Some Challenges Retired Firefighters Face

When a firefighter first joins the fire service, he or she becomes dedicated to a lifelong commitment to helping others, often under very challenging circumstances. For those of us who did that for many years, we can reflect back on it with great pride and many positive, rewarding memories. While most of us don’t fully comprehend the nature of the blessings we have given and received, neither do we always comprehend or deal effectively with experiences that have haunted our hearts and minds over many years, even in retirement. For example, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or “complex” PTSD are very real psychological syndromes characterized by great pain, mental turmoil, sleepless nights, addiction, OR simply traumatic memories of bad calls you just can’t seem to forget. One need not have all of these symptoms to benefit from professional help. While there are many excellent resources that you can take advantage of to address these difficulties, there is one program that specializes in helping firefighters. You are able to conquer addiction and other mental and psychological challenges surrounded by your firefighter peers, of all ages, young and old. You do not have to explain to them what you are experiencing or have experienced, because likely they have experienced the exact same things. You are surrounded by caring, committed men and women who understand what you have been through. The IAFF Center of Excellence is just such a resource, and in most cases help is paid for by medical insurance. If you are even remotely concerned about “bad memories” that haunt you and have adverse consequences in your life, you can call the Center and they will discuss the options you may have and let you know if the resources they provide can help you or meet your needs. Click this link and it will take you to their website which provides all necessary contact information. If you or someone you know needs this type of help, please feel free to contact me directly at mike@rffow.org or simply call the IAFF Center of Excellence.