Surviving the Fire Service Conference Opens in Florida

Several hundred firefighters gathered Wednesday in Davie to hear a myriad of topics related to their career.

Behavioral health was one of the key topics at Surviving the Fire Service: A National Memorial Conference held at Nova Southeastern University.

Among the reasons for the conference, sponsored by Firehouse, included:

• Obtain a better understanding of the body's response to stressors, including the purpose of Cortisol and how this stress hormone and our stress, “Fight or Flight,” response can affect us physically and mentally.
• Learn ways to address the damaging effects of the bodies stress.
• Understand the prevalence of suicide within the fire service.
• Identify an “Action Plan” that all departments can adopt to address behavioral health within their department.
• Understand how all aspects of being a firefighter affect behavioral health.
• Become familiar with resources to assist you and your coworkers.
• Identify steps you can take today to increase survivability.

Tim Beaumont, a Milwaukee lieutenant, opened with his personal story of his struggles in the fire service.

Jim Brinkley from the IAFF discussed the work and efforts of the international to support behavioral health needs of firefighters.

Captain Frank Leto from FDNY emphasized the role of peer support and the work by the FDNY peer support unit. Chief Dan DeGryse from Chicago discussed suicide prevention programs.

Dr. Sam Buser, chief psychologist of Houston Fire Department, also said his department has stepped up the address suicides and behavioral health issues

Chief Todd LeDuc, Dr. Kim Durham of Nova Southeastern University and Broward Mayor Marty Kiar welcomed the attendees and commended everyone for joining this first inaugural conference.

Proceeds from the conference are being donated to the trust fund for the two children of a fallen Broward firefighter.