It’s a disturbing trend: More Firefighters and First-Responders are dying every year by suicide than all line-of-duty deaths combined.
Friday night, May 17th, Firefighters with Clark County Fire District 6 want to remember those who have taken their own lives and send a message that there is hope and help available.
The national event is called “Those Left Behind”. At 9 p.m. fire engines at all District 6 stations will be positioned outside, and for one full minute all engine and truck lights will be turned on. We encourage anyone who wants to participate to join their local firefighters or to simply stand in their driveways with a lit candle to remember the families who are suffering through these preventable losses.
District 6 recently formed a Peer Support Team to provide support to our members who have had a difficult call or who are suffering from PTSD.
Mental health has become a major concern in the fire service, and the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance remains committed to honoring those firefighters and first responders who struggle with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
The FBHA will continue its efforts this week by hosting its fifth annual extended weekend retreat, “Those Left Behind,” in Heber City, UT, beginning on Thursday. The event is for the families of firefighters and EMS personnel who have taken their own lives.