MOUNT ORAB, Ohio (WXIX) – The death of a Scott Township firefighter is bringing awareness to the mental health demands of first responders and emergency crews.
Shawn Rust, 43, died by suicide. His family described him as quiet and kind, who loved his job.
His father, James Rust, served in the US Army. He said his son had the same heart to serve as he had.
“He wanted to be in the Air Force,” James said. “He wanted to be in the military, but he had a heart murmur so they wouldn’t accept him. So he became a firefighter.”
Shawn joined the Scott Township Fire Department in 2018. He seemed happy and content with his job. His death took his family by surprise. he left behind a 15-year-old daughter.
His family said the growing focus on mental health and PTSD in society is good, but it isn’t reaching firefighters.
“I never knew that firefighters don’t get the same treatment for PTSD and I believe that’s what he had,” James said.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
“He went to a fire where he put his foot through a lady’s intestines,” James said. “That caused him nightmares.”
A 2016 study published in Psychiatric Services said firefighters with fewer years of service were less likely than veteran firefighters to access treatment. James believe Shawn was part of the former.
Deputy Chief Jimmy Adams of the Covington Fire Department said he survived a suicide attempt 21 years ago. He said the attempt was driven by PTSD.
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, firefighters develop post-traumatic stress at a similar rate to military service members returning from combat, adding to the increased number of suicides.
“You’re out there seeing the worst the world has to offer on most days,” Adams said. “For the amount of guys that have come through the Covington Fire Department and the amount of guys that have taken their own life, it seems disproportionate. It’s higher than it should be.”
Adams said he now works with his crew to break the stigma of PTSD and get them the help they need. He said it needs to be done in every department.
“If anybody is out there that knows a firefighter, think about what they go through,” Adams said. “Everybody just takes them for granted and they should be given consideration, understanding and the help they need.”
The visitation for Shawn is on Friday. His funeral is Saturday. The family created a GoFundMe for Shawn to help pay for funeral costs.
