A conversation between Jonathan Tate, Washington DC firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove, and Marc Bashoor, Fire Chief (ret.), Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

Well into Chief Bashoor’s decades-long career in the fire service, he experienced a pair of personal wake-up calls that prompted him to get serious about fitness and nutrition. This Equipped Talk is an inside look at his seminar presentation “Could You Rescue You?” where he focuses on nutrition, moral focus, and mental toughness.

A conversation between Lt. Jermaine Harris, Chicago Police Department, and Willie Crump, National Unit Chief for Narcotics and Contraband Smuggling, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The law enforcement profession has faced a number of crises in recent years that have negatively impacted recruitment and retention as well as community relationships. In the face of these challenges, it can be tempting for leaders to shift into micromanaging their teams to avoid mistakes, which can lead staff to feel paralyzed.

A conversation between Lt. Jermaine Harris, Chicago Police Department, and Dr. Patrick Malone, American University’s Key Executive Leadership Programs.

First responders are adept at technical thinking, but what about adaptive thinking? Learn how building a foundation of self-awareness enables public safety professionals to make better practical decisions in their daily work.

Jonathan Tate, D.C. Firefighter/EMT & Founder, Food on the Stove

Food on the Stove is a D.C.-based nonprofit founded to promote healthy lifestyle management from a holistic perspective. With programs ranging from healthy cooking demonstrations to partnerships with local farms to supply healthy food to firehouses, this firefighter-operated and focused organization has found innovative ways to fulfill its mission.

Maureen Stoecklein, Firefighter/Paramedic/Registered Dietitian, Canton Township Fire Department,

First responders are tactical athletes facing daily heightened levels of job-related mental and physical stress. They are expected to be high performing individuals, navigate life or death decisions, and manage extreme trauma in highly unpredictable environments. This talk offers a comprehensive yet simple approach to meeting the unique nutrition demands of first responders.

Dr. Paul Nystrom, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Hennepin Healthcare System Inc.

Sleep is something we often cut short for any number of reasons, or even for no reason at all. We intuitively know we need to get more, but do we prioritize it? What are the downsides of not getting enough? Nystrom explains why first responders must prioritize sleep.

B.K. Blankchtein, Chief Instructor, Masada Tactical Group

Over the past few years, attacks on EMS personnel responding to calls have increased significantly. EMS first responders must be prepared to protect themselves, their patients, or innocent bystanders as the situation dictates. Blankchtein covers the skills and methodologies designed specifically for the unique environment in which EMS operates.