The Unbroken: A Firefighter's Memoir

by Steve Serbic

When a series of traumatic calls on the job as a firefighter leaves Steve shaken and unable to recover, he, reluctantly at first, seeks out clinical counselling. His one rule, "I won't talk about my childhood," closes the door on several therapists, until he meets one who is willing to respect his wishes-providing he explores his childhood on his own. When Steve begins to reflect on his past, he also begins to write it all down. The good, and the terrible.

Those written words are here.

Growing up in a fractured family rocked by addiction and trauma, Steve had to learn how to understand life, and death, on his own. As a self-described "street rat" on Boundary Road in East Vancouver, Steve caused trouble when it wasn't already following him around. Struggling in school, at home, and in countless fights, he navigated his way through adolescence with the help of his father, and pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter. While realizing that dream, he is forced to confront the demons of his past and the reality of post-traumatic stress injury. Through clinical counselling he is able to release his past and find the power of self-acceptance and vulnerability. The Unbroken is the memoir of one firefighter, his family, trauma, and resilience. Most importantly it is a story that teaches all of us, no matter our situation, that life is school, and the subject is ourself, our life habits, thoughts, and our reactions to them. And that sometimes it is okay to not be okay.

198 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2021

Reviews

[Helen]

A very stirring, real look into the life of a firefighter. A heartbreaking at times, funny, sad and emotional story of a boy getting through a tough childhood to become the man he is today. Fighting, in every way,
through anxiety and depression, finding a way to a life of happiness and contentment. Couldn't put it down.

[Ken Douglas]

I worked on the same fire department as Steve so I can relate to his on the job stories but this book was a real eye opener about his family life while he was growing up.

Steve has gone thru lots of trials and tribulations both on and off the job. He learned both good & bad coping methods for the stress he encountered on and off the job.

Steve bravely bares his soul so readers won’t have to make some of the same mistakes he did to finally come to grips on a plan for mental health and resilience.

This was a very good read that will/should be relatable to all First Responders along with their family members and friends.

Looking forward to book two!!

[Dani]

A must read! A raw and emotional story you cannot put down. Steve shares a story with the world that is so deeply personal yet so relevant to so many. Shedding light on the trauma that first responders face every day and their struggle behind the scenes. As well as, discussing coping with the childhood traumas that many people face and continue to be affected by. Definitely recommend giving this book a read!

[Cole Jackson]

This is actually a placeholder review, as I was extremely fortunate to be in the position to read an advance copy of Steve Serbic's next memoir which is currently unreleased. I had this to say:

[his memoir] is an observational odyssey through a lifetime of perseverance in the face of emotional hardship. Steve Serbic’s candid passages are confessional, sincere, and brutally honest. His captivating yet harrowing journey, told through his own tumultuous (and often devastating) personal experiences, succeeds in highlighting the relatively unspoken world of first responder mental health. Saying this, his advocacy of communication extends far beyond the unique challenges of being a fire chief with an incredible life story; this account invites all readers to look internally at the “lead blanket” of depression without stigma or prejudice.

[Audrey Keon]

Steve has given his readers true insight into the challenges of fighting anxiety and depression while still having to cope as a husband and father in addition to working in a high stress environment as a Fire Fighter. This is a very heart-warming story of one mans struggle with depression to his becoming a Mental health and wellness advocate to help others.
Well done Steve!

[Ann]

Living in a family of firefighters I know the battles that they go through emotionally. Knowing more of Steve’s background helps me to understand his emotional well being and how important it is for all firefighters to reach out and get support to help them get through the calls. It is not a weakness, it is the reality of their job.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading his book.

[Jansen Corson]

Books on people's lives had really never caught my eye until this book. This is really not just about someone's life, but the mental health of being in a stressful job such as being a Firefighter/Paramedic which really helped me learn more about myself and what I can do to better keep my mental health while working in check without mentally breaking down.

[Richard]

A great read for anyone passionate about the fire service, understanding the stress that comes with the profession. Also a great perspective on growing up in East Vancouver in the 70’s. Highly recommended.

[Vickie Simpson]

I couldn’t put this book down. It was an honest account of a man’s challenges growing up in a dysfunctional family and how his career started in the fire services. Very well written and very touching.

[Kathy Buettner]

While this book is geared toward first responders, it is an inspirational read for anyone with mental health challenges. As a society we are still a long way from destigmatizing mental illness, but in The Unbroken, Steve show us that it is 'okay to not be okay' and there is help.

[Lori Yohannes]

Helped to edit this and enjoyed every second of it!

[SGT]

An excellent read indeed. The writer’s candidness about their struggles makes this memoir very moving.

[Wendy]

Steve shares his story with humour, honesty and bravery. Telling the world about his difficult upbringing, sharing stories about his parents and siblings, Steve shows how resilient children can be. But when he takes us into the firehall to witness the tragedies we only read about in the headlines, Steve shows all of us how we can be brave and seek help when we need it. He lets us know that the bravest among us sometimes need to know they’re not alone. An amazing life story that isn’t finished.