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🚨 In a fantastic article by Firefighter Nation, they dive into the secret behind avoiding burnout. Firefighting is one of the most rewarding yet demanding jobs out there—saving lives, helping those in need, and being a true hero in your community. But let’s face it: no matter how heroic the job, it can take a serious toll on your body and mind. The weight of constantly giving to others, emotionally and physically, can leave you feeling drained, detached, and on the verge of burnout. If this sounds all too familiar, there’s a simple solution that could work wonders: find your thing.

The article dives into a refreshing perspective for firefighters (or anyone in a demanding job, really): the importance of having something that’s purely yours. No expectations, no obligations, just something that lights you up and allows you to escape from the high-stress world of firehouses and emergency calls. It could be anything—picking up a hobby, playing a sport, hiking a mountain, or even binge-watching your favorite show (no judgment). The point is, it’s all about self-care and finding that little slice of joy that’s just for YOU. And trust me, you’ll feel a whole lot more energized when you take a break from the chaos to immerse yourself in something you love.

At the end of the day, the message is clear: take care of yourself so you can take care of others. By finding and nurturing that personal outlet, you’ll keep burnout at bay, prevent compassion fatigue, and ensure that you remain a strong, focused, and resilient firefighter who’s always ready to answer the call. So, go ahead—find your thing and embrace every second of it.

Check out the full article here by Firefighter Nation.

The Latest

• 🍗 Connecticut mansion engulfed in flames on Thanksgiving as residents fried turkey inside garage - NY Post

• 🚗 Man drives off casino parking garage, plunging into conference center below - Eye Witness News 25 ABC

• 🔥 Crews battle multiple house fires on Detroit’s east side - Channel 7 News Detroit

• ☠️ Family talks about near deadly mistake that caused poisonous gas to flood their home - Fox 61

Fuel

🦃 Leftover turkey sandwiches are a thing of the past - it’s time to up your game and take your turkey leftovers to a whole new level of flavor. Check out this One-Pan Leftover Turkey Pot Pie, you’ll never look at leftovers the same again!

🥧 You’ll wonder why you haven’t been making pot pies all year. And with 45 grams of protein in each serving, you're not only nourishing the soul, but fueling your body to keep you ready for whatever comes your way. You can watch the recipe video here and download the printable PDF with the instructions and grocery list below.

🔪 Helpful Kitchen Tools For This Recipe:

• Caraway Ceramic Fry Pan - Use Code: STATIONCHEF for 10% off

• Vegetable Peeler

• Bench Scraper

• Metal Sifter/Strainer

• Rubber Cooking Brush

Grind

Someone told me you like ladders?

🪜 An ascending ladder workout is like a fitness version of climbing a staircase—except instead of reaching a beautiful view at the top, you get a spectacular case of jelly legs and a serious sense of accomplishment. The reps increase each rounds, fun levels might temporarily decrease, but your strength and bragging rights skyrocket. LET’S GO!

🔴 Warm-Up: (3 rounds. Rd#1 15sec, Rd#2 30 sec, Rd#3 45 sec)

• Arm circles

• High knees

• Elbow plank

🟢 Main Workout: Add 1 rep every round (Ex.: round 1 is one rep of each, round 2 is 2 reps of each…). Continue for 30 minutes. Maintain a steady pace throughout. Use DBs, KBs or a barbell

• Deadlight

• Upright row

• Front squat

• Forward lunge

• Overhead press

• Burpee

🔵 Cool Down: 1 min each

• Child’s pose

• Downward facing dog

• Pigeon stretch (each leg)

Lead

"Firefighting is not a job, it’s a career. It’s a calling. It’s a privilege. It’s leadership at its finest when you lead by example, not by authority." — Chief Billy Goldfeder

What makes a great fire service leader? - FireRescue1

⭐️ In the fast-paced world of firefighting, being a great leader isn’t just about issuing commands and making tough calls—it’s about leading with character, compassion, and a clear sense of service. While some leadership styles have evolved over the years, the most successful fire service leaders know that it's not just about getting the job done, but how you do it. Gone are the days of rigid, autocratic leadership; today’s best leaders balance authority with empathy, ensuring their teams feel valued while still maintaining a focus on excellence.

At the heart of great fire service leadership is mentorship. It’s about guiding others not only through fires but also through their careers and personal growth. Leaders who invest in their team’s development, offering both technical skills and emotional support, create a culture of trust and loyalty. These leaders recognize that firefighting is not a job you can do alone—success relies on the strength and well-being of the entire team. Whether it's mentoring new recruits or providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the impact of a compassionate leader is immeasurable.

But, of course, leadership isn’t just about being nice—it’s also about holding the line when things get tough. The best fire service leaders are those who can make tough decisions, enforce high standards, and ensure that the team operates with precision, all while keeping morale high. Great leaders have a vision for the future, but they know that vision only becomes a reality when everyone in the department feels supported, respected, and part of a greater purpose. After all, leading in the fire service means preparing your crew to face the worst while always being ready to lend a helping hand. And that’s what truly makes a great leader—someone who leads with heart, brains, and strength.

Check out the full article here from FireRescue1 - your team will thank you.

Trivia

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