Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #13
013 – Mayday for Firefighter Mental Health
Nov 12, 2013
David J Soler
Interview with Battalion Chief Patrick Kenny FirefigherToolbox.com
About This Episode
Chief Pat Kenny
This interview deals with addressing mental health challenges in the Fire Service and the lack of “tools” to deal with these challenges. The National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation’s (NFFF) Life Safety Initiative #13 states that “Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support.” Are we as a service really addressing this initiative? Chief Kenny comes on to tell us about this and his personal experience with mental health issues and how it can happen to us and to our family. He also talks about the lack of understanding that surrounds mental health. Chief Kenny’s son had a mental health illness and his story is powerful. Learn how the terms mayday and rekindle don’t just apply to the fire ground and what you can do if you are someone who needs help, or what you can do as a fellow firefighter or Chief to assist your brother. I am still thinking about it. I highly encourage you to listen to this one.