Complacency can kill: Jeff Dill urges fire organizations to prioritize behavioral health through an internal size-up

By Jeff Dill, Founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance

Complacency can kill – How many times in your fire career training have you heard those words? Whether you are attacking a vehicle fire, dumpster fire, or even a smoke alarm for the third time in a week, those words echo in your soul. Why? Because it was etched in your mind in the academies and every training scenario you attended.

Now these exact words can apply to behavioral health in the fire, EMS, and dispatch world. Years ago, I created the term ‘internal size-up’ but its intent was for individuals to size up their own personal issues and to seek help based on their needs. Now, I am asking fire organisations to perform an internal size-up of their behavioral health program.

What do you have in place? If it is just a Peer Support/CISM Team and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), then in today’s world your department members are lacking the support they truly need. If you, as Chief Officers, believe this is enough for your members, then remember those words “complacency can kill”.

The needs of your members, and their families, can be complex and therefore the number of resources have to match the potential issues your members might be fighting at this moment.

Here are some recommendations from the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance:

• Assess what you have to offer.
• Annual educational workshops to keep your members informed on the behavioral health challenges they will deal with in this culture.
• Educational workshops for family members. Keep them involved!
• A pool of chaplains for members to select and visit based on their needs and beliefs.
• An active peer support team who trains and receives con-ed hours annually.
• Develop behavioral health policies and then train every member on what they mean and how to access help
• Educate your department officers on how to deal with issues that their company members are dealing with. (PTSD, addictions, relationships, stress. Sleep issues etc.)
• Create an atmosphere in your department where behavioral health is at the forefront of concern from the administration.
• Create a separate program for those members who are retired, on duty injured, resigned, or fired. Keep them updated and involved in all aspects of behavioral health.

If you need assistance or questions answered, including templates regarding policies, then please feel free to contact FBHA at info@ffbha.org.

Remember, your members are the future of your department! They will be making the difference for future firefighters of your department. Don’t be complacent on this issue. FBHA has validated As of November 5th 2024, FBHA has validated 2,115 FF, EMS, and dispatchers’ suicides. 2,115 voices gone silent. Let’s work together to reduce these tragic events. For more information, go to www.ffbha.org

About the FSJA Influencer

Jeff Dill is a licensed counselor (NBCC) with a master’s degree and retired Captain from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, Illinois.

He founded Counseling Services for Fire Fighters (2009) and Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (2011) to address firefighter behavioral health, suicide awareness, and clinician education.

As of July 2021, Jeff serves as Behavioral Health Administrator for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, continuing his mission to support firefighter mental health and wellness.

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This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of Fire & Safety Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.