# Mission First, People Always: Chief Nick Marsan

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/firefighter-nation-podcast-network-s-7114247/mission-first-people-always-chief-nick-marsan
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/firefighter-nation-podcast-network-s-7114247/mission-first-people-always-chief-nick-marsan.md
Podcast: [Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s](https://stenobird.com/podcast/firefighter-nation-podcast-network-s-7114247)
Published: 2026-05-21T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://firefighternationpodcastnetwork.podbean.com/e/mission-first-people-always-chief-nick-marsan/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ysczp99dw7nzam8e/FFN_-_20260521_-_Igniting_the_Shift_Withinbtv1d.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/firefighter-nation-podcast-network-s-7114247/episodes/mission-first-people-always-chief-nick-marsan
Duration seconds: 2604

## Resource

On this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with Nick Marsan, chief of the Westport (CT) Fire Department about responder resilience and visionary leaders. Marsan shares how is his mantra, "mission first, people always," isn't just a slogan, but a guiding principle that can reshape leadership in the fire service. They explore the critical intersection of leadership and mental health, discussing how to make mental wellness a core operational value, how to create a culture that normalized mental health discussions and encourages seeking help. Marsan describes his own difficult transition, highlighting the power of belonging, regional collaboration, and creative outlets for processing trauma.

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## Transcript

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