Fire Services Psychology Association

Fire Services Psychology Association

Education, Research, and Service

The transformative educational and treatment experiences at The Fire Service Psychology Association are designed to help firefighters grow both in and out of the job. Our focus is to empower mental health clinicians to understand the unique needs of firefighters and their families and provide direct trainings and services to departments. Founded in 2017, The Fire Service Psychology Association is located in Southern California and offers services to departments, families, and individuals. We are dedicated to empowering the fire service through advancing the field of psychology through research. Whether you are a mental health clinician, fire department leader, or someone looking for services, we welcome you. Join us!

The Fire Service Psychology Association provides an innovative approach to supporting the behavioral health of fire service members. We believe through effective education and intervention, we can develop and maintain psychological health for years to come. Founded in 2017, our organization is located in Southern California although we offer services to fire department members across the country.  Our staff is comprised of members specifically trained to treat fire service members.  Are you ready to learn more? Contact us at (626) 765-4951.

You Don't Need Rank to be a Leader...

By Safe Call Now®'s Steve Gutzler

Did you know that you can lead from wherever you are? If you are a ranked leader or a personal leader, you have the power to influence those around you.

If you are working on improving your leadership capabilities, here are 17 qualities that leaders need to have:

1)      Think "we" instead of "me." Your greatest joy and passion comes from creating team-based wins. 

2)      Have great self-awareness and understand that moods, attitudes, and emotions are contagious. 

3)      Understand that being a leader is a service job, the role of a servant - service to team, family, social causes, and friendships. 

4)      Keep it about others, not you. 

5)      Grow others and focus on personal development. Make it possible for others to use their abilities and shine. 

6)      Don't just focus on being busy... get clear about true accomplishments - think big!

7)      Build an inner-circle of like-minded, optimistic solution finders. 

8)      Take responsibility for your own weaknesses and work to improve them. 

9)      Keep whatever team you lead moving.

10)   Never underestimate the power of each day to make a huge impact. 

11)   Renew your daily mission to influence others, not impress them. 

12)   Spark the ambitions of others by how you live with purpose and excellence. 

13)   Make choices, minute by minute that make you better in your professional and personal life. 

14)   Treat people as equals not subordinates. 

15)   Have dynamic "thinking time" each week that turns challenges into opportunities.

16)   Commit to body, soul, and spirit, not just business. 

17)   Live in gratitude, compassion, and kindness to others. 

Being the smartest, fastest and best at something does not make you a leader. People choose who they follow. They select men and women they respect and admire. 

Leaders who encourage the ambitions of others, who lead by example and do the small things translates into big wins. 

Regardless of your rank, title or position, focus on being the best leader you can be. It will inspire others and generate new success!

Emotional Intelligence & the #1stresponder

By Safe Call Now®'s Steve Gutzler

"Great leaders inspire us. They ignite the best version of ourselves. Most importantly, they motivate us to accomplish our best work and they make us feel important. 

 A leader who is capable of that inspiration and motivation has a high degree of Emotional Intelligence. Here are the basic competencies:

1.    Emotional Self-awareness - Leaders with high self-awareness are attuned to their inner signals, recognizing how their feelings and moods affect them and those they interact with daily. 

2.    Self-confidence - Self-confident leaders take on challenging assignments. They possess a sense of presence, poise, and self-assurance. 

3.    Emotional Self-management - Leaders with emotional self-control find ways to manage their challenging emotions and impulses. Staying calm and clear-headed is a hallmark of a great leader. 

4.    Transparency - Leaders who are transparent communicate their values and live them. They are open about their feelings, beliefs, and choices. They are leaders who can admit fault, apologize... and move forward. 

5.    Optimism - A leader with optimism can quickly shift from a problem and convert it in to a challenge to be solved. They see life through the lens of possibility and positivity. They believe the future can and will be brighter. 

6.    Developing Others - Leaders who are adept at cultivating abilities show a genuine interest in the success of others. They ask about their goals, strengths, what they enjoy. These leaders provide constructive feedback and lift the vision of those around them to see the next level of what's possible. 

Working with leaders, I find the #1 enemy to personal leadership effectiveness is their ability to manage their emotions. This is a challenge because of the stress hormone cortisol. 

Meet Safe Call Now® Board Member... Kelly Fox

Kelly Fox - A Man Who Saves Lives!!!

Experience, Dedication and Commitment… Every Day!!! 

Kelly Fox became a firefighter and member of the Olympia, WA Fire Fighter's IAFF Local 468, in 1982 at the age of 20.  Fox reverted to Lieutenant from an earned promotion to Captain to focus on union commitments and he still serves as a engine company officer today.  

Kelly Fox:

• was first elected as the President of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters in 1996 and has been re-elected 9 times; 
• has been appointed by three different Governors to chair the Washington police and firefighter's pension board that he helped create in 2002
• serves as Vice-Chair of the Washington State Investment Board managing investments of $106 Billion for all 17 public employee retirement plans 

Fox has a proven record of results.  Whether you measure by the number of times local union leaders and elected politicians in Washington have elected or appointed him to leadership positions, by his oversight and management of the WSCFF's consistently groundbreaking progress in the legislative arena, by the WSCFF's unrivaled participation in FIREPAC Nationwide or by his independence from obligations to the IAFF establishment, Kelly Fox is the most dedicated, committed, experienced and prepared person running for the position of IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer 

“The dues paying women and men of this International union deserve a General Secretary-Treasurer who will look out for their interests, who will innovate, and who will bring an unmatched degree of preparation to work on day one.  Someone who knows what it is like to work on the front-lines because they still do and who has decades of experience at the top levels of union leadership.  I am that candidate, and I respectfully request your endorsement, your support and your vote." -- Kelly Fox