Chief Patrick J. Kenny (Ret) profiled in Book: Every Fire-Rescue Professional is a Leader
Patrick J. Kenny shared his story and the importance of Mental Health with Dr. Lynch for Important Leadership Book
May 30, 2023
Chief Patrick J. Kenny (Ret) is proud to help spread the word about the importance of Mental Health within the Fire and First Responder field by sharing his story and leadership insights in the new book by Pat Lynch, Ph.D., Every Fire-Rescue Professional is a Leader.
Chief Kenny (Ret) states, “As a retired Fire Chief and professional speaker on Mental Health, I have focused on smashing the stigma of mental illness from the vocation of firefighting. I am an advocate for being proactive about mental wellness. This book is important to carry the message that you are a leader regardless of rank and responsible to seek daily new and effective ways to make you a better leader. I’m honored to have been asked by Dr. Lynch to have my story on mental health included as part of this leadership book.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
The premise of Every Fire-Rescue Professional is a Leader is stated in its title. Although “leadership” may not appear in their job descriptions, leadership is the job of every person who enters this profession by virtue of the trust their community places in them. This practical “how to” book fills major gaps in their development by teaching readers how to acquire and improve key leadership skills so they will be ready when their turn comes. It defines each skill, states why competency is important, lists sample behaviors, and suggests how to develop or enhance readers’ proficiency and apply the skills. The applications are brought to life by some 150 stories shared by over forty fire-rescue professionals from all ranks. The fact that each skill’s information is contained in 3-4 pages makes it easily accessible for training purposes. Completing the self-assessments throughout the book results in a customized leadership training plan.
ABOUT PATRICK J. KENNY
PATRICK J. KENNY has been a member of the fire service for over 38 years, and before retiring in January 2021, served as the Fire Chief in Hinsdale and Western Springs, Illinois. He has been a Chief Officer for over 25 years and a speaker in multiple countries on Mayday for Mental Health® for more than a decade. He is the international best-selling author of TAKING THE CAPE OFF: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss and has articles published in the areas of mental health, leadership, fire safety, and fire code challenges. He was awarded the Fire Chief of the Year in 2004 by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and in 2021, he was awarded Fire Chief Emeritus status by the Executive Board of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. He was awarded the Fire Engineering/International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award for 2020-2021.
Information about Patrick J. Kenny and the international bestseller TAKING THE CAPE OFF How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss as well as where to purchase it can be found at https://patrickjkenny.com/