Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

On this episode of Responder Resilience we hear from a veteran, firefighters, paramedics, police officers and dispatcher who have used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to overcome traumatic stress.

In this episode, David and Stacy speak with Matt Domyancic, The Tactical Chaplain, about how to enjoy a career that provides deeper meaning to your spiritual life. Matt will share some strategies for transitioning from a responder career while staying highly connected with the job and the mission. We’ll also learn what a Patrol Chaplain is. Matt is a medically retired police officer who volunteers as a chaplain and peer support for police agencies in Los Angeles. Matt believes all first respond...

Matt Domyancic, the Tactical Chaplain, offers his modern spiritual approach to help police officers and firefighters who are "in the trenches".

Family Matters: First Responding to Your Marriage, and Challenges of Firefighter Relationships, with Anne and Captain Mike Gagliano of Seattle Fire Department (Ret.)

In this episode, Bonnie and David speak with columnist/author Anne Gagliano and her husband, retired Seattle Fire Captain Mike Gagliano. They discuss how firefighters and their spouses can build and sustain a strong, intimate, and lasting marriage. The conversation explores the mission of the firefighter versus that of the spouse—“the hero behind the hero”—who helps their responder thrive on the job. Mike and Anne share how to keep your “first family” first and why the spouse is vital to the res...

Involved in fire and EMS for over 45 years, Deputy Chief Bernie Meehan, whose comfort zone is chaos, has participated in over 400 critical incident debriefings. He was one of the paramedics responding to the Sandy Hook shooting. In an effort to cope with the effects of this tragic incident, Bernie was referred to some counselors who were not used to working with responders and not a good fit. After networking with other responders, he was able to find a responder-savvy trauma-informed therapist...

With Deputy Fire Chief / Paramedic Bernie Meehan Jr., a true icon of emergency services in Connecticut, about Peer Support and Finding an Appropriate Clinician in the “New” Emergency Services.

Guest, Ray Connors, Retired Chief, State of Connecticut Animal Control Unit

On this episode, Stacy and David speak with Ray Connors, Retired Chief, State of Connecticut Animal Control Unit about what Animal Control Officers actually do, how they are genuinely first responders, some looks behind the scenes at real cases of animal abuse, animal attacks, traumatic calls, and the incredible connection between animal abuse and serial killers. Ray explains how he got into this specialized profession, what his background was, and what got him interested in animal control. We l...

Guest, Eve Bucca, Executive Director, FDNY Honorary Battalion Chief, HeartMath Coach and Trainer

On this episode, Dr. Stacy Raymond and David speak with Eve Bucca, Executive Director of Stand Fast Alliance about how they empower first responders, military and their families with the tools, training and resources they need to face the unique challenges of their service, with strength and resilience. Eve’s grandfather, father, and husband were all proud members of the FDNY, and military veterans. She holds the rank of Honorary Battalion Chief within the New York City Fire Department. Eve was ...

⚑ On this episode, David speaks with 911 Emergency Dispatcher Craig Tinneny and 31 year veteran Senior Operator Catharine D'Vileskis about how dispatchers are often left out of conversations involving First Responders. We discuss: ➤ What are some of the sensory challenges of being a dispatcher? ➤ How do you remain calm when the caller is overwhelmed and can’t communicate clearly? ➤ After the call, what do you do to re-stabilize your own emotional equilibrium? ➤ What actions or practices helped y...

911 Emergency Dispatcher Craig Tinneny and 31 year veteran Senior Operator Catharine DVileskis

In this episode, Dr. Stacy Raymond, Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT and Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) talk about Institutional Abandonment in emergency services: ➤ Why are so many responders feeling abandoned by their institutions and by their superiors? ➤ What are the benefits of after action reviews and proper mental health debriefings after difficult calls? ➤ What steps can command staff take to stay connected with their crews? ➤ How can we foster a department-wide team approach rather than “us versus ...

In this episode, Dr. Stacy Raymond, Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW/EMT and Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) talk about Institutional Abandonment in emergency services.

Guests, Dawn Roy LCSW and EMDR Therapist, and Captain Jacques Roy speak about the birth of Fairfield County Trauma Response Team.

In this episode, we’ll be speaking with Captain Jacques Roy, of the Stamford CT Fire Department, and Dawn Roy, LCSW about Trauma in the Fire Service, Peer Support, Mental Health, and the birth of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team. In Stamford CT, on Christmas morning 2011, three young sisters and their two grandparents perished in a tragic structure fire. Captain Jacques Roy and 70 other Stamford firefighters fought the fire and retrieved the bodies of the victims, then struggled with PT...