In Command of Guardians: Executive Servant Leadership for the Community of Responders

In Command of Guardians: Executive Servant Leadership for the Community of Responders, Second Edition spotlights the philosophy of servant leadership and offers a pathway for strengthening first responder organizations. Responders work in high-risk, critical situations under the pressure of time and consequence. Being a responder means one must become an active player in the tragedies of others. Because these situations can change the responder over time, a special type of leader is needed to walk beside them while they navigate the realities of public safety and emergency service operations. This book illustrates how being a servant leader to these guardians allows the community of responders to strengthen their resiliency, foster individual growth, and perform at peak levels. 

“The book spans a wide breadth and depth, and is written in a way that engages the reader immediately. It is packed with sensitive and wise insights, as well as eminently practical advice for today’s emergency services leaders, as well as those of tomorrow.”

- Emily Hough, Editor-In-Chief, Crisis Response Journal

"Emotionally moving, research-based, and a compelling case for why any organization can benefit from a servant leadership organizational culture.  Eric debunks the myth that servant leadership is "soft" and shows how the hard work of skilled servant-leaders is exactly what is needed in the alpha worlds of public safety and emergency services." 

- Duane Trammell, President, Trammell McGee-Cooper & Associates, Inc

“Eric Russell is a pioneer in applying the principles of servant leadership to the communities of brave police, fire, and emergency services responders. This book is destined to be a classic reference work for the field.”

-Don M. Frick, PhD, Authorized Robert Greenleaf biographer and co-author of Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership: The Wisdom of Leading by Serving.

“In Command of Guardian speaks great leadership truths to first responder communities throughout the world. This is an important work for those in command of the men and woman who put their lives on the line to save others.” 

– Christophe Libeau, Lieutenant Colonel, Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris

Eric J. Russell is an Associate Professor with Utah Valley University’s Department of Emergency Services. He retired early from the Department of Defense-Air Force Fire and Emergency Services as a captain with a combined service of active duty military and Department of Defense. He has a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. In addition, Eric is also a Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) from the National Sheriff’s Association and the Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals (GSHNSP) and was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security Studies from Michigan State University.