Leading Through Adversity: How a Life-Changing Diagnosis Transformed My Leadership

Robert Weisbaum BS, FP-C, MPO, EMS & Fire Chief, Crested Butte Fire Protection District

As an EMS and Fire Chief with more than 26 years of service, I believed resilience meant pushing harder, working longer, and carrying the weight alone. That perspective changed when an unexpected diagnosis forced me to confront my own vulnerability and reexamine what leadership truly means. My diagnosis ultimately became an unexpected gift; one that taught me that the strongest leaders are not those who appear invincible, but those who have the courage to grow through adversity and help others do the same.

Still Climbing: How Colorado Carried the Memory of 343 Nationwide

Oren Bersagel-Briese, Deputy Chief of Operations, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb began in Colorado with five firefighters, a set of stairs, and a decision to remember through action. This FIRETalk explores how Colorado helped turn that moment into a national movement – and how stories, traditions, and shared experiences can carry the meaning of September 11 forward for generations who did not experience it firsthand.

Recovery After the Fall: Healing, Resilience, and the Road Forward

Jeremy Metz, Fire Chief, West Metro Fire Rescue

Every firefighter understands that risk is an inherent part of the profession. From burning buildings and medical emergencies to technical rescue operations, firefighters routinely place themselves in hazardous environments in service to others. Yet sometimes the greatest risks emerge not during an emergency response, but during the training that prepares firefighters to perform safely when lives are on the line.

In July 2026, West Metro Fire Rescue Firefighter Paramedic Jarrod Leonard suffered critical injuries following a 50-foot fall at the conclusion of a high-angle rope rescue training exercise. In an instant, Jarrod's life changed, and the impact of that moment rippled across his family, his teammates, and the entire organization.

This presentation tells the story of the ongoing recovery after the fall, both for the firefighter and for the organization that rallied around him. Attendees will hear firsthand lessons about confronting trauma, navigating uncertainty, and rebuilding after a life-changing injury. The presentation explores the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, the vital role of family and peer support, and the importance of leadership and organizational culture during times of crisis.

More than a story about an accident, this presentation is a story about courage, resilience, and the strength of the fire service family. Through Jarrod's journey and the organization's response, participants will gain insight into how individuals and teams can recover, adapt, and move forward after unexpected adversity.