As a responder, there are some things you just can't forget. You replay it over and over and over.
To help firefighters, police officers and other responders deal with the aftermath of their jobs, Columbus has opened a $3.2 million mental health wellness center.
“If you don’t learn how to deal with your hurt, your trauma, how effective of a person are you going to be,” Columbus Officer Don Paden told WBNS.
Paden and Columbus Firefighter Stephen Kern know first-hand about struggling after witnessing horrific incidents.
Both are now helping their colleagues to get through difficult, dark times. Since they've been there, fellow responders are more willing to talk.
The men say intervention is key. It's important to reach out, and not keep things bottled up.
“Absolutely saved my life. Without a doubt," Kern told a reporter.
Confidentiality is essential for a successful program. That's why Paden and Kern didn't meet with the reporter at the center.
Both feel their colleagues will take advantage of services the center provides.
