On the eve of 9/11 I am including a post by Nick Lorenz, retired firefighter, ex marine, from Arizona, from his IG account. And take a chance to thank him for being exactly the way he is.
Mike is a really talented writer who expresses the inside world and minds of firefighters and first responders.
For me…
I think about my brothers and sisters in RED and BLUE often. These days and this year even more so.
Folks this is not your everyday regular job. It’s a profession and it’s a craft that I took great honor in. We’re not perfect but we’ll try to be when you need us most.
Gender, race, ethnicity,age etc mean noting to firefighters. They’ll give their life with no hesitation for YOU, a complete stranger.
Fact: it’s not easy and it’s not fun doing the “job” of first responders. The comradeship and bonding are like no other (think life changing shit bonding). That part and the people who wear these uniforms I miss so badly!
You just can’t find people like firefighters and despite the well known bravery and sacrifices they give up, we just want to go home to be with family and heal.
They’re not like everyone else. These men and woman are a part of people’s worse day and unimaginable scenarios that most of you will only see on movies and tv.
A bad day at the fire house is not your typical bad day most will encounter. Oh no, these day’s stay with you for life. It’s ugly, loud, horrifying at times, sad, painful and just hard to process. Most of these warriors will find ways to cope themselves and this way of life ok for the most part.?
Unfortunately many will not and this trend is going up up and up. We’re entering the times now inside and out of public safety that WE HAVE TO TALK, ADDRESS AND WORK TOGETHER on mental health issues.
The strategy for some departments and industries is to “not talk about it”, keep it secret, sweep under the mat, not fully acknowledge how serious a mental health injury is that can be equivalent to a major physical career ending injury.
Thank you first responders, I see you, I support you and I am here for you too! ❤️🙏❤️🙏
#mentalhealth#mentalillness#mentalhealthawareness#ptsd#anxiety#depressionhelp#depression#anxious#fireservice#firstresponders#medic#emt#police#publicsafety#military#marine#heal
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