By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
On November 1st 2021 over 175 fire chiefs, police chiefs along with their command staff and personnel from 27 agencies joined by agencies from Oregon and Texas attended the International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) to announce their third endowed scholarship in the name of Gordon G. Graham. 100% of the profits benefit the scholarship program to a deserving individual pursuing a career in law enforcement. The event also hosted a one day seminar on First Responder Wellness, PTSD & Suicide.
Guest speakers included Gordon Graham with Lexipol, Dr. David Black, founder of Cordico, and Neil Gang Police Chief of Pinole California.
It is no secret firefighters; police officers and first responders are dying by suicide more than Line of Duty Death (LODD). First Responders have the most stressful and high-risk job in the United States. Traumatic events such as active shooters, civil unrest, physical assault, wildfires, pandemics, political issues, domestic violence calls to name a few are dramatically on the rise.
Emotional trauma has increased and continues in public safety. According to our panel of experts, we need to do a better job within our organizations to provide quality, comprehensive and confidential mental health and wellness programs that are accessible to employees 24/7
Dr. Black discussed “ACE’s” Adverse Childhood Experiences that start in our formative years. Combine these childhood experiences with the above-mentioned trauma first responders are exposed to increases; heart disease more than twice the amount of the general public, alcoholism by seven times and twelve times more attempted suicides with first responders.
It is everyone’s responsibility to have and bring awareness of this growing trend. When we start our profession, we are like a clean slate. After serving five, ten, fifteen years on the job, and with constant exposure to traumatic events, our slate is no longer empty, but a slate full of mental issues of trauma and PTSD that need addressing.
Police Chief Gang asked those in attendance if their agency provided an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) of resiliency of confidential psychological screening for trauma and stress. Does it provide a safe place with confidentiality to be free to express their emotions? Or does your agency provide an EAP of “Expose and Punish?” The room was quiet! He emphasized the importance of a mental health & wellness program that is of quality. All which can make the difference between life and death.
Some identifiers of stress may include shutting down or with drawl, lack of sleep, avoidance, flashbacks/nightmares, or feeling hypervigilant or overly watched or paranoid.
Gordon Graham discussed the 5 Pillars of strength. He emphasized the need to ensure your agency has policies and procedures on mental health and wellness in place. In 2015 a study showed 50% of firefighters have considered suicide at one time or another. Seventy-five percent have unresolved emotional issues due to job stress.
Why don’t first responders ask for help? They do not want to appear weak. There is fear of judgement, and fear of retaliation. Many feel they are the only one needing help. This is not true – most do!
We respond on incidents every day. Adverse mental health and wellness in the minds of first responders are becoming an incident internally and growing every day. Like fires and medical incidents, we need to have resources and qualified personnel in place to help deal with mental issues.
This is a good time to take a look at your agencies wellness program and re-evaluate its effectiveness. Just because you have one, does not mean it is the right one. Your Peer Support members and wellness committee members should meet and make sure it is of quality, confidential and accessible. If you’re current program can do more harm than good!
Thank you IPSLEI, Dr. Black of Cordico www.Cordico.com & Gordon Graham of Lexipol www.Lexipol.com along with Police Chief Neil Gang for bringing this growing concern to light. Additionally, thank you to the Anaheim Fire Department for hosting the event location, In-N- Out Burger for providing food for the event as well as the generosity of contributors such as the Westin Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, Oakley, Buena Vista & Hook and Ladder Wineries, Costco, and Angels Baseball, to support this event!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is a consultant for www.Cordico.com & www.Lexipol.com