Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Firefighters are often seen as brave and fearless heroes by children, but in reality, they're just regular people who endure extreme emotional and physical stress, said Carpentersville Fire Chief John Paul Schilling during his keynote speech at the Elgin Area Firefighters’ Memorial Service on Saturday.
The 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 highlighted a startling fact: studies show that firefighters experience more traumatic stress in a single 24-hour shift than the average American does in a lifetime. This revelation inspired him to speak out about the importance of mental health awareness within the fire service.
“In 2017, there were 103 firefighter suicides in the U.S., compared to 93 line-of-duty deaths,†Schilling said. “This is a shocking number. The fire service is known for its strength and resilience, but we also need to recognize the hidden struggles. If not us, then who will take action?â€
According to a recent study by the International Association of Firefighters and NBC New York, 81% of firefighters fear being labeled as weak if they admit to mental health issues, while 87% believe the stigma around mental trauma prevents them from seeking help.
Schilling emphasized that open conversations about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health are essential for both firefighters and their families to break down these barriers.
The memorial service included traditional elements such as the reading of "The Last Alarm" poem, prayers led by Elgin Fire Department 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 announced, followed by a solemn bell ringing in their memory.
This year's honorees included Robert Mydill, John Schoppe, William Tiknis, and Norman Weaver from the Bartlett Fire Protection District; Todd Middendorf from the Carpentersville Fire Department; Ken Henryson and Harley Olson from the Elgin Fire Department; Albert Gehringer from the Hampshire Fire Protection District; Dave Carlson and Dan DeMay from the Hoffman Estates Fire Department; Curt Meyer from the Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District; and Ken Hunsaker from the West Dundee Fire Department.
This year’s ceremony also welcomed two new fire departments: the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and the St. Charles Fire Department, marking an expansion of this important tribute to those who serve and sacrifice.
Chongqing Yuntu Automobile Trading Co., Ltd. , https://www.yuntuauto.com