Iron Sharpens Iron was officially launched in January 2026.

Its founder Michael Bass has over 12 years of experience in EMS and 8 years' experience as a firefighter paramedic and Engineer at two separate agencies in Southern California.

Michael also has over 7 years of experience in Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management. He has served as Lead Chaplain, Peer Support Team Coordinator, and has led multiple Critical Incident Stress Debriefings. He is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management through the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He is also certified as an Approved Instructor through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

He has a deep passion and burden to serve his fellow first responders. He believes that positive and proactive peer support can save the lives of many firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, and hospital staff alike.