CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — Firefighters across the Lowcountry are mourning the loss of one of their own and calling for changes they say are needed to better support first responders’ mental health.
According to a post from the Charleston Firefighters’ Association, six current, retired, or former Charleston firefighters have died by suicide since 2020. In a separate social media post, the Columbia Fire Department announced the death of one of its service members who temporarily served in Charleston.
Firefighters and advocates say the pressures of the job extend beyond what they see on emergency calls, pointing to finances as a major source of stress. Jason Smith, president of the Isle of Palms Firefighter Association, said mental health has long been difficult to discuss openly.
“It’s kind of a taboo. This is something that for years and years, most people have not talked about openly,” he said.
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In a follow-up post by Station 61, firefighters’ mental health was described as being connected to time, money, sleep, and security. Smith said financial strain can compound the trauma firefighters experience.
“The financial stressors that really impact us on a day to day basis, along with the trauma that we see on a daily basis,” he explained.
Smith said he has known firefighters who have had to couch surf or decide which bills to pay because of low income. He said those pressures can build over time.
“The mental health stressors that we bring into the job, which are relational and financial, it does impact us and it’s an accumulative effect,” he said.
Station 61 said relieving some of those stressors can help lower PTSD, depression, and suicide. Smith emphasized the importance of seeking help when it’s needed.
“The most important part is being able to reach out when you do need help,” he said.
Requests for information were sent to the Charleston Firefighter Association and the City of Charleston about resources available to firefighters, but no response was received before publication.