CINCINNATI (WKRC) — During Suicide Prevention Month, a local initiative is shedding light on the mental health struggles faced by first responders.
Firefighter Pete Gardner, who has served Delhi Township for 20 years, is candid about the emotional toll of his profession.
“I think being able to truly impact people’s lives is why I do it and why I continue,” Gardner said.
However, the job’s challenges are profound.
“Hearing families cry. They know the end is there and hearing them wail. It’s nerve-racking,” said Gardner.
The loss of fellow firefighters Robin Broxterman and Brian Schira in a 2008 house fire deeply affected Gardner.
“When they passed, it was just probably the worst day of my life. I knew that was a reality of the job I was in,” said Gardner.
Gardner joined the Tri-State First Responder Peer Support Team to help others, but he was also struggling.
“The last one that really kind of set me off was a fatal fire,” said Gardner.
In a moment of crisis, Gardner attempted to take his own life.
“So, I kept it in, and I set a date. So last July 18, I made an attempt on my life. Thankfully I had a dry fire,” said Gardner.
A chance encounter with a clinician three days later changed his path.
“That day she gave me hope, and she’s part of our peer support system,” Gardner said.
Now, he travels all around sharing his story.
“I am a walking example of what the Tri-State peer support team can in fact do,” said Gardner.
Amy Foley, Executive Director of the Tri-State First Responder Peer Support Team, emphasized the importance of the resources they have access to.
“We have hospitals that we partner with if somebody’s in crisis. And those types of services are offered once first responders understand that the people they’re meeting with understand them. They will go and get help,” said Gardner.
Colerain Township Fire Chief Allen Walls highlighted the need for community among first responders.
“The last thing we want somebody to do is to feel like they’re alone,” Walls said.
The group is launching a new campaign to ensure first responders get enough sleep, reinforcing the importance of support.
“You know, we talk about the brotherhood and the sisterhood. We talk about supporting one another. But then we also need to be supported,” said Walls.
