AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three Augusta firefighters died by suicide last year, prompting the fire department to develop a mental health plan as part of its long-term strategy.
The deaths sparked a conversation at the commission earlier this year about how long hours and repeated exposure to trauma can affect first responders.
Thomas Stokes, a retired battalion chief with the Augusta Fire Department, served 29 years.
“We can go to a house fire where someone either damaged or deceased or we can, then we can go to a car accident where someone’s mangled or suffering, to children being hurt or injured,” Stokes said.
Culture of silence
For years, firefighters had limited options for dealing with trauma.
“You don’t have time to process. If you did process, you were considered weak,” Stokes said.
The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance has documented more than 2,300 firefighter suicides since 2010. The organization said that number likely represents only a portion of the real total.
For several years, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty. The alliance said there are still about 100 firefighter suicides every year.
Relationship struggles, stress and depression are often at the center of the deaths.
Treatment program addresses trauma
Valor Station in Augusta treats first responders with a program designed to address trauma. The program compresses what would normally take more than a year of therapy into weeks and centers it around peer support.
In the year since Valor Station opened, it has helped first responders in six states.
“The door feels like a thousand pounds. But the second that they walk in, I think that they’re met with a lot of grace and compassion and understanding, and it doesn’t take people long to realize, you know, I’m in a place where people understand,” said Kristy Ledford, Valor Station clinical director.
Getting people through the door remains the hardest part.
“Stigma’s a huge barrier. And, you know, we’re fortunate that, um, what it takes really to break down some of those barriers is, you know, the people that come and sit in those seats, well, it’s them going back out and saying, Hey, like, I got help. And it was okay. And my life’s a lot better,” Ledford said.
“The goal is that everybody in public safety, at least here in Augusta, has access to mental health support, whether it’s, you know, just routine outpatient counseling, or, you know, to get them taken care of after a critical incident,” Ledford said.
Strategic plan approved
Fire Chief Antonio Burden said the comprehensive mental health strategy is integrated into the Augusta Fire Department three-year strategic plan for 2026-29. The plan was presented to the Public Safety Committee on Feb. 24, 2026, and was approved and adopted by the full commission on March 3, 2026.
“The mental health and well-being of our personnel remain a top priority for the department,” Burden said.
The department has fully implemented several initiatives, including a Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Program. The policy has been drafted and the team is active.
The department held a Fire Safety Stand-Down focusing on mental health in late 2025 and committed to making these regular departmental fixtures.
Information regarding Employee Assistance Program resources continues to be available to all city employees.
Personnel have completed training to serve as certified peer supporters. The department is coordinating with Augusta University for clinical wellness training to establish certified QPR instructors among peer support members. Expansion of a therapy dog program is under development.
Partnership in early stages
The department is in the initial phase of a formal partnership with Valor Station.
“We are working closely with their leadership to define a referral pathway for our first responders as a priority with access to their specialized trauma and PTSD programs,” Burden said. “While the formal partnership is being finalized, we already maintain a strong professional relationship with their team.”
Burden said it would be inappropriate to discuss specific costs at this time. The department’s strategy for funding includes insurance providers, grant funding and departmental budgetary considerations.
“This initiative requires a formal partnership and alignment with policies and procedures. We are actively collaborating to build a program that truly reflects the unique needs of first responders who may encounter profession-related challenges while on duty,” Burden said. “At the same time, our Employee Assistance Program will continue to serve as an important resource for any off-duty concerns our personnel may need support with.”
The completed plan will be shared with the commission and the public once components are finalized and aligned.
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