RESILIENCE IN ACTION

Presentation Schedule:

0800-0815 | Welcome and Introductions

0815-0915 | Tim Sears – Tracing the Origin of My Fire: Overcoming Trauma to Find Inner Strength

0915-0930 | Break

0930-1030 | WSCFF Wellness Committee Updates

1030-1045 | Break

1045-1200 | Greg Rudiger – Becoming RAD: Resilient Another Day!

1200-1300 | Lunch provided onsite

1300-1500 | Matt Quackenbush – Breaking the Silence: Neurobiology of Trauma and Firefighter Wellness

1500-1515 | Break

1515-1630 | Q&A Panel – Tim Sears, Greg Rudiger, Matt Quackenbush, and John Gallup

Resilience in Action: Enhanced Wellbeing for Firefighters and Their Families

This transformative one-day workshop empowers firefighters and their spouses with actionable strategies to foster resilience, improve mental health, and enhance overall wellness. Through expert-led sessions, participants will gain valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by first responders and their families, leaving them equipped with tools for a thriving life.

• Start the day with Tim Sears, a veteran firefighter with 44 years of experience, as he shares his inspiring journey of overcoming trauma to find inner strength. Tim’s relatable and empowering session will set the stage for meaningful discussions and personal growth.
• Learn about critical updates from the WSCFF Wellness Committee. This session highlights resources and initiatives supporting firefighters and their families, including peer support development, behavioral health tools, and mentorship opportunities.
• Dive into Greg Rudiger’s session on resilience and wellness. As a third-generation Fire Captain and founder of RAD (Resilient Another Day), Greg shares his journey through PTSD, addiction, and recovery, providing practical strategies to break stigma and build lasting mental strength.
• Explore cutting-edge strategies in Matt Quackenbush’s session, Breaking the Silence: Neurobiology of Trauma and Firefighter Wellness. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and body, while learning practical tools to improve resilience, manage stress, and enhance overall well-being.
• Conclude the day with an engaging Q&A panel featuring Tim Sears, Greg Rudiger, Matt Quackenbush, and John Gallup. This interactive session provides an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and connect with others committed to firefighter wellness.

This workshop is more than just a day of learning, it’s a call to action for firefighters and their families to prioritize their well-being and resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, your family, and your future.

Tim Sears has 44 years of experience in the fire service, having served across four different fire departments. Throughout his career, he was actively involved in various areas including water rescue, tillered ladder truck operations, safety committees, fire investigation, hazmat, and PEER support. Tim also served as a board member for the KFFBA Benevolent Fund and was an active member of his IAFF Union Local 2545. After retiring in 2021 from the Kirkland Fire Department, Tim was honored with numerous departmental accommodations for his dedicated 30 years of service.

Greg Rudiger is a third-generation Fire Captain with over 25 years of experience in the fire service. He is passionate about helping first responders build resiliency and wellness to navigate the challenges of both their careers and personal lives.

Course Overview:
Greg shares practical strategies for developing resiliency and overall wellness in this session while addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, emotional intelligence, and personal well-being in the fire service. Drawing on his own experiences, Greg discusses hitting rock bottom, enduring recovery, and flourishing. His journey through PTSD, suicidal ideations, alcoholism, and personal struggles provides a foundation for overcoming adversity and becoming a better human being. With humility and vulnerability, Greg offers actionable techniques for becoming RAD—Resilient Another Day!

https://www.resilientanotherday.com/

John Gallup has been an IAFF member since 1990 with Local 1747 and was elected to the WSCFF Board of Trustees in 2003. He currently serves as a Battalion Chief with Puget Sound Regional Fire Department and has held various leadership positions within his local from 1991 to 2020. In addition to co-chairing the WSCFF Behavioral Health Committee, John serves on the WSCFF Health and Safety Committee and is a member of the IAFF Behavioral Health Committee.

Session Overview:
This session will provide critical updates from the WSCFF Wellness Committee, highlighting resources and initiatives aimed at supporting firefighters and their families. Topics include peer support development, behavioral health tools, and mentorship opportunities.

The WSCFF Behavioral Health Committee was established to equip members with tools and education, guide local peer support team development, foster educational and mentorship partnerships, create a Clinician Response Team, and promote effective communication.

Resources:

• The Lifeline and 988
• Safe Call Now
• Code 4 Northwest
• IAFF Behavioral Health
• IAFF Center of Excellence
• Alcoholics Anonymous Washington Meetings
• Stronger Families
• Deer Hollow
• First Responder Wellness

Contact the Committee:
[email protected]
WSCFF Behavioral Health

Matt is a psychotherapist with nearly two decades of experience and over 20,000 hours of trauma-focused therapy. As Deer Hollow's Director of Education and Training, he travels nationally, educating audiences on trauma recovery. A Certified Mind-Body Bridging Therapist, Matt specializes in evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psychodrama, and mindfulness practices. His Finding Strength Podcast and PhD research on trauma’s neurological impact reflect his dedication to advancing trauma-informed care. Widely recognized as an expert, Matt aims to transform mental health treatment with innovative approaches that offer hope and healing.

Breaking the Silence: Neurobiology of Trauma and Firefighter Wellness

The day's final presentation will delve into the latest research and practical strategies from neuroscience, psychology, and traumatology, offering insights adapted to the unique experiences of firefighters. Participants will explore how trauma alters brain function and impacts stress responses, while gaining tools to improve mental and physical well-being.

Main topics include:

• Explore the neurobiology behind PTSD, anxiety, and depression to understand how trauma affects the mind and body.
• Harness the power of eustress—a positive form of stress—to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Discover practical, research-backed tools to build resilience and manage stress effectively.
• Create sustainable habits through simple, life-changing strategies for long-term mental and physical well-being.

Firefighters will leave empowered with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently navigate the challenges of their demanding roles while prioritizing their mental and physical well-being. Additionally, all attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of accessible resources designed to support meaningful life changes, promoting improved resilience and a healthier, more balanced daily life.

For additional resources and access to the live PowerPoint, visit: https://finding-strength.com/first-responder-resources/

If you are suffering from the impacts and challenges of trauma, please call us. We care deeply, and we can help you through.
You don’t need to carry this alone. https://deerhollowrecovery.com/

Host or Publisher DEER HOLLOW