In this episode of The Things We All Carry we journey through nearly three decades of Bruce's life, starting from his early days as a rookie to his current position of Battalion Chief. Explore his professional growth, coping mechanisms, and personal milestones, including meeting his wife and raising a family. Additionally, gain heartfelt insights into the differences and deep emotional connections between parenting and grandparenting. This episode offers a profound look into the joys, challenges, and legacies that shape our lives, both in our careers and family bonds.

00:00 Starting the Firefighting Journey

00:28 Early Challenges and Realizations

01:17 Career Progression and Training

04:22 Becoming a Paramedic

07:24 Personal Life and Family

09:11 A Life-Changing Call

16:36 Coping with Trauma

33:11 Trust and Relationships

37:43 Evolution of Mental Health Support

37:58 Peer Support and Its Challenges

40:04 Adopt a Firehouse Program

41:17 Resiliency Center and Modern Approaches

43:09 Personal Approach to Mental Health

45:58 Financial Security for Firefighters

50:20 Disconnecting from Work

55:21 Building Strong Relationships

57:16 Department-Wide Mental Health Initiatives

01:01:16 Leadership and Availability

01:04:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections