Extinguished
A Fire Chief's Memoir
by Steve Serbic

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What do you do when you lose more than you can afford, when the stable bridge you’ve been crossing suddenly gives way and you find yourself plummeting into a chasm of fear and self-doubt? After losing a dear friend and fellow firefighter to suicide, Steve is left shaken and leaves the fire service forever – or so he thinks. While trying to decide what his future holds, Steve takes us through his past. From Firefighter to Assistant Chief, a winning lottery ticket to a twist of fate, a series of strange health problems and devastating injury, Steve pulls us along the dizzying journey with him. And just when we think it can’t possibly get any worse for him, he leads us to the edge. And then the healing begins. Although a sequel to his first book, The Unbroken, Extinguished is a story of its own, stranger than fiction, and another incredible example of Steve’s willingness to lay everything on the line to help anyone suffering from mental illness. At the same time, this isn’t a book just for them, or just for first responders. It is powerfully human and will resonate with everyone who reads it.

www.steveserbic.com

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"Garnering strength and courage, and accepting vulnerability, Steve shares with us his journey after the death by suicide of a dear friend and fellow firefighter. Along the way, he connects with our common humanity to remind us that were not alone in our struggles and that together we can heal and work through life’s challenges. Read this book! It is a true gift." —Jill Parker M.Ed, RCC, RSW (Retired police officer, First Responder Counsellor/ Social Worker) "In his honest and compelling journey, Steve changes our view of firefighters as “untouchable”. As the heroes who run in when the rest of us are running out, when the glass is swept up and the flashing lights are turned off, we assume that’s the end when they have just witnessed the unimaginable. I hope that this book will serve as not only a testament to Steve’s unbroken spirit, but also as a resource to all firefighters, firsresponders, their supervisors, and many others, that it’s “okay to not be okay”." —Nicholas Fitterer, NP "Powerful and courageous! I would like Extinguished to be required reading for all counsellors, first responders, and everyone who cares about mental wellness. I could use a dozen copies today!" —Jim Keats, RCC "Open, honest and timely, this latest offering from Steve Serbic is exactly what’s needed right now! Its message of perseverance is for everyone, not just emergency responders. Steve is leading the way in raising mental health awareness. His willingness to be vulnerable, his leadership, and his commitment provides hope and bridges the gap on accessibility which is creating opportunities to lessen suffering and save lives - truly making a difference." —Stuart Smith, Assistant Chief, Operations, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service "Steve has proven himself as a man craving to make a difference, but his strength, passion, and drive to help others goes far beyond his amazing work with the fire service. This book is nothing short of inspirational and Steve’s story is full of tremendous highs and lows. What is consistent throughout this journey is that Steve, no matter the circumstance, did the work to be better. In life we are all tested and broken down, but it’s not what happens to us that counts, it’s what we do about it that really matters. Steve’s journey throughout these pages empowersus. If we do the work, seek the help, and never, ever give up on ourselves, the firestorms of life can be Extinguished." —Ian Taylor, Director, Corporate Sales

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STEVE SERBIC is a Fire Chief with Esquimalt Fire Rescue Service and has been on the front lines for almost three decades. As a mental health and wellness advocate, Steve has shared his story with thousands of people across North America and internationally. Steve believes we can work together to break down the misconceptions attached to mental health and dispel the fear of stigma, empowering people to speak up and ask for help. His websites are SteveSerbic.com and StrongOneSolutions.com featuring the podcast: Undercover Mental Health. He lives on Vancouver Island with his wife, son and daughter. Steve is the author of The Unbroken and Extinguished.

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Contributors

Author

Steve Serbic

Editor

Lori Yohannes

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