My first experience with Josey was during his role as an investigator for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. I had accompanied my husband to the scene of the fire that critically injured him, as well as killed two of his brother firefighters. He remained by my husband's side during the extremely difficult interview process, promising me he would take good care of him. We remained in contact from that point, as he shared his compassion and training to guide us through this new world of emotional devastation. Through the years since the fire ended my husband's career and changed our lives, I have experienced Josey's gifts as a healer, a teacher, and a compassionate guide along the road to our new normalcy. I have heard him speak to professionals across the globe, sharing with them his road map to healing. His words and passion have changed the outcome for countless numbers of hurting people. His writings are like individual therapy sessions, each one creating understanding of the process our minds use to deal with difficult or painful events. I cannot recommend someone who is more dedicated or passionate about the healing of broken hearts and minds.

I was fortunate enough to have heard one of Josey's presentations a few years back. The presentation was titled " Dealing with Firefighter Fatalities" or something along those lines. I thought it would be the mechanics of planning a LODD (Line of Duty Death) funeral. It wasn't. It wasn't even close. It was something much more useful; Not only to those in emergency services - but to anyone who has experienced or will experience trauma. Especially the death of a loved one or a close co-worker. Don't let his appearance fool you. He may come across as a simple country boy, almost a Jethro Bodine caricature at first. But under that country exterior is a mind sharp as a tack and a heart as big as an ocean. Josey uses memories from his life, mixes in his experiences across a range of jobs and careers (there is a difference) leavens them with some common sense and a bit of theology, and serves up a dish that not only makes you think, but teaches you to think. His talk to us was about impending stressors and channeling them to appropriate outcomes rather than inappropriate ones..... Josey's teachings helped me get through two incredibly stressful years. Within 24 months I lost my wife, my dog, an uncle, and both parents. I also had major surgery that went wrong and I had to move twice. By myself. At 62 years old with a bad back and a bad hip. But because of Josey I was around to meet another wonderful woman, who has restored my faith in humanity. Josey - this former cop/firefighter/EMT/emergency manager/husband/widower/father (and maybe husband again?) thanks you from the bottom of his heart.

I am neither a first responder nor have any military background. I have a great respect for all the men and women who serve us in that capacity and I am proud to say that I am now a friend of one such man, Josey Visnovske. I've known Josey for several years. Obviously I knew his background was law enforcement and his current job that of fire investigator. Yet while we were friends there was still a part of him I didn't know well. He never really went in depth into the challenges of his job, other than the fact that he felt hindered in his ability to help people in the way he would have liked to. That's what always struck me. He wasn't just doing a job and collecting a paycheck. He REALLY wanted to help people. I never truly understood what he did and what he had to deal with until I read his book Transition Man. It really opened my eyes to the struggles that must take place in Josey's mind and life. He's been exposed to things that would send another person running for cover; But he is on a mission to serve others. So he confronts, maybe embraces, his responsibilities like none other. The woods are his sanctuary. That is clear and obvious. He is able to find a level of inner peace when he retreats to nature. Whether he is hunting or merely observing God's great creatures, he is one with the beauty that surrounds us. Unlike most he doesn't take this for granted and relishes his time there. Josey's book exposed to me the soul of a man that genuinely wants to make a difference. He is real. He is authentic. He is someone we could use more of today....

As a Chaplain for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue I have experienced the privilege of accompanying many through their personal journey of pain and trauma. I have always found it to be a great honor to be invited into the intimacy of a personal story; Because you are trusted. It is even more remarkable when someone allows you into the raw intimacy of how they process the deep pain in their soul, with the intention of providing some footprints to follow in the journey from wounded-ness to wholeness. My friend Josey is such a someone. Thank you for your transparent heart in the service of others.  I know your teaching will resonate with many. Well done Brother.