172. Your Reputation Gets There Before You Do - Steve Gillespie

After 22 years with the FDNY, Lt. Steve Gillespie needed a change of scenery. His career spanned with busy companies throughout the Bronx, the majority of his time spent with Squad 41. Finding his way to the Squad Company allowed for Steve to grow as a firefighter, mentored by some of the best firefighters he has ever met. But the position also exposed him alot of the down side of the job as well. Dealing with trauma and tragic incidents such as several LODD fires including September 11, 2001, Steve realized he needed more than just the kitchen table to help him cope with his past experiences. Finding an outlet and changing the scenery led him to retiring from the FDNY and moving to SC to become the Training Captain of the North Charleston, SC Fire Department. This change of pace and distance away from New York City let him focus on himself and the mental and physical healing he needed. Always missing the job up north, Steve found ways to manage his struggles and still remained in love with his childhood passion. Today, he is fully retired and teaches across the country. His immediate focus is on mental health and "Surviving the Job". His class discussed Steve's battles and offers ways to communicate and deal with the daily stresses of the job. "You never know the weight of something until you don't have to carry it anymore." His class is part of his own healing and working with different organizations helps him each day as he shares his story and experiences in hope of reaching others. Steve Gillespie doesn't regret his experiences and the damage that comes with being a firefighter. He does know that not focusing on his own well being could've had a very different outcome. His passion for the job and the Brotherhood keeps him going and allows him to help others even after his second retirement from the job. --- If you want to continue the conversation, you can reach Steve Gillespie at [email protected].