I've heard it said that "people who qualify for AARP shouldn't be fighting fire." I challenge that.

What do you think: do first responders have an expiration date? How old is "too old"?

Read more at roysmalley.substack.com or check the link in my bio.

#firefighter #firstresponders #writer

#WEMSA2025 is coming, and I'll be there sharing about "Embracing Stress to Lead Personal and Organizational Resilience" and "Staying Strong and Aging Well as an Emergency Responder". As a coach and a firefighter/EMT, I'm passionate about helping others approach wellness in sustainable ways!

Adopting a child with a physical disability was SO not in our wheelhouse. What happens when you step into the unknown?

My latest 2-minute read is available on #Substack at roysmalley.substack.com/latest

#blogger #keynotespeaker #writer #columnist

Mother's Day: national holiday since 1914.

Father's Day: national holiday since 1966.

Memorial Day: federal holiday since 1971.

Independance Day: celebrated every year since 1776.

Labor Day. Veterans' Day. Memorial Day. Voting Day.

EVERY American holiday owes its origin to Thanksgiving Day.