If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The chief of Florida’s fire department issued an emotional message this week after two firefighters committed suicide over a three-week period in January.
Marion County Fire and Rescue Chief James Banta said Tuesday that the department is “hurt, confused and upset” by the sudden losses of Fire Medic Allen Singleton on January 28 and Fire Medic Tripp Wooten on January 9. January.
Banta said that as a fire chief, he has been experiencing the same emotions and has had “many difficult conversations” with members of his department since the deaths of Fire Medics Singleton and Wooten.
After those conversations, Banta said he is aware of valid concerns around low pay, workload, mandatory overtime, lack of sleep, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. , adding that those issues will be addressed.
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Marion County Fire Chief James Banta issues an emotional message after the department lost two firefighters to suicide in January.
(Marion County Fire Department)
“If the answer was as simple as removing mandatory overtime, I would shut down the trucks immediately, but I can tell you it goes much further,” Banta said.
He asked that firefighters help identify co-workers who are “suffering and in crisis” by watching for warning signs.
“I need each one of you to be my eyes and ears. I take responsibility for getting us out of this crisis, but I can’t do it alone,” Banta pleaded.
Banta also strongly encouraged using the department’s mental health resources, including a chaplain, employee assistance program and a peer support team.
He added that mental health teams from the International Association of Fire Fighters will arrive after Singleton’s funeral on Saturday to make recommendations, which will be implemented and followed up.
The Marion County Fire Department posted an updated photo of their cross with a thin black and red line through the logo, signifying the loss of a member.
(Marion County Fire Department)
The IAFF issued the following statement to Fox News Digital on behalf of President General Edward Kelly in response to the tragic losses:
“We mourn the loss of our IAFF brothers. Stressors, including financial strains affecting personal relationships, work-life imbalance, and substance use, consistently contribute to firefighter suicide. Our county firefighters of Marion have a workload that is twice that of the largest departments in Florida, with half the workforce City decisions to de-prioritize public safety, including forced overtime, have a negative impact in the quality of life for fire service professionals. The citizens we serve value our contributions; we need legislators to do the same.”
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Banta ended the video with a plea to those in the “family” who may be struggling:
“If you’re watching this and experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, know that we’re all here for you. I’m here for you. Please don’t give up.”
He also encouraged working towards a solution using the “strength, determination and resilience” of the members.
Marion County Fire Department firefighter/paramedic Allen Singleton committed suicide on January 28.
(Marion County Fire Department)
Singleton was a six-year veteran of the department. Prior to his hire on September 12, 2016, he was a member of the 2016 Marion County Fire Rescue Non-Certified Recruit Academy. He was described as a proud member of the MCFR/MCSO SWAT Medic team and was a consecutive recipient of the Golden Ax in the physical competitions of the department.
Marion County Fire Department firefighter/paramedic Tripp Wooten committed suicide on January 9.
(Marion County Fire Department)
The department hired Wooten in December 2006. He was a member of the MCFR Racing Academy Class of 2006 and “spent many years as a member of the ‘Hames Road Hooligans’ at 18 Belleview Station.” The publication described him as an “incredibly talented” firefighter/paramedic with a sense of humor that made the day of everyone he came in contact with. According to reports, he never met a stranger.
According to the department’s Facebook posts, both Singleton and Wooten left behind a wife and two children.
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In an effort to prioritize mental health issues within the firefighting industry, the IAFF opened its Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. According to a summer 2022 report, the program has been booked near capacity over the past five years and more than 2,200 members have been treated and discharged.
A second West Coast facility is expected to open in the coming months.
