Shawn Perman

Shawn Perman grew up in a small, rural town in Indiana, where agriculture dominated the landscape. At 19, feeling that there wasn’t much for him at home, he decided to join the U.S. Army, seeking a purpose and sense of direction. In 2012, he enlisted as an infantryman, marking the beginning of a nine-year military career. His first assignment was at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he tested new Army equipment, but longed for the deployment experience. Though he initially planned to leave the Army after his first term, an opportunity to transfer to Hawaii made him reconsider. Encouraged by a mentor, Shawn reenlisted and was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, where he relished the once-in-a-lifetime experience of serving in Hawaii.

As a Sergeant, Shawn was later assigned to recruiting duty in his home state of Indiana. It was during this time that he met his wife, a pivotal moment that influenced his decision to eventually leave the Army. While he loved the military, Shawn knew that continuing his service would make it difficult to start and maintain a family. After much deliberation, he made the decision to leave the Army after nine years, even though staying would have brought him closer to 20 years of service.

After transitioning out of the military, Shawn moved to Florida, following his wife’s career opportunities. He explored various career options, initially considering law enforcement and federal positions with the FBI or DEA, but eventually found his calling with the fire department. He now serves with Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, finding fulfillment in the close-knit brotherhood and community service aspects that echo his Army experience. Working and living in Palm Harbor, Shawn takes pride in helping his community, often reflecting on the importance of providing care with the same dedication he would expect for his own family.

A major issue close to Shawn’s heart is mental health, particularly veteran suicide and PTSD. Having lost several friends to suicide, Shawn is passionate about supporting veterans and first responders who face the psychological toll of their work. He believes the fire department, like the military, exposes individuals to trauma that can be difficult to manage, especially when dealing with emergencies involving civilians. His own experiences have reinforced the importance of mental health support and the need for improved systems, particularly within the VA, to prevent more veterans from falling through the cracks.

Shawn’s story is a testament to the enduring sense of purpose that many veterans carry beyond their military service. He continues to thrive in a profession where helping others is paramount, and the bonds of brotherhood remain strong. His journey, from an infantryman in the Army to a firefighter, is a reflection of the strength, resilience, and dedication he embodies.