Itasca, IL, October 3, 2025 – Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest – Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health Challenges in the Fire Service. Now in its fourth year, this year’s initiative challenged firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.
The purpose of this competition was to explore and uncover the underlying factors that shape mental health challenges in the fire service, beyond the obvious demands of a high-risk, life-saving profession. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind these challenges is crucial if we want to create meaningful, lasting solutions,” said Paul Darley, President & CEO of Darley. “This competition gives firefighters and thought leaders a unique platform to share insights that can drive real change. With 85 entries submitted, it’s clear the fire service is ready to engage in this critical conversation and lead the way forward.”
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who participated. The essays were graded using the following criteria, ranked and weighted in importance:
Specific Solutions Offered –?Do you present specific recommendations for change? How innovative, impactful, and viable are the proposed solutions?
Potential Impact on the Fire Service –?Can this impact the fire service in the short and long term? Can this concept move the fire service forward in a positive manner?
Quality of Writing –?How is the essay structure, vocabulary, readability, and overall authorship?
Intangibles –?Is this exciting? Does it challenge preexisting assumptions? Does it invoke a thought-provoking discussion? Is the core message courageous?
Congratulations to the Following Winners of this Year’s Contest:
First Place: Marc Wysocki, Sheffield Volunteer FD, Captain (MA)
Second Place: Marc Revere, Mountain View & Monterey Park FD, Fire Chief (Ret., CA)
Third Place: John Murphy, Eastside Fire and Rescue, Deputy Fire Chief (Ret.) Fire Commissioner (WA)
First Runner Up: Stephen Lindsey, Palo Alto Fire Department, Deputy Fire Chief (CA)
Second Runner Up: Shawn McKerry, Lakeland College Emergency Training Center, Dean (AB, CAN)
“Our strength as a fire service has always been in how we show up for each other,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is about more than awareness — it’s about creating solutions together. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can move upstream, address the root causes of mental health challenges, and build a culture where well-being is part of who we are in the fire service.”
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