| The fire service is just in its infancy in openness and in showing its vulnerability. For too many years, we hid behind the perception of heroism and masculinity, afraid to let the world know we are human beings and suffer from the impacts of our careers as they intertwine with our lives. Steve takes the brave step of speaking his truth and as a result connects and resonates to those around him. Leadership in today’s para-military organizations needs to be based on communication, trust and understanding. Steve clearly has a gift to bridge the traditional fire service with this new style of leading where we put our people first. He has a spirit and strength that I am grateful to have him share as not only a colleague but as a lifelong friend. Karen F. Fire Chief I had the pleasure of watching Steve present his information and experiences to a group of new recruit firefighters at the Alabama fire college in Tuscaloosa Alabama in 2019. Steve’s presentation resonated with me and gave those new recruits tools and mental preparation for the career they had chosen. I would highly recommend Steve’s presentation to all firefighters from New Recruit to Fire Chief. Ryan H. Chief Training Officer Steve Serbic provides the gift of deep insight into the environment of high stress and trauma experienced by First Responders. He masterfully guides us with a message of strength ,love ,and triumph in all situations. Dr.James K. Phd, Rcc, Trauma Specialist Steve is enthusiastic, diligent, and understands the scope of his job’s ethos and his position within the fire service. Chief Serbic is a Firefighters’ Chief. He is an example of modeled leadership. Steve promotes leadership at all levels within the fire service and knows that the chain of command is a two-way street. Steve is a Chief that has never forgotten his oath to service. Steve keeps the focus on the people whom our industry serves and equally on the people who serve. Aaron F. Training Officer Steve Serbic is unique in his field. In addition to a career on the front line of fire rescue in a major metropolitan area, he has leadership experience across the spectrum of fire services, even reaching across platforms into tactical emergency response. Steve’s energy is contagious, his humility is inspiring, and his natural ability to communicate his passion for fire rescue, mental health, and humanitarianism is a bench mark for me to aspire to.” Dr. Mark V. Emergency Trauma Physician I have had the privilege to hear Steve Serbic speak several times on mental health and suicide prevention. I have always been impressed on how he can connect to all fire department ranks from the newest recruit to the seasoned Chief. The fire service needs more members who don’t just talk the talk but really care about its brothers and sisters physical and mental health the way Steve does. Glenn C, Training Officer, USAR Team Commander Steve is an Assistant Fire Chief that has managed to walk the fine line between labor and management and as such has remained a strong advocate for Fire Fighters in many avenues. Having said this he is particularly suited and passionate in regards to firefighters mental health. He has the personal history, work experience, and specialized training that gives him the credibility and the knowledge to deliver his information as a very compelling speaker. Steve is currently an active speaker across North America in many areas, including substance abuse and firefighters mental health. He is one of the most compassionate and empathetic speakers I have ever heard, and that is a very rare quality when you hear leaders speak. It is what is missing in the fire service, someone like Steve who is willing to take the risk in just being himself, his presentations are so real and honest. Exactly what the fire service needs to hear. Chris K. Assistant Chief/ Operations Can’t thank you enough Steve for a powerful and impactful day with our department. To quote one member, “I wish I had this talk earlier in my career, every firefighter needs to hear this”. I think that says it all. Keep up the good work, looking forward to continued work with you in the future. Dan A. Deputy Chief/ Operations |