A shocking report that uncovered decades of racism in an England fire department included harassment against a Black firefighter who later died by suicide, per the International Fire & Safety Journal. An independent review by West Midlands Employers determined that the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service was institutionally racist from 1991 to 2018 as Black firefighters faced bullying,...Read More
By IAFF: A law amending Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act to lower the burden of proof for first responders with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) was signed recently by Gov. Josh Shapiro and will go into effect Oct. 30, 2025. This was a big win for the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, which had lobbied hard for...Read More
A retired firefighter who had been suffering from PTSD killed himself after being left alone in a hospital room for 48 hours. John Pratt, 54, was found hanged after he had been left alone in a hospital room with two chairs and a sofa, an inquest heard. Janine Carden, his partner, had earlier pleaded with...Read More
DETROIT (FOX 2) – The mental health crisis knows no boundaries and for the second time in less than a month, Detroit’s first responders are dealing with a tragedy involving one of their own. TJ Jackson and other neighbors watched as a mental health crisis happened right in front of them on Northlawn near Fenkell...Read More
Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today. By Abigail Ham The...Read More
By Ian Swaby, Observer: At a time when the community is recovering from the impacts of three successive hurricanes, the Sarasota County Fire Department has someone lending a helping hand, and paw. Firefighter Mark Maiure said at the time of each of the storms, the demands of the role were extensive. “As soon as they...Read More
