Colorado Springs Fire Department offers mental health resources to firefighters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Fire Department recognizes that being a firefighter isn't your typical day job. They say firefighters can often work 24-hour days, especially during wildfire season. While the job is rewarding it can also be exhausting, that's why the CSFD is offering mental health resources for their crews.

“We compare ourselves to the professional athletes. We have to be in tip-top condition every day. There are no do-overs in what we do. So when we go out the door, we have to be ready. That means fully trained, ready to go, and physically fit. And that includes our mental health,” said Captain JJ Halsey.

CSFD says a job like this can take a toll on their mental health, so to combat that the fire department offers peer support.

Additionally, fires can be unpredictable too so firefighters have to be on high alert at all times while working.

“It's a system that is set up for our firefighters who are struggling. They can reach out to a fellow peer. We have about 40 of those fellow firefighters that are trained in that kind of process. And they are able to reach out and have a conversation and talk with somebody who is, you know, been in their shoes”

The job can also be physically demanding, in that case, firefighters are given the chance to rest in their rehab unit.

Fire officials say they want the best for their crews, especially as fire danger continues to be an ongoing concern.