INDIANA – Unfortunately, life in public safety comes with adverse outcomes: premature deaths due to fire-related cancer, the intense grieving of families following line-of-duty deaths, and the impact civilian deaths have on the entire community. These happen daily across our country, but firefighters and first responders can never entirely prepare themselves to expect them.
“In my more than thirty years in the fire service, I’ve seen and experienced a little bit of everything,” said Stephen Jones, Indiana State Fire Marshal. “I have felt the pride and inspiration from my brothers and sisters on the job. I have been awestruck by unbelievable feats of bravery that saved lives. I have supported and encouraged the commitment and sacrifice required to do this job well.
The mental toll on the firefighter/EMS community is a real, tangible impact of the job. The “old school” mentality says they should not talk about it. They should pick themselves up, brush it off, get back on the truck, and take the next run.
“That line of thought has led too many of our brothers and sisters to substance abuse, shattered homes, or suicide,” Jones added. “We cannot continue to avoid these conversations and then witness the harm that causes.”
Jones is proud to be part of a new era of leadership that prioritizes mental health for firefighters just as much as training, bravery, and sacrifice.
On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security launched a new video series called “When the Smoke Clears” to discuss this topic openly and in a way that encourages others to seek help when needed.
The first installment explores the state of mental health in Indiana firehouses. Do people talk about it? Is it a problem? Is there a stigma among firefighters about speaking up about their struggles?
More content from “When the Smoke Clears” in the weeks and months ahead.
“I hope it inspires leaders to focus on what truly matters in fire departments today: the health and well-being of our colleagues and their families,” added Jones.
