Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Firefighters are often seen as brave and fearless heroes by children, but in reality, they're just regular people who face extreme trauma and stress every day, said Carpentersville Fire Chief John Paul Schilling during his keynote speech at the Elgin Area Firefighters’ Memorial Service on Saturday.
The event, held at the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, brought together firefighters and fire officials from across the region to honor those who have died in the line of duty, as well as those who passed away in the past year. It's a time for reflection, remembrance, and recognition of the sacrifices made by those in the fire service.
In his speech, Schilling shared some sobering statistics that highlighted the mental health challenges faced by firefighters. He revealed that studies show firefighters experience more traumatic stress in a single 24-hour shift than the average American does in a lifetime. This inspired him to speak out about the importance of addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the fire service.
"In 2017, there were 103 documented firefighter suicides in the U.S., compared to 93 line-of-duty deaths," Schilling said. "This is a shocking number. The fire service is known for its resilience and ability to solve problems. I ask you: If not us, then who? What if we can make a difference?"
He also cited a recent study by the International Association of Firefighters and NBC New York, which found that 81% of firefighters fear being seen as weak if they admit to mental health struggles. Additionally, 87% believe that the stigma around mental health in the fire service prevents many from seeking help.
Schilling urged firefighters and their families to open up about mental health issues and break down the stigma surrounding PTSD. He emphasized that talking about these challenges is the first step toward healing and support.
The memorial service included traditional elements such as the reading of “The Last Alarm†poem, prayers by chaplains Roger Pollock and Ed Hunter, and a moving bagpipe performance by Nolan Ryan. The names of fallen firefighters were announced, and a bell was rung in their honor.
This year’s ceremony honored the following individuals: Robert Mydill, John Schoppe, William Tiknis, and Norman Weaver from the Bartlett Fire Protection District; Todd Middendorf from the Carpentersville Fire Department; Ken Henryson and Harley Olson from the Elgin Fire Department; Albert Gehringer from the Hampshire Fire Protection District; Dave Carlson and Dan DeMay from the Hoffman Estates Fire Department; Curt Meyer from the Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District; and Ken Hunsaker from the West Dundee Fire Department.
This year also marked the inclusion of two new fire departments: the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and the St. Charles Fire Department, showing the growing commitment to honoring and supporting all those who serve in the fire service.
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