TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The recent death by suicide of an off-duty Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper is sparking continued conversation about first responders and their mental health. Being a first responder is one of the most important and difficult jobs, but the job can also take a toll on those who serve. Andrea Hartford, a licensed...Read More
The Milwaukee Fire Department mourned the loss of a firefighter to suicide on New Year’s Day, highlighting the importance of mental health for first responders. In a social media post, the Milwaukee Fire Honor Guard, INC. emphasized the need to break the stigma around mental health struggles and encouraged people to check in on one another....Read More
Illinois will soon begin collecting more detailed data on firefighter deaths under a new law.. The measure, requested by the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, requires the State Fire Marshal’s Office to track and record the manner of death for firefighters, including causes such as suicide, cancer, and line-of-duty incidents, WAND TV reports. Supporters say the...Read More
The president of the California Professional Firefighters Association is speaking publicly about his struggles with addiction, trauma, and a past suicide attempt in an effort to confront what he calls a growing crisis among firefighters. Brian Rice said four active-duty firefighters in California have died by suicide in the past 90 days, prompting him to...Read More
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on House Bill 1593, which would direct the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to convene an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer-support programs for fire departments. Senator Cook (presenting for the sponsor) said the committee would include representatives appointed by major firefighter associations, the Texas...Read More
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — People who have lost someone to suicide are invited to come together in West Michigan just before Thanksgiving. The West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss will host its annual conference on Nov. 22. The organization’s vice president, Rebecca Olsen, said anyone who has been affected by suicide loss is welcome to attend....Read More
