It Starts at the Top: The Importance of Leadership Supporting Health & Wellness

Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide each year than in the line of duty. Line of duty deaths are growing with deaths related to heart attacks, stroke and other serious illnesses. Cancer related illness and deaths continue to increase and impact members of the fire service. According to a 2021 NFPA Research Study, most fire departments do not have programs to maintain basic firefighter fitness and health. In addition the study identified most departments do not provide medical and physical evaluations that comply with NFPA 1582 and nearly three-quarters of all fire departments in the United States do not have a behavioral health program.

It Starts At The Top educates participants on current data that demonstrates the importance of leadership supporting health and wellness in their organizations. In addition, this presentation provides ideas on implementing and funding these vital programs.

David Denniston

Director of Risk Management

Emergency Services Insurance Program

As Director of Risk Management for Emergency Services Insurance Program with McNeil & Co, Dave works with emergency service organizations across the US . He is the Past Chief of The Cortlandville Fire Department in Upstate New York and A Fire Commissioner in the Virgil Fire District. Dave serves Cortland County as a Deputy Fire Coordinator and is a Director for the Association of Fire Districts in the State of NY. Dave served as the Foundation Secretary for the NVFC. His experience also includes being Treasurer of several non-profit organizations and a Board Member for the First National Bank of Dryden.

Jill Holland

Jill Holland is a volunteer firefighter, dedicated health and wellness advocate specializing in first responder mental health, occupational performance, and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. A New York State Licensed and National Board-Certified Occupational Therapist, she brings extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and firefighter wellness initiatives. As a Certified Trauma Professional, National Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, and a Master Trainer in multiple behavioral health programs—including QPR and Responder Strong—she provides critical training, education, and consultation to fire departments and emergency service organizations nationwide.

With a diverse background spanning occupational therapy, fire service leadership, and mental health advocacy, Jill serves as a Commissioner for the Kauneonga Lake Fire District and holds key roles with the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY). A Certified Recruitment & Retention Coordinator with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, she actively supports initiatives to strengthen volunteer firefighter ranks through mentorship, education, and strategic outreach. As a founding member of the Sullivan County Recruitment & Retention Task Force (Join Sullivan Fire), she works to develop innovative programs that attract and retain dedicated first responders. She is a sought-after speaker and instructor, delivering impactful presentations on firefighter health, leadership, recruitment, and grant funding strategies at state and national conferences. In addition to her private occupational therapy practice, she collaborates with organizations such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and Sullivan180 to enhance firefighter well-being, sustainability, and engagement within their communities.