He previously had a 20-year career as a firefighter/paramedic. He spent five years in New York City, one of which was spent working with a team providing pysychological services to members of the New York Police Department following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Professor Bagwell also coordinates with MSU Denver's Fire and Emergency Response Administration degree program, and teaches Theory and Practice of Counseling, Small Group Dynamics, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Conflict Resolution and other Human Services Courses.