining composed and controlling one's emotions is also vital, even in challenging situations. Defensive tactics, shooting, and driving skills are important, but so-called soft skills play a significant role as well. Effective communication can save lives, making it just as important or even more important than other technical skills. Thinking outside the box and continuously improving oneself are additional qualities that can contribute to success in this field.

 What kind of education do you need to be a first responder?

Unlocking the Path to Becoming a First Responder

What kind of education do you need to be a first responder? Well, I guess it determines what avenue of first responding you're going to go into. Because if you're going to be into the law enforcement, or if you're going to be a firefighter, or if you're going to look into an emergency communications or dispatch, all of those are different skill sets. And it may require different sets of educational experience or work experience in order to take that position. When I applied with ATF, you had to have a four-year degree before you could start work. I applied for ATF during my junior year, did interviews during my senior year, but actually I had to wait until I finished my four-year degree. Each agency, each state has different requirements on what your educational background is. I think it is important to have some sort of educational background or skills under your belt before you move into that. Because one, you come in with a little bit of knowledge already. But two, then it also shows your commitment to the profession, that you're going to get certifications or get a degree or some sort of training beforehand. It really shows your commitment to it. So it all depends on what arena of first responder you want to get into. But I think, again, it is important to have some level of educational background on your resume before you're getting into the arena of law enforcement.

To be a first responder, the educational requirements vary depending on what arena of first responding you are going into. It is important to have some sort of educational background or skills before applying for a position as it shows commitment to the profession.

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The educational requirements to become a first responder vary depending on the specific field you choose. Whether you're interested in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency communications, or dispatch, each avenue requires different skill sets and may have specific educational or work experience requirements.

For example, when I applied to the ATF, a four-year degree was necessary before starting work. I applied during my junior year, went through interviews during my senior year, and had to wait until I completed my degree to begin. Different agencies and states have their own requirements for educational background.

Having some form of educational background or relevant skills is important when pursuing a career as a first responder. It provides you with foundational knowledge and demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Obtaining certifications, degrees, or relevant training beforehand showcases your dedication.

Ultimately, the educational requirements depend on the specific field of first response you wish to enter. However, having some level of educational background on your resume is generally important when pursuing a career in law enforcement or a related field.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

Key advice for newcomers in law enforcement: Stay true to yourself amidst challenges and be a role model

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field? Great question. I think this is important because there's a lot going on in the law enforcement arena right now with the defund the police and all the negative stereotypes and stigmas against law enforcement. I would say first and foremost, be true to yourself. You know, don't do anything that's gonna jeopardize your career or jeopardize your personal beliefs. You know, maintain your ethics, keep a high moral compass. You know, just cause somebody else may be doing something and getting by with something, that doesn't mean that it's acceptable. You know, you need to set a good standard for yourself. Make sure the role models that you're finding or that are out there, make sure that it's not just somebody that's cool and they're, you know, popular. It's somebody that other people are looking up to. Cause that's what's really important. In our profession, we need a lot of good role models and especially with the younger generation, they're gonna work their way up into leadership. So we're gonna need these people to set the standards for us. So I would also look at, you know, try to stay away from a lot of the getting wrapped up in social media debates about politics, because that's only gonna, you know, take you down a rabbit hole. Don't believe everything you see on social media. Don't believe everything you see on the news about the police, you know. You're out there to protect and serve and you're here to do what you're going to do cause you have a calling for it. So remain true to yourself. Don't get wrapped up in the extraneous stuff. Stay healthy, eat right, workout, keep a good mental health and talk to somebody if you need to.

Be true to yourself, maintain your ethics and morals, look for good role models, avoid getting wrapped up in social media debates, don't believe everything you see on social media or the news, stay healthy, eat right and work out, and talk to somebody if you need to.

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The advice I would give to someone just starting out in this field is to prioritize being true to yourself. It's important not to compromise your career or personal beliefs. Maintain a strong ethical framework and a high moral compass. Just because others may engage in questionable behavior doesn't mean it's acceptable for you. Set a good standard for yourself and seek role models who are not only popular but also respected by others. As the younger generation rises into leadership positions, we need individuals who can serve as positive examples and set high standards for the profession. Avoid getting entangled in social media debates or political discussions as they can be distracting and lead down unproductive paths. Remember that not everything you see on social media or the news about law enforcement is accurate. Focus on your calling to protect and serve, and stay true to yourself. Take care of your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising, and seeking support when needed.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of security and incorporate them into your work?

Staying Ahead: Incorporating Latest Security Developments

How do I stay up to date on the latest developments in the field of security and incorporate them? The biggest thing is just staying in tune with what's happening in the world, especially in the United States, and in my environment, watch the news a lot. Look at what's happening on the internet. Big into LinkedIn. So I see what my counterparts on the people. I'm following what they're posting, reach out to them for questions and just use that field of Peace, be able to bounce ideas off each other. I'm a member of a sis. So with my local chapters, I get some great emails and newsletters from them about what's happening, what's Trends? And what other people are seeing. But the biggest thing is you just got to be in tune with what's happening? Be online a lot talk to people talk to other individuals in the corporate world and in the police environment and stay in tune.

Stay up to date by staying informed on news, looking at what’s happening on the internet, and joining professional organizations. Reach out to others in the field and talk with them to get their ideas and opinions.

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To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of security and incorporate them into my work, I employ a few strategies. Firstly, I make sure to stay informed about current events, particularly in the United States and my specific environment. This involves watching the news and keeping an eye on internet sources.

I find LinkedIn to be a valuable platform for staying connected with my professional counterparts. I follow and engage with their posts, reaching out to them for questions and utilizing the platform as a space to exchange ideas. Building a network in the field allows for valuable insights and collaboration.

Additionally, I am a member of a security organization, such as ASIS, and benefit from the emails and newsletters they provide. These resources offer information on emerging trends and perspectives from other professionals in the field.

Ultimately, it is crucial to actively engage with the industry by staying informed, being present online, and fostering connections with individuals in both corporate and law enforcement settings. This helps me stay in tune with the latest developments and incorporate them into my work.

What aspects of personal wellness do you wish you had more training/information on as a first responder?

First responders lacked mental health support in the past, leading to higher suicide rates

What aspects of personal wellness do you wish you had more training information on as a first responder? You know being in law enforcement for 26 years starting off in 1990, you know we never talked about mindfulness, we never talked about resilience, we never talked about how to deal with the emotional baggage that you get day to day within the job. It was basically suck it up buttercup, you're you're a cop. You couldn't show emotion, you couldn't show that you're having a hard time with something because then you were labeled as an outcast or there's something wrong with you. So you know you may get put on desk duty. You know they just there was just there wasn't ways for officers to deal with the emotional stress and baggages that they have. And unfortunately I think that led to so many suicides that happened from the 90s up through now. And I wish back then we had this mindfulness and this resilience training and the mental health training that it's okay to be okay. A lot of that's coming to the forefront here now in the last five years which is awesome. I think it's great. You know I wish we had this 30 years ago because I think a lot of people would be well better off than they are now. So that's something that I think that I you know I wish I had growing up more was talking about you know it's okay not to be okay, how to deal with the stresses, how to you know meditation is good. That you know you didn't really hear too much about meditation back in the early 90s and if you did you were sort of like okay yeah that that that's for kooks or granola folks. So I mean it was just you know if you put back all those cliches and we were able to take this information we know now on how to deal with stressors I think we'll be well better off in the community.

I wish that we had more training in personal wellness such as mindfulness, resilience and mental health training when I started my career in law enforcement in 1990. It would have helped officers deal with the emotional baggage they faced on a daily basis. Nowadays there is much more awareness around mental health and it is great to see this progress.

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As a first responder with 26 years of experience in law enforcement, there are aspects of personal wellness that I wish I had received more training and information on. Mindfulness, resilience, and how to cope with the emotional challenges that come with the job were never discussed during my early years in the field. The attitude was often to suck it up and not show any emotion or struggles because it was seen as a weakness or an indication that something was wrong with you. There were no resources or strategies provided to help officers deal with the emotional stress and baggage they carried.

Unfortunately, this lack of support contributed to a significant number of suicides among first responders from the 90s until now. Looking back, I wish we had mindfulness, resilience, and mental health training back then. It's important for officers to know that it's okay not to be okay and to have ways to cope with stressors. The emergence of these topics in the last five years is a positive development, but I believe we could have benefited greatly if this information had been available 30 years ago.

I wish I had grown up with more discussions around mental health, understanding that meditation can be beneficial, and breaking down the stigma associated with seeking help. In the past, meditation was often dismissed as something for kooks or unconventional individuals. If we could go back and integrate this knowledge into our training earlier, our community would be in a much better place today.

Donald Soranno answers your First Responders questions. See all the advice Donald Soranno has and get answers to your own First Responders questions.

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Donald Soranno is a retired special agent with 30+ yrs of experience in criminal investigations and corporate security. He served in the ATF, beginning in 1990 and worked his way up the ranks to become a Special Agent in Charge (SAC). He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2010 and was a Leadership Fellow with the FBI Leadership Institute in 2012. Don holds a bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Ferris State, an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, and obtained his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credentials from ASIS. Don is currently the Senior Product Manager/SME with Evidence IQ and with their Ballistics IQ solution helps law enforcement agencies solve gun crimes quicker. 