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DOES BEING NICE COME AT A COST?

Using aggression as a tool to get what you want can be an asset when used in a controlled and methodical way. We’ve all heard the saying that nice guys finish last. This trope can be seen in any number of movies in which the sweet guy finds himself outshined by the jerk both in …

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Leave Your A-Type Personality At The Firehouse

Lots of people with type A personalities don’t have trouble switching gears between their work and family lives. People often have a mystified impression of firefighters, and for good reason. Firefighters are our first line of defense against many natural and manmade disasters, jumping into action in situations where the natural (and wise) instinct is …

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HOW TO RESTORE BALANCE AFTER A DIVORCE

RELATIONSHIPS Learn to love your own company. Find things you love to do alone. Get out of your comfort zone and discover the excitement of life again. Divorces are complicated and painful in many ways. They can also leave lasting effects that impact all areas of life. How are you supposed to have time for …

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DEALING WITH THE GUILT OF LEAVING FAMILY TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

Erratic schedules, calls in the middle of the night and constant worry are realities that your loved ones face. When you decided to become a firefighter, you committed to a life of serving and protecting others. Throughout your career, you’ve sprung into action at a moment’s notice, even at unscheduled or inconvenient times. You’ve also …

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6 TIPS FOR DEVELOPING A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE

I am here to share some information with you from the “school of hard knocks” that I believe will help keep a steady course as you navigate your career. So, let’s say we “set sail.” Eight years after I retired, following a successful and rewarding 26-year career with the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire and EMS Department, …

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5 TIPS FOR A HAPPY FAMILY LIFE

Firefighting is a fulfilling yet demanding career. Because of that, it can be easy to focus on work more than the other areas of life. However, it’s essential to also prioritize the other aspects of life to live a long, happy existence. One of the main pieces of the puzzle for a happy life seems …

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BEHIND THE SHIELD – A PODCAST FOR LIFE

It has become a tool to connect anyone who may be struggling with physical or mental health challenges with life-saving resources. James Geering, a 46-year-old retired firefighter based in Ocala, Florida, stumbled upon his new role as host of the “Behind the Shield” podcast quite by accident. After losing several firefighter friends in a short …

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LIFE LESSONS WITH JIM BURNEKA JR.

With close to 20 years under his belt in the fire service, Jim Burneka Jr. is a go-getter who has learned a lot of life lessons. The biggest one: “If you see something that bugs you, don’t be afraid to talk about it.” Currently a full-time Dayton firefighter, founder of Firefighter Cancer Consultants, Trustee of …

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KAYAK

Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to understand the available options. Having the right kayak will not only get you the most enjoyment but it will also greatly impact your safety on the water. Firefighters work hard. For us, working hard requires peak physical fitness, which happily unlocks a range of …

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