HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Peer Support Team within the Hopkinsville Fire Department aims to provide essential mental health support for people in the department. They have implemented the program hoping to promote resilience and ensure the long-term well-being of their employees.
“It’s no secret that first responders will experience one, if not more, traumatic events in a 24-hour shift,” said Payton Rogers in a news release from HFD. “After years of service, these events compound. It can lead to a loss of sleep, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, fear, depression, anxiety, or worse, death.”
This program will extend beyond HFD into around a dozen other volunteer agencies in Christian County. The Peer Support Team will provide first responders with internal resources and immediate mental care support, the news release went on to say. Two representatives will be available each shift to be the link between the employee in need and the chaplain.
“Employing a full-time Chaplain in 2023 was a progressive move for our department. I’m happy to see other departments starting to follow suit,” said Fire Chief Steve Futrell. “With this program, it’s another step forward in putting mental health at the forefront of everyone’s mind; ensuring our personnel are safe, healthy, and ready to respond at all times.”
This program will hopefully provide peace of mind and security to first responders and their families when critical incidents occur.
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