An Oklahoma firefighter is traveling to national parks during Suicide Awareness Month to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by first responders and help prevent suicides.
“It’s a silent struggle so many first responders deal with,” he said. “From all the trauma calls, the late nights, the calls in the middle of the night, having to be woken up and adjust, taking their work life back home with them.”
Quenton is embarking on this journey to honor those who have lost their lives to suicide and to encourage others to seek help.
“Basically, just doing the journey for those that have taken their own lives and weren’t able to get the help they needed or deserved, or felt like they could ask for help, you know?” he said.
He will be traveling to national parks, shining a light on a much darker issue. He is hoping others will join him.
“It’s very important we take care of ourselves so we can take care of others,” he said.
Quenton is partnering with the Inner Circle Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to families of those who have died by suicide. Donations from his journey will go toward their cause.
He said his mission isn’t about how far he can travel, but about how many lives his message can reach.
Oklahoma firefighter travels across US for suicide prevention – KOCO
