VIDEO: When an emergency strikes, our firefighters are some of the first people to respond. Although when they go home, the weight of their job can sometimes stay with them. A Northshore fire department got one very special Chief to help lift that mental burden.
Bravery is part of the job, for firefighters saving lives often means putting their own lives on the line. Chief Chris Kaufmann, from St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1, said, “Whether it’s rescuing a fire victim, car accidents, extrication… We respond to every type of medical emergency there is today.”
They’re the first responders who are built for strength, but even the strongest of shoulders can sometimes struggle under the weight of the job. The Chief said he has lost a firefighter to suicide, he says, “You’ve got some of those bad images, it may not be at that moment, it might be three to seven days later.”
After the fire is out and their gear comes off, some wounds remain unseen. That’s why St Tammany Protection District 1 is welcoming a team member who’ll help heal any invisible scars.
