Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Firefighters may be seen as brave and fearless heroes by children, but in reality, they are just ordinary people who endure extreme trauma and stress, said Carpentersville Fire Chief John Paul Schilling during his keynote speech at the Elgin Area Firefighters’ Memorial Service on Saturday.
The annual event, held at the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, brought together firefighters and officials from across the region to honor those who have died while on duty, as well as those who passed away in the past year.
In his speech, Schilling shared alarming findings: studies show that firefighters face more traumatic stress in a single 24-hour shift than the average American experiences in a lifetime. This revelation inspired him to speak out about the growing issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the fire service.
“In 2017 alone, there were 103 documented firefighter suicides in the U.S., compared to 93 line-of-duty deaths,†Schilling noted. “This is a shocking number. The fire service is known for its resilience and problem-solving abilities. But I ask you—what if we could make a difference? If not us, then who?â€
He also highlighted a recent study conducted by the International Association of Firefighters and NBC New York, which found that 81% of firefighters fear being seen as weak if they admit to mental struggles. Additionally, 87% believe the stigma around mental health in the fire service prevents many from seeking help.
Schilling emphasized the importance of open conversations about mental health and PTSD, urging both firefighters and their families to break down the barriers that prevent them from getting the support they need.
The memorial included traditional elements such as the reading of "The Last Alarm" poem, prayers led by chaplains Roger Pollock and Ed Hunter, and a moving bagpipe performance by Nolan Ryan. The names of fallen firefighters, chiefs, and commissioners from the past year were read aloud, followed by a solemn bell ringing in their memory.
This year’s ceremony honored the following individuals: Robert Mydill, John Schoppe, William Tiknis, and Norman Weaver from the Bartlett Fire Protection District; Todd Middendorf of the Carpentersville Fire Department; Ken Henryson and Harley Olson of the Elgin Fire Department; Albert Gehringer of the Hampshire Fire Protection District; Dave Carlson and Dan DeMay of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department; Curt Meyer of the Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District; and Ken Hunsaker of the West Dundee Fire Department.
This year also marked the inclusion of two new fire departments: the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and the St. Charles Fire Department, highlighting the growing community effort to remember and support those who serve.
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