First Responders

What are the critical steps for transitioning away from life as a first responder?

Key steps in transitioning from first responder to a fulfilling life

This is a perfectly timed question of figuring out what the critical steps for transitioning. And for me I'm getting towards the end of my career and making sure that you both have Financial you know Independence. But I think one of the bigger things for me is actually being able to have my own self identity outside of the fire service and find something that I'm going to be able to successfully do For the rest of my life. Because when we retire, we retire a little earlier, but it's for the meaning of your body is beating up, your mind is still adjusting to everything that you have. And so making sure that you don't just be stagnant at the end and have something that you're looking forward to every single day. I think that's a huge critical step when you're transitioning away from being a first responder and, and, and living that life, because you're going to have sleep, you're going to have kind of Of a normal schedule, you're going to be around. So making sure that you have the help that you need to deal with the demons that you have or deal with the physical ailments, but at the same point have something that you're going to be looking forward to every single day. Moving forward.

A critical step for transitioning away from being a first responder is to make sure that you have something to look forward to every day and that you have the help needed to deal with any demons or physical ailments.

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Transitioning away from life as a first responder involves several critical steps. One important aspect is achieving financial independence to ensure stability in the next phase of life. However, equally significant is developing a sense of self-identity outside of the first responder role. It's essential to find something fulfilling that can be pursued for the rest of one's life.

Retirement from the first responder profession often occurs earlier due to the physical toll it takes on the body. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid stagnation and have something to look forward to each day. Establishing a new routine, adjusting to a regular schedule, and seeking support to address any emotional or physical challenges are vital steps in this transition.

Ultimately, the key is to find a new purpose or passion that brings fulfillment and excitement in the post-first responder phase of life. By taking these critical steps, one can navigate the transition successfully and create a fulfilling future.

What do you think is the mindset needed to constantly learn and grow throughout your career?

The key to constant growth: a humble, adaptable mindset.

What do you think the mindset needed to constantly learn and grow throughout your career? I think it's two things. It's one is a growth mindset of constantly looking at things and understanding that you're going to be good at things and you're going to constantly have to adapt because the dynamic situation of our job is so ever-changing, obviously, because not all two incidents or accidents or situations are the same. And so being able to go into it with a humbleness as well is so critical, not thinking that you know everything because as soon as you think you know everything, something's going to come at you and you're not going to be ready for it or you're not going to be flexible enough to be able to adapt to it. So making sure that you're humble in your career, but at the same time with a growth mindset, always looking for that little thing of whether you're going into a fire and nozzle positioning, how to advance a hose line better, how to ventilate a roof better. There's always going to be certain things that you can take little pieces of and make better. It's no different than any kind of personal development. That's how we get better is taking little pieces of what we learn and applying it to what we're good at and continually striving to be better at it. Be humble to your mistakes, but at the same time be proud of where you are and where you can get to.

The mindset needed to constantly learn and grow throughout your career is one of humbleness, growth, and continual improvement. Be humble about mistakes and proud of where you are and where you can get to, and always look for ways to get better.

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The mindset needed to constantly learn and grow throughout your career involves two key elements. Firstly, it requires a growth mindset, where you understand that you will continually need to adapt and improve because the nature of your job is ever-changing. Recognize that not all situations are the same, and approach them with humility, knowing that there is always more to learn.

Secondly, it's important to approach your career with a sense of humility. Avoid thinking that you know everything because that mindset can hinder your ability to be flexible and adapt when faced with new challenges. Stay open to learning and be ready to embrace new knowledge and skills.

Continual growth in your career involves seeking out opportunities for improvement, whether it's learning better techniques for specific tasks or developing new skills. Just like personal development, the key is to take small pieces of what you learn and apply them to enhance your existing strengths. Embrace your mistakes with humility, but also take pride in your progress and the potential for further growth.

When in your career did you start to seek support? Do you think it was after you should have?

Late in seeking support, but finding the right help transformed my career

This is a great question. When in your career did you start to seek support? Do you think it was after you should have? Oh, completely it was after I should have. I think I started to seek support when I started to go downhill. I think there was a lot of years where I didn't really know who I was. I think I hit a lot of things really, really well and seeking support wasn't really that, it wasn't in the forefront of my mind. It wasn't something, I didn't think I had a problem because this is just what it was. And you know hearing from other people when I was, after I came back from September 11th that man you're different or something was different that, that triggered something but it didn't trigger something soon enough. And I think I had to get to a point where I didn't see myself as being functional. I didn't see myself as being the person that I wanted to be to be able to get to that point to ask for help. And even when I did ask for help it was, it took many different attempts to find the right person to be able to help me. And it took me really taking the initiative to admit that it's okay to not be okay. I know a lot of people say that but that's so valuable to try to find that and seek that support that you need.

I started to seek support after I hit a low point and realized that I wasn't functioning as well as I wanted to. It took me some time to find the right person to help me, but I eventually did take the initiative to admit that it was okay to not be okay and seek out the support I needed.

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This is a great question. When did I start seeking support in my career? Do I think it was after I should have? Absolutely, it was after I should have. I didn't start seeking support until I started experiencing a decline in my well-being. For many years, I didn't truly know who I was. I managed to hide a lot of things well, and seeking support wasn't a priority for me. I didn't think I had a problem because I believed that's just how things were.

It wasn't until others started noticing a change in me, particularly after I returned from September 11th, that something triggered inside me. However, it took me a while to act on it. I had to reach a point where I no longer saw myself as functioning or the person I wanted to be before I finally asked for help.

Even when I did seek help, it took several attempts to find the right person who could truly assist me. I had to take the initiative to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay. Many people say that, but it's truly valuable to actively seek the support you need and find the right resources to help you.

What was your path to becoming a first responder?

Unconventional Path: From Lifeguard to Firefighter

What is my path to becoming a firefighter? You know, my path was kind of all over the board. I've always been in a position that I wanted to be able to help people. And so I was the first aid instructor, I was a lifeguard, all sorts of things. I went through the fire academy before, I actually had a job with the fire service. And when I lived out in California, I actually was an EMT. And I was did a safety director for a construction company. And so, Does a lot of things that I had done before I got into the fire service, that kind of was a catalyst to me applying. So I had applied. All that city of Sacramento applied for city of Madison, a few other places and I got the city of Madison job and I've been there ever since and I love it. I think it's a great profession. It's a it's a really Dynamic profession and it really makes you constantly get better and constantly grow and at the same time it's difficult and that's Okay. That's that's what we all look for. I think it was a lot of people in the first responder community that have went down the path of really getting all the knowledge, they can before they apply to be able to know what it is. They're getting into and I think that's probably one of the best ideas and that's what I did. So I love it, I love the job. I do hope that helps

My path to becoming a firefighter involved getting experience in first aid instruction, lifeguarding, emergency medical services (EMS), and safety director for a construction company. I then applied to various fire services, ultimately landing a job with the city of Madison. I think it is important to get as much knowledge as possible before applying in order to be prepared for what is expected.

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My path to becoming a first responder, specifically a firefighter, was quite diverse. I've always had a strong desire to help people, which led me to become a first aid instructor and a lifeguard. Before landing a job in the fire service, I went through the fire academy and worked as an EMT in California. Additionally, I served as a safety director for a construction company.

These experiences served as a catalyst for me to apply for firefighting positions. I applied to various cities, including Sacramento and Madison, and ultimately secured a job with the city of Madison, where I have been ever since. I truly love this profession. It's dynamic, constantly pushing me to improve and grow. It can be challenging, but that's part of what makes it rewarding.

Many individuals in the first responder community, like myself, strive to gather as much knowledge as possible before applying for these roles. Understanding what you're getting into is crucial. I believe it's a wise approach that has worked well for many of us.

Overall, I am passionate about my job as a firefighter and find it incredibly fulfilling. I hope this sheds some light on my path to becoming a first responder.

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

The Rewarding Impact of Sharing Life's Journey

Is a great question because it's what is the most rewarding aspect of sharing your knowledge and experiences as an author coach speaker educator. And also as a firefighter I think it's it's so powerful to be able to understand that your life experiences in your life, Journey can translate into impacting. Somebody else to find their life journey, and their life impact. Because all the trials and tribulations, that I've went through the struggles. This, the triumphs all of those things were done. Done for a purpose and that, and that inevitable, why that we all look for? And it's so important to be able to have that that driver behind you to be able to push yourself to find that potential because otherwise we go off of what other people think is tangible. What other people think is possible. And a lot of times, it's because of their own limitations that they think that and for me, it's been very rewarding to be able to be that person that may be pushing. Has the envelope so much that somebody else goes. Well, maybe I could do that. They look at me and I'm a normal guy and I go out there and do things because I have a passion to do it and it has impacted my life in many ways that I didn't think it would. And I think it's so powerful to be able to do that in. Your lifetime is give away the knowledge that you've gained through your life's journey.

It is very rewarding to be able to share your knowledge and experiences as an author, coach, speaker, educator, and firefighter by pushing yourself to find potential that other people may not have seen. By doing so, you can help others find their life journey and life impact, and it has been very rewarding for me to do so.

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The most rewarding aspect of sharing my knowledge and experiences as an author, coach, speaker, educator, and firefighter is the ability to impact others in their own life journeys. Through sharing my trials, struggles, and triumphs, I can help others find their purpose and potential. It's empowering to push the boundaries and show others what is possible beyond the limitations imposed by others. Being a relatable figure, someone who is just a normal person pursuing their passions, inspires others to believe in themselves and consider what they can achieve. It's fulfilling to see the impact of sharing knowledge and experiences, knowing that it can positively influence someone's life in ways they may not have expected. Giving away the knowledge gained from my own life's journey is a powerful way to make a difference during my lifetime.

How long are the shifts as a career firefighter?

24-Hour Shifts: Firefighters Sacrifice Time for Community

So, for the city that I work in the city of Madison, Wisconsin, and there's a lot of other station are a states and cities that do this. We do 24 hour, shifts are shifts are from 7 a.m. till 7:00 a.m. So we do 24 on 24 off 24 on 24 off 24 on and then we have four days off. So, yeah, it's a long day and a long night for 96 days, out of the year, we are not Not even able to be home. We're not be able to be with our family. So yeah. 24 hour shifts can be long, especially if you're a busy station. But yeah, we go from 7 a.m. till 7 a.m.

Madison, Wisconsin firefighters work 24-hour shifts from 7 a.m. till 7 a.m., followed by four days off, for a total of 96 days out of the year.

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As a career firefighter in the city of Madison, Wisconsin, our shifts are 24 hours long. We start at 7 a.m. and end at 7 a.m. the following day. This schedule follows a pattern of 24 hours on duty, followed by 24 hours off duty, and then another 24 hours on duty. After that, we have four consecutive days off. 

So, in total, we work for 96 days out of the year without being able to be at home with our families. It can be a long day and night, especially if you're stationed in a busy area. But that's the schedule we follow, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the next day.

Robert Verhelst answers your First Responders questions. See all the advice Robert Verhelst has and get answers to your own First Responders questions.

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Fireman Rob is known as a dynamic storyteller with an inspirational voice, on the courage to lead your life with a resilient mindset. He helps people become greater assets to themselves and others, with the ability to lead with courage, passion and mental strength. 

Fireman Rob delivers powerful impact to audiences through his stories and catalysts that have been Forged In The Fires of his life. From numerous years in the fire service to surviving on Discovery Channel’s show “Ultimate Ninja Challenge” to performing search & recovery after the September 11th attacks. His message resonates with everyone and has proven results. 

From surviving post-traumatic stress disorder to breaking a Guinness World Record to being a dad, he lives his message and delivers the fire to the audience.

ACCOLADES •  2012 Ironman Performance of the Year •  2012 HITS Triathlon Athlete of the Year •  2014 In Business Magazine “25 Most Influential People in Greater Madison” •  2015 Jefferson Award 