Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Firefighters are often seen as fearless heroes by children, but in reality, they are ordinary people who endure extreme mental and physical stress, according to Carpentersville Fire Chief John Paul Schilling, who delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Elgin Area Firefighters’ Memorial Service this past Saturday.
The event took place at the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, where firefighters and officials from across the region gathered to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who passed away in the past year.
In his address, Schilling shared alarming findings that show firefighters face more traumatic stress in a single 24-hour shift than the average American experiences in a lifetime. This revelation inspired him to speak out about the growing issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the fire service.
“In 2017 alone, there were 103 firefighter suicides reported in the U.S., compared to 93 line-of-duty deaths,†Schilling said. “This is a shocking number. Firefighters are known for their strength and resilience, but we must ask ourselves: What if we could make a difference? If not us, then who?â€
According to a recent study by the International Association of Firefighters and NBC New York, 81% of firefighters nationwide fear being perceived as weak if they admit to mental health struggles, while 87% believe the stigma surrounding mental trauma prevents them from seeking help.
Schilling urged firefighters and their families to openly discuss mental health and PTSD in order to break down the barriers that prevent them from getting the support they need.
The ceremony included several moving traditions, such as the reading of the poem “The Last Alarm,†prayers led by chaplains Roger Pollock and Ed Hunter, and a heartfelt bagpipe performance by Nolan Ryan. The names of fallen firefighters, chiefs, and commissioners from the past year were announced, followed by a solemn bell ringing in their memory.
This year’s memorial honored the following individuals: Robert Mydill, John Schoppe, William Tiknis, and Norman Weaver from the Bartlett Fire Protection District; Todd Middendorf of the Carpentersville Fire Department; Ken Henryson and Harley Olson of the Elgin Fire Department; Albert Gehringer of the Hampshire Fire Protection District; Dave Carlson and Dan DeMay of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department; Curt Meyer of the Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District; and Ken Hunsaker of 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, expanding the reach and impact of the annual tribute.
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