In this episode of the Mentors on Fire podcast, host Michael Allora interviews Steven Conn, a Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Fairfield, Ohio. They discuss Steven's journey from being a volunteer firefighter to becoming a critical care registered nurse and, eventually, a full-time firefighter. They also discuss topics such as organizational culture, mentoring, and the history of the Cincinnati Fire Department. Steven shares his experiences and insights into the fire service and the importance of mentorship in the field.

Steven Conn discusses his experience developing a fire department and the challenges in navigating the organizational culture. He talks about the resistance to change and the need for relaxation time for firefighters. He also shares his experience in liking the opportunities and potential for growth in the department, wanting to change the micromanagement, and lacking recognition for a job well done. He discusses his involvement in leadership programs and initiatives to promote positivity and recognition within the department. The conversation also touches on the Cincinnati Mayday incident and Conn's experience of falling through the floor during a fire.

The conversation explores the aftermath of a traumatic incident and the lack of support and acknowledgment within the fire service. It delves into the concept of moral injury and its impact on individuals. Conn and Allora discuss their own experiences with mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. They emphasize the importance of checking in on each other and providing support. The conversation also discusses the need for debriefing and addressing traumatic incidents within the fire service. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for better mental health support and awareness within the profession.

In this final part of the conversation, Steven Conn and Michael Allora discusses the heavy burden of being a mentor and the importance of listening and acknowledging the struggles of others. They share personal stories of individuals who have experienced mental health challenges and the impact it had on them. They also talk about the role of mentorship in shaping their careers and the satisfaction of caring for their people. Steven reflects on his career and the positive changes he has witnessed in his new department. The conversation ends with advice for younger professionals to follow their hearts and focus on helping others.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Sponsor

02:13

Focus on Firefighter Mental Health and Suicide Epidemic

05:12

Volunteer Firefighting and Paramedic Training

08:57

Transition to Nursing and Meeting Steven's Wife

15:01

Settling in Coleraine Township Fire Department

23:48

History of the Cincinnati Fire Department

27:28

Steven's Career in Coleraine Township Fire Department

35:12

Training and Organizational Culture in the Fire Service

36:57

Navigating Organizational Culture

38:40

The Importance of Relaxation Time

43:19

Overcoming Micromanagement

48:19

Promoting Recognition and Positivity

55:17

The Impact of Personal Experiences

01:15:00

The Impact of Trauma and Lack of Support

01:23:13

Moral Injury and Mental Health Struggles

01:30:01

The Importance of Checking In and Providing Support

01:46:29

Addressing Traumatic Incidents and Promoting Mental Health Awareness

01:52:41

The Heavy Burden of Being a Mentor

01:55:58

The Impact of Mental Health Challenges

02:28:08

Follow Your Heart and Help Others