“Between November 15th and November 30th, just over a two week timespan we lost five first responders to suicide in our state,” said firefighter Kobey Taylor.
An unprecedented number of first responders have committed suicide in Michigan.
While those numbers are some of the largest seen in years within a short time span, they serve as a devastating reminder that the first responder community needs further support.
“So I want them know this is a great career. You could retire from this career healthy. But I want you to know that it comes with the risk,” said Taylor.
Firefighter Kobey Taylor with the Peninsula Fire Department in Grand Traverse County is talking about the heightened potential for suicide among first responders Between November 15th and November 30th. -- Five Michigan first responders took their own lives.
The numbers for 2024 climbed to 195 nationally between ems, firefighters, dispatchers and law enforcement officers.
Taylor said many first responders don’t seek help.
“One of the big ones is weak. Like, they feel like they’re weak because they signed up for this job and they’re always told that you signed up for this job,” said Taylor. “Well, no one signs up to see hurt or injured kids. It’s just part of the job. I always say this is the greatest job in the world, but it comes with those risk.”
Part of the problem is the stigma associated with getting help when it comes to mental health.
“We really need to break that stigma of it being weak because it’s not weak. It’s a normal reaction to a bad call. If you’re going on a traumatic call you feeling bad or feel sad or upset about that call, it is a normal reaction. Because after all, we are normal humans,” said Taylor.
Clinical counseling psychologist Michelle Morse sees first responders on a regular basis.
She said help is available and can greatly reduce some of the symptoms first responders’ experience.
“Fewer flashbacks, fewer nightmares, fewer racing hearts. It reduces the anxiety, and the negative thoughts. Depending on what they’ve seen, having those thoughts flash back is terrifying. And so why live if this is what life is going to be like. So it gives you a purpose to live,” said Morse.
But it all boils done to this.
“Your mental health is your responsibility. And don’t be afraid to own up to to command staff or administration. They need to be open when their employees are having that difficult time,” said Taylor.
Northwestern Michigan Peer Network has a variety of mental health resources for first responders that include grants for treatment and annual seminars.
