The Art of Pursuing Special Ops and Building Mental Resiliency

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Chief Michael Nugent of the Broward (FL) Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Division to discuss Nugent's 45-year career. Nugent shares his origin story, detailing deploying to Ground Zero and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He lays out practical advice for new first responders pursuing special ops and explains sustainable regional training, tool standardization, and funding realities. They speak candidly about occupational health, mental resilience, leadership, teaching methods, and how to keep the firehouse culture alive.