Firefighter Nation

“The important distinction is understanding the difference between acquiring knowledge and acquiring experience.”

In the fire service, credibility takes more than a social media following. David Stone explains why in “Knowing Your Lane.” - ow.ly/AJz450ZYNej

An Exciting New Chapter for FDIC International and the Fire & Rescue Group

We are excited to share that Clarion Events has announced an agreement to be acquired by Informa, a global leader in events and information services.

While this marks an important new chapter for our organization, what remains unchanged is our commitment to the fire service community. We will continue to focus on delivering world-class events, industry-leading education, meaningful networking opportunities, and valuable business connections for our attendees, exhibitors, partners, and customers.

We are proud of what we've built together and excited about the opportunities ahead. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we move into this next phase of growth.

Eric Schlett
President, Fire & Rescue Group

Battling stress on shift? A 24/7 station dog might be the silent hero your crew needs. It’s more than a mascot—it’s mental health in fur form. Ready to rethink your firehouse? 🚒🐾 #FirefighterWellness #StationDog ow.ly/RJwt50ZOSAk

Legacy isn’t about when you start your career—it’s how you finish it. Are you counting down to retirement or building a lasting impact for the next generation of firefighters? Time to choose. 🔥👨‍🚒 ow.ly/EJsR50ZN1fO #FirefighterLegacy #EMSLeadership

You can’t outwork trauma.

You can’t sleep it off forever. You can’t just “toughen up” and expect the hard calls, the deaths, the sleepless nights, and everything you carry home to have no effect.

And the fire service is finally learning that talking about mental health doesn’t make you weak.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Firefighter Nation is continuing our focus on firefighter mental health through the lens of science.

We’re looking at what the research actually tells us about suicide, trauma, PTSD, sleep, substance use, resilience, treatment, and recovery in the fire service.

Not clichés. Not “suck it up.” Not feel-good advice.
Real research. Real conversations. Real options for firefighters who are struggling.

Because taking care of the people who run toward the worst days of someone else’s life has to include taking care of what those calls can do to them.

Know the signs. Know the science. Know that getting help is not the end of your career or a failure to handle the job.

Sometimes, getting help is how you stay in it.