What are the critical steps for transitioning away from life as a first responder?
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. Transcript: "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."
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What are the critical steps for transitioning away from life as a first responder?
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.
What do you think is the mindset needed to constantly learn and grow throughout your career?
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.
When in your career did you start to seek support? Do you think it was after you should have?
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.
What was your path to becoming a first responder?
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.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of sharing your knowledge and experiences as an author, coach, speaker and educator?
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.
How long are the shifts as a career firefighter?
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.