Corey Conrady: The Rural Firefighter This article is dedicated to all fire departments, not just rural, and the kinds of things we deal with as firefighters who live and serve in the communities we live and have grown up in. Just the other day, I was talking with another firefighter who stated “if I had to do it again, I would not work in the town I grew up in, it’s too hard to see the kids and families I know. But on Drummond FD the flip side, it’s great being there to help your friends and family.” Myself, as a young firefighter, I responded to people that I knew or went to school with, the families I went to church with, and their emergencies. The role of a rural firefighter is twofold -- one, to live and interact in the community and two, to serve and support that community. In my career I have been witness to the breaking of a community when a tragedy happens, within the families of that community. The grieving process the whole town goes through, the recovery, and healing process. However, we as the fire service still have a looming cloud over our heads -- line of duty suicides. Several sources below show a growing problem, caused by the things we see, the scenes and how they affect us, and the emotional and mental stress they put on us. USA Today reported that 103 firefighters and 140 police officers died by suicide in 2017, compared to 93 firefighter and 129 officer line-of-duty deaths. According to an article in Law Enforcement Today, “PTSD and depression rates among firefighters and police officers have been found to be as much as five times higher than the rates within the civilian population, which causes these first responders to commit suicide at a considerably higher rate (firefighters: 18/100,000; police officers: 17/100,000; general population 13/100,000).” Warning signs are changes in behavior that include: • Isolation and withdrawal • Aggression • Difficulty sleeping • Changes in mood • Loss of interest in activities • Acting reckless • Overreacting to criticism • Difficulties at work • Discipline issues • Giving away possessions • Ending significant relationships • Humiliation and irritability • Loss of confidence in abilities and skills • Retirement • Tardiness, absenteeism, and poor work performance • Neglecting appearance • Writing a will or buying insurance • Making funeral arrangements • Additionally, while alcohol is a risk factor, alcohol use may also serve as a warning sign. So, what do we do? How do we help our brothers and sisters? 1) First, as officers, we need to educate ourselves on the facts about suicides in the fire service. 2) We need to educate our firefighters and EMS personnel about suicides, the causes, what the signs are, and where and 16 August/September/October 2021Oklahoma Firefighter
Meet Corey Conrady, a volunteer with Drummond Fire Department since 1999. He is a member of the OSFA Educational Advisory Committee and will be submitting a regular column for Oklahoma Firefighter. When asked what his column should be called, Corey said, “What do you think about The Rural Firefighter? “My focus would be on the struggles of rural firefighters, their families and the departments across the state -- budget, personnel, vehicle, geography and other issues.”
how they can get help for each other. 3) Remember, “Leaders, Lead from the front.” As officers, we need to be open about our experiences with hard calls and how they affected us. We want to give firefighters permission to open up and talk about what they’ve gone through or are experiencing. When leaders talk about it first, it provides “cover” for others to talk freely. 4) Depression, PTSD, and suicide are NOT SIGNS of weakness. As officers, we need to hammer this message home. 5) The best way to communicate all of this to firefighters is through stories. When you tell a story about a call, how it affected you, and what you did about it (or didn’t) is how we learn. 6) Have an informal and formal process for firefighters to get help. Most importantly, make sure that peer counseling is available. Firefighters (like police and military) are reluctant to talk to individuals who don’t “get it.” Talking to other firefighters is more comfortable and often more productive. 7) For those who need to talk to a behavioral healthcare professional, the National Volunteer Fire Council maintains a directory of local providers who are ready and equipped to help first responders. Providers are vetted and either have firsthand experience with the emergency services or have taken a course through the FBHA. The directory is updated monthly as more providers are added. 8) Our responsibility is to ensure that there is no bullying, abuse, or sexual harassment in our departments. They have no place in a professional volunteer department. If you need immediate support: • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255 (or go to the web site for chat) • National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) • Crisis Text Line is available by texting HOME to 741741 • OSFA will respond with help within 48 hours. Call the OSFA office at 405-424-1452 or Executive Director Tippy Pierce at 405-924-1104 • Or call or text me anytime: Corey Conrady, 580-540-0970
