SATURDAY

Saturday and Sunday, 12:30pm, Room 109
Retired CFD Chief Patrick J. Kenny

Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss
Armed with a career of advocacy for mental health, Chief Kenny shares his journey to overcome his perceived failure as a leader in his most cherished duty, that of being a protector. His "cape" failed to protect his 20-year-old son Sean from dying by suicide, after a lifelong battle with mental illness. Kenny's anguish was complicated by his role as the leader of a fire department.

In his iBAM! presentation, Kenny puts forth a call to action to face challenges head-on by examining the myths and stigmas, and discusses the complications that arise from being a cape wearer, whether in work, family, or personal life.