In addition to a full career in the fire service, the instructor has spent nearly four decades working in the field of substance use and mental health counseling. In this class, using some of his own life lessons, he will explore how attendees can use their own personal experiences to strengthen themselves and those around them. He will touch on how he believes all leaders within the fire service can respectfully and successfully intervene in the clear presence of behavioral health issues within our career. Learn the five "Stages of Change" an individual goes through to change behaviors for the better; how the fire service offers a number of protective factors to help us achieve a gratifying and healthy career; and about the Rosecrance Florian Program, a program model he developed with a tailored approach to treat fire/EMS and other first responders struggling with substance use and mental health issues.

*Eligible for CEH/CAPCE Credit