Spartan Axe Honoring First Responders Debuts with WA Fire Department
SPOKANE, WA (Sept. 30, 2020) – Emergency responders are the people we count on to rush in when everyone rushes out. And it can take its toll, with firefighters 1.5 times more likely to die from suicide than they are to die in the line-of-duty*, according to Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. And the stress is even greater now as these frontline workers battle wildfires and a pandemic, making this National Suicide Prevention Month even more critical.
Tuesday, September 29th at 10:30 a.m. PDT, the Spokane community participated in a dedication ceremony for the Spartan Axe at Spokane Fire Department Fire Station 1, 44 W. Riverside Ave., Madam Mayor Nadine Woodward was in attendance.
“The risks that firefighters endure on a daily basis can take their toll both physically and mentally,” stated Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Firefighters — volunteer, career, seasonal and everything in between — check in with your brothers and sisters and be aware of the risk factors and indicators for possible suicidal thoughts. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone.”
The Spartan Axe was forged by Spokane resident and veteran Ben Hayhurst of Wreath and Rifle Forge using steel from the fallen World Trade Center Towers in New York City — the same steel provided for the Spartan Sword, which was created by New York firefighter Danny Prince and Warfighter Hemp founder Lt. Col. Steve Danyluk (USMC ret). The sword travels the country with former U.S. Marine and current New York City Fire Department firefighter Aaron Clark who shares the Spartan Pledge to increase awareness of the high rate of suicide among the veteran community – as many as 22 lives lost to suicide each day. The Spartan Pledge is a simple two-sentence oath that a veteran pledges to a fellow veteran to turn to them for support in a time of crisis.
“The Spartan Sword and Pledge are about giving the men and women who so bravely serve in the military the support they need,” said Danyluk. “With the addition of the Spartan Axe, we hope to stem the excessive suicide rate by providing support to first responders.”
Similarly, the Spartan Axe offers support to first responders who are at a higher risk of death by suicide than when they are in the line of duty. Because of the nature of the work, first responders are at risk for many behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, post-traumatic and acute stress, addiction, and more.
After Tuesday’s dedication ceremony in Spokane, the Spartan Axe will travel to New York City where it will be permanently displayed at the Fire Training Academy. The message will be shared during ceremonies across the country.
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*2016 statistics, firefighters are 1.5 times more likely to die from suicide (139 reported) than they were to die in the line of duty.
Dill, J. “What are these numbers?” 2017. Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. https://www.ffbha.org/
Warfighter Hemp and Independence Corps, a Dallas-based non-profit that brings mobility, independence and dignity to disabled veterans and first responders, are sponsoring the Spartan Axe. Visit IndependenceCorps.org to learn more about the technological advancements that help veterans and first responders regain mobility.
