06/02/2026
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present the Behavioral Health Roadmap, a region-wide project designed to strengthen behavioral health support for first responders, to the Zone 1 Operations leadership team.
This work matters because more than 80% of first responders experience traumatic events on the job. They show up on our hardest days, often carrying the weight of those experiences long after the call ends.
Nearly 1 in 3 first responders experience PTSD (SAMHSA), and almost 37% of EMS personnel and firefighters have contemplated su***de at some point in their lives.
Those numbers remind us that awareness alone is not enough.
A training now and then is important, but it is not a complete solution. Organizations need a clear path forward. They need practical steps that help build a culture where behavioral health is supported every day, not just after a crisis.
I am encouraged by the continued commitment I see from fire service leaders who recognize that supporting behavioral health is not an extra initiative; it is essential to workforce health, retention, readiness, and long-term success.
A special thank you to Deputy Chief Jim Whitney for the invitation and for helping keep this important conversation moving forward.
Every step we take toward a healthier behavioral health culture helps ensure that the people who care for our communities receive the support they deserve.
PublicSafety MentalHealth
