First Responder Trauma Study that will save lives with Victorian Simmons

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Victorian Simmons discusses her research on trauma communication patterns among first responders, the impact of repeated trauma exposure, and strategies for improving mental health and communication within emergency services. This episode offers insights for leaders, families, and first responders to foster resilience and support. Victorian's BIO: Victorian Simmons is a nationally recognized public safety communicator known for turning complex information into clear, compelling messages that people can understand, trust, and act on. As the Public Information Officer for the Apex Fire and Police Departments, she leads strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement for two public safety agencies serving one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities. Her work has earned recognition at the local, state, national, and international levels. Victorian was selected as a 2026 National Rising Star by the National Fire Protection Association and received the 2025 Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Award for an innovative project advancing the fire and emergency services. She was also named the 2024 International Rising Star by Women in Fire Safety and earned first place in the 2025 NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards for Best Social Media Single Post. Beyond communicating for public safety agencies, Victorian is helping shape how the profession communicates. She was one of three contributors selected to develop and author Criterion 9E: Public Information for the Center for Public Safety Excellence Agency Accreditation Program, establishing guidance for evaluating fire department communication programs nationwide. Victorian is a North Carolina Type III Public Information Officer and holds both the FEMA Executive Public Information Officer designation and the Commission on Professional Credentialing’s Public Information Officer designation. She has also completed the FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations program. A sought-after speaker and educator, Victorian has presented at conferences across the country on public information, emergency communication, digital strategy, and human-centered messaging. She also teaches public safety communications through the Guilford Technical Community College Fire Academy and advises agencies on social media, website design, and visual storytelling. Victorian holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Keuka College and a master’s degree in business management from Elmira College. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication at Liberty University, where her research examines communication, trauma, and support within the first-responder community. Social Media: Linkedin  Support the show Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.