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An intensive look into suicide and PTSD through the perspective of Law Enforcement and FireFighters. The Consequences of the Badge presentation by Lt. Jay Carson provides an intimate view into an epidemic that our first responders face each day.
Lt. Jay Carson works for Fairfax County Police Department and lives in Fauquier County. He has presented Fauquier with an opportunity to view the presentation and discuss the sometimes uncomfortable and stigma associated topics of PTSD and Suicide in first Responders. Working together with Fauquier County Department of Fire Rescue Peer Support team the groups hope bringing this topic to the forefront will reduce the chance and let first responders know they are not alone in this fight.
Clinicians, Peer Support, and Chaplains will be on site and ready to walk with our Brothers, Sisters, and Families through difficult conversations. Read the story recently written about this presentation here.
Registration page is through Fauquier County Department of Fire Rescue
Check out the Peer Support Team
Traditionally, medical and physical fitness have been prioritized above emotional or behavioral fitness in the Fire Service. However, it is clear from the aftermath of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters that these priorities are now changing. With each passing year, research shows that fire personnel who balance physical, behavioral and emotional fitness have the best outcomes, whether one is looking at adjustment to becoming a fire fighter, ratings of career satisfaction, family well-being, or adjustment to retirement.
The stresses faced by fire service members throughout the course of their careers – incidents involving children, violence,  inherent dangers of firefighting and other potentially traumatic events – can have a cumulative impact on mental health and well-being. Peer support programs have been demonstrated to be an effective method for providing support to occupational groups, including fire fighters.
Fauquier County is at the forefront of addressing Mental Health, PTSD, and Responder Safety. Our Peer Support Team is composed of professionally trained and certified specialists that are ready to help. The system is 100% confidential, non-punitive, and a method for responders to reach out. We take mental health and the safety of our responders seriously. If you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms that you believe are related please click the link below to speak with a Peer Support team member directly. There is also a link to a list of vetted Professional Therapists/Counselors/Social Workers that have been trained specifically for first responders and accept Fauquier County Health Insurance.
We have included a link to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and as well the National Fallen FireFighters Life Safety Initiative 13 which includes resources for psychological support.
Peer Support Team Therapists/ Counselors National Suicide Prevention Hotline Life Safety Initiative 13