A message from the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section Chair, Deputy Fire Chief Darin Wallentine and the SHS Section Board of Directors
Supporting Our Own: National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month—a time for the fire and emergency service to reaffirm that behavioral health, recovery, and suicide prevention are fundamental components of firefighter safety, health, and survival.
The members of the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section Board of Directors stand together in support of every firefighter, EMS professional, dispatcher, chief officer, retiree, and family member who may be struggling with behavioral health challenges, substance use, trauma, or thoughts of suicide. We also recognize those in recovery and the peers, families, clinicians, chaplains, and fire service leaders who support them.
Behavioral Health Is Firefighter Health
The fire service has made significant progress in how we understand behavioral health, but our work is not finished.
The cumulative effects of emergency response, traumatic incidents, sleep disruption, occupational stress, organizational pressures, and challenges outside the firehouse can affect anyone—regardless of rank, assignment, experience, or years of service.
As fire service leaders, we have a responsibility to create environments where asking for help is viewed as an act of strength and where members know support is available before a difficult moment becomes a crisis.
We must build a fire service where no one feels they have to struggle alone.
Connection Matters
That begins with connection. It means knowing our people, recognizing when someone may not be themselves, having the courage to start a difficult conversation, and taking the time to genuinely listen.
It also means building the support systems our members need, including strong peer-support programs, access to culturally competent behavioral health professionals, recovery support, education about available resources, and organizational policies that encourage early intervention without stigma.
Recovery is possible. Treatment works. Connection matters.
Sometimes the most important action we can take is simply checking on someone, asking “Are you okay?” and being prepared to stay for the answer.
Turn Awareness Into Action
During September, we encourage every fire and emergency service organization to use National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month as an opportunity for action.
The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section stands with the IAFF and other fire service partners working to bring greater awareness to these critical behavioral health issues.
Fire service leaders and departments can take action by:
- Encouraging open conversations about behavioral health and recovery
- Reviewing department peer-support and behavioral health resources
- Ensuring personnel and their families know how to access assistance
- Training leaders and company officers to recognize warning signs
- Supporting members in recovery
- Creating a culture where reaching out for help is supported and respected
Protecting Those Who Protect Our Communities
Safety in the fire service extends far beyond the fireground. Protecting our people means protecting their physical, behavioral, and emotional health throughout their careers and into retirement.
The Safety, Health and Survival Section remains committed to working with fire service partners to advance behavioral health, suicide prevention, recovery, resilience, and a culture that values every member of the fire service family.
This September, we ask every fire service leader to make a simple commitment:
Know your people. Check on your people. Support your people.
Because protecting those who protect our communities is at the heart of firefighter safety, health, and survival.
Help is Available