WAKEFIELD — Through a combination of diet, exercise, and proper rest, Captain Dave Shinney of the Wakefield Fire Department hasn’t succumbed to the emotional or physical demands of his job.
“I personally have never felt overwhelmed,” Captain Shinney said in an interview with News Link Live’s Editor-in-Chief Genevieve DiNatale.
And while Captain Shinney hasn’t needed to utilize any department resources to handle tough calls, he knows how to connect his colleagues when they do.
To learn more of what Captain Shinney has to say about maintaining health/wellness on the job at the Wakefield Fire Department, read the whole interview below:
Genevieve DiNatale: Can you share your typical fitness routine or physical activities that help keep you in shape for the demands of firefighting?
Captain Shinney: I do weight training 3-4 times a week and 30 minutes of various types of cardio 3-4 times a week.
Genevieve DiNatale: Do you engage in any specific activities during your free time that are aimed at supporting your mental well-being?
Captain Shinney: Mainly watching my diet, regular exercise, and proper rest. I don’t do any formal work with a therapist, etc.
Genevieve DiNatale: How important is community or peer support in your line of work, and what role does it play in maintaining your mental and physical well-being?
Captain Shinney: I believe it is very important. We have resources available to us to deal with tough calls or cumulative issues from people who have direct knowledge of what we do. I personally haven’t felt the need for it, but I do know fellow firefighters that have benefitted from the more formal options that are available. We offer each other plenty of informal support by just talking about difficult calls, etc. and if personnel show signs of needing additional help it is always encouraged and supported.
Genevieve DiNatale: Can you describe a time when you felt overwhelmed by the emotional or physical demands of your job? What strategies or resources did you use to overcome these challenges?
Captain Shinney: I personally have never felt overwhelmed. If personnel do show signs of being overwhelmed we certainly respond to it by offering immediate assistance.
This article is sponsored by Wellpoint, formerly UniCare. UniCare has rebranded to Wellpoint to emphasize its commitment to whole health rather than traditional “sick care.” This shift reflects a broader understanding that whole health encompasses not just physical health, but mental, emotional, and social well-being and a comprehensive approach to living well, something Sergeant Gordon exemplifies in his daily life.
What is Wellpoint (formerly UniCare)?
For almost four decades, Wellpoint has exclusively served the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, supporting the health needs of state and municipal employees, retirees, and their families who receive health coverage through the GIC. Wellpoint’s dedicated indemnity model, the only one offered through the GIC, gives members the freedom to access care without referrals. Under its new Wellpoint name, Wellpoint will continue to serve GIC members exclusively. Learn more at wellpointmass.com.