By Sarah Roebuck
Being a first responder isn鈥檛 just a job; it鈥檚 a calling that can leave lasting marks on those who serve. That truth is at the heart of the FBI鈥檚 documentary, 鈥�,鈥� which provides an unflinching look at the emotional and psychological toll officers, firefighters and EMS providers face while on and off duty.
The video, featuring interviews with law enforcement professionals, counselors and wellness experts, sheds light on the unique challenges first responders endure 鈥� long after their shifts are over. It highlights firsthand accounts from responders to some of the nation鈥檚 most harrowing tragedies, including the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida; the 2017 Route 91 Harvest festival shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada; and the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
"[The Pulse nightclub shooting] made me see the strongest people I thought were the strongest, most able-bodied first responders, brought them to tears. And so don鈥檛 be afraid to have emotions. Don鈥檛 be afraid to show those emotions. Don鈥檛 be afraid to talk to other people about those emotions. It鈥檚 not going to make you look weak. It鈥檚 going to save you. It鈥檚 going to save your life. It鈥檚 going to save your career. Don鈥檛 be afraid to get the help. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help,鈥� Deputy Chief James Young with the Orlando Police Department recalled.
Among the voices in the documentary is Dr. David Black, president of , who discusses the critical role wellness programs play in supporting officers through these trials.
鈥淲ellness should be your number one priority, because if you ask yourself what is the number one asset that your agency possesses? And if you think about it, you鈥檙e going to say, clearly, it鈥檚 your people,鈥� Black explains. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 going to really impact recruitment and retention? It鈥檚 going to be if you become identified as a leading wellness organization in law enforcement, more people are going to want to join your agency and fewer people are going to want to leave, and you鈥檙e going to be identified as a higher quality agency overall. Take an audit of what鈥檚 going on in your agency from a wellness perspective, and be thinking about, how do I strengthen this? And that should be your number one priority.鈥�
The documentary also highlights the implementation of programs like , which emphasize peer support, confidential counseling and evidence-based training tailored to first responders. These initiatives aim to address the cumulative trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and compassion fatigue that responders often experience, providing them with the necessary resources to manage their mental health effectively.
鈥淲e鈥檙e first responders, firefighters, cops, whatever. We鈥檙e known for our integrity. We鈥檙e known for wanting to do the right thing. So, you know, do the right thing. Go get the help. This is a moment where you can let your integrity shine, right? It鈥檚 going to be hard, and it might be one of the most brave things you end up doing in your career,鈥� said Travis Haldeman with the Clarke County Fire Department, Nevada.
How does your agency measure up when it comes to wellness? help agencies deliver anonymous, 24/7 support, enhance peer support team readiness, and build a culture of wellness. Contact Lexipol at 844-312-9500 to learn more or .