RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – This is impacting many people around the world, and first responders are not immune. During Mental Health Awareness Month, a local fire chief is highlighting resources that can help those in the most dire straits.
News 40 spoke with Cheryl Allen, chief of the Russellville Regional Fire Department and the Logan Aluminum Fire Department, who said the mental health of our heroes can be a serious concern.
Allen said he, like many other first responders, has responded to some difficult situations in the past.
“Images come back to me at random moments. There are some scenes that happened many years ago that I remember very clearly,” Allen said.
When asked about resources, Allen said Logan County has what’s called a burden bearer. Burden Bearers is the name of a local chaplain group that supports emergency services, but the organization also offers career-spanning resources.
Allen said whether you’re a volunteer or a paid firefighter, you have to fight the same fires and respond to the same wrecks like everyone else. The chief said the Kentucky Fire Commission is creating a licensed mental health professional for people who feel they need more direct interaction when dealing with traumatic situations. Stated.
