OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) joined Marion County Fire Rescue leaders Tuesday at Station 28 to discuss the Answering the Call Act of 2026.
The legislation she highlighted is aimed at strengthening mental health resources available to firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and other first responders.
The bill focuses on building on the existing 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by increasing awareness, improving access, and expanding resources specifically designed to support first responders who face unique challenges because of their work.
Cammack said conversations about mental health in the first responder community have been difficult for many people to have, but she believes it is important.
“This bill addresses a topic that so many people are hesitant to have, but it is long overdue that we have a conversation and address the gap in resources that currently exist,” Cammack said.
Marion County Fire Rescue leaders say the need for additional support is personal.
In January 2023, MCFR Firefighter Paramedic Allen Singleton died by suicide, just weeks after the department lost another firefighter. Chief James Banta said those losses continue to impact the department and show why mental health support for first responders is critical.
“Marion County Fire Rescue has lost four firefighters to suicide, behind those four names are families, friends and coworkers whose lives are forever changed,” Banta said. “This is why today’s announcement is so important.”
Banta said first responders experience trauma and tragedy as part of their jobs and often carry the weight of those experiences after the call is over.
“First responders answer the call every day, we respond to tragedy, trauma and human suffering, often carrying the weight of those experiences long after the incident is over,” Banta said. “For far too long seeking help has carried a stigma in our profession.”
Supporters say the goal of the legislation is to make sure first responders know help is available and that resources are tailored to better understand the challenges they face.
Cammack said one measure of success would be simple: saving lives.
“We would be able to make people aware that this resource exists, get more clinicians trained in a way that is meaningful and targeted toward the first responder community,” Cammack said. “I think more than one life will be saved, but the measure of success is one life.”
Chief Mike Balken said expanding access to first responder-focused mental health resources sends an important message to those who serve.
“This legislation sends a clear message, and that is that seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness,” Balken said. “This really is about taking care of the men and women who take care of our communities.”
Cammack said she plans to continue pushing for additional resources aimed at preventing future tragedies and supporting the people who answer the call every day.
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