Fire Service
Firefighters are family to each other in a way few professions understand, so when a member of that family dies, whether in the line of duty or not, the loss ripples through the whole station. You may also grieve civilians you couldn't save, and carry memories that follow you home. Fire culture teaches strength and service; it rarely teaches what to do with grief. There are resources built by and for firefighters that understand both.
National Resource
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance: A nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and behavioral health support for firefighters and EMS, including education, workshops, and support after loss.
Recommended Reading
Firefighter Zen by Hersch Wilson: A veteran firefighter's field guide to staying human while processing loss, grief, and stress, in a profession that asks so much and so rarely asks how you are.
Grief & Support
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Honors America's fallen firefighters and supports their families, departments, and coworkers with grief programs after a line-of-duty death.
Currently in crisis?
If your grief has become a crisis, you feel unsafe, or you are thinking about harming yourself, immediate support is available.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week anywhere in the United States, free, confidential, and ready for anyone experiencing emotional distress or grief.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.