I’m a Corrections Officer, but I Feel Like a Prisoner

A corrections officer is a first responder occupation in every sense of the words. It’s a job that is characterized by the stigma of low status, high stress, and burnout. With high rates of chronic job-related stress, it’s easy to see how corrections officers can feel as trapped as the prisoners they guard. However, when […]

S-T-R-E-S-S Undesirable Letters for Firefighters

Firefighting has always been an occupation fit only for the brave.  In the firefighting community in America today, we face unprecedented new challenges.  There is no escaping the reality that the fire situation is getting worse, particularly for firefighters on the ground. Firefighters are increasingly being asked to cover more areas of expertise in more[…..]

Firefighters hanging up the helmet

Firefighters serve an entire career of being on-call. Nearly every day, they are out and about, working within their communities. Through hosting kindergarten classroom tours, blaring fire engine sirens in the parades, and hosting community barbecues and firefighter balls, they’ve gotten acquainted with the men and women who govern the town and own businesses. The[…..]

Stress As a Corrections Officer

You might be a corrections officer if. Jeff Foxworthy poked fun at rednecks, jabbing at nearly every occupation along the way, including stressful occupations like corrections officers. High wages, great benefits, and early retirement are benefits that attract workers to the job—one that comes with immense emotional stressors.   The United States Department of Labor[…..]

Compassion Fatigue: Are First Responders At Risk?

“Compassion fatigue” is a term that may be unfamiliar to some, but is rapidly becoming a recognized issue in our society.  One day, fire culture may see compassion fatigue listed and treated as a mental hazard along with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Indeed, the two are often parallel .  But what is compassion fatigue?  […..]