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Integrating Families and Children into the Fire Fighter Lifestyle

Objectives and Summary:

This interactive webinar will explore ways to share the positive aspects of being a member of the fire service with your family while educating them about the risks—without instilling fear. The goal is to introduce your family to the fire fighter lifestyle, set realistic expectations, and reduce fear by providing insight into the job. We will discuss practical ways to normalize your work by involving your family and children in simple tasks at home, as well as sharing experiences from the fire station. Presenters will share personal and professional insights from the field, offer tips on how to communicate about calls, and teach your family how to best support you during challenging moments. The session will include a Q&A, live polls, and other interactive elements, along with updated IAFF resources to help reduce worry and foster a connection with your loved ones.

Presented By:

LaQuita Cowart, LCSW

Behavioral Health Coordinator Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Prior to joining HCDFRS, LaQuita worked as a Community Support Team Lead and Substance Use Specialist in Raleigh, NC where she worked with individuals with SPMI, including but not limited to military and first responders. She specializes in substance use support, crisis response/prevention, trauma response, suicide prevention and much more. She has approximately 10 years of experience in the mental health field and continues to work on identifying new ways to serve members of the fire service.

Brian Eagan

Lieutenant, Peer Support Member, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Lt. Eagan has been with Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services for 15 years and has been a member of the union for just as long. He spent 10 years on the executive board and has played a pivotal part in the success of rebuilding the Peer Support Program. He also was instrumental in the birth of the BHC position and works very closely with LaQuita to ensure the overall wellness of the department. He has been married for 13 years and is the father to a 9 and 10 year old.

Hannah Elmore, MSW

Sr. Clinical Outreach Coordinator
Hannah Elmore is the Clinical Outreach Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence through Advanced Recovery Systems. Hannah works with first responders through connection to behavioral health resources, providing education, and offering support. Hannah educates on behavioral health topics pertaining to the fire service and first responder communities to departments, peer teams, families and clinicians. Hannah is a certified IAFF Peer Supporter.
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