A growing concern in our fire service is Firefighter Suicide As you read yesterday, Philadelphia Firefighter John "Jack" Slivinski Jr. lost his life to suicide. A beloved Firefighter, he had followed his father into PFD's Rescue 1, but on Saturday, the former Marine was found dead. He was found, reportedly, by his father, Jack Sr, who is still an active Firefighter. Jack Sr also had served in Rescue 1, and the son slept in his old bunk. Word is that they were inseparable. They did everything together.
In 2004, a friend of Slivinski's, Lt. Derrick Harvey, died when he went into a house fire to help Slivinski and another Firefighter. A friend said Slivinski kept a small memorial to Harvey in his home, using Harvey's helmet. Besides his Dad, he is survived by his wife, Carla; his mother, Gerry; and a sister, Jennifer Wysocki.
In our area (greater Cincinnati) we also had a young and very promising Firefighter/Paramedic take his own life last week. The young Firefighter was dealing with some personal issues and, for reasons that perhaps we'll never know, took his own life. He too was "close" to an actual Line of Duty death issue as was FF Slivinski, in Philadelphia.
Suicide is a very real issue in our service-but one we struggle to talk about, reach out about-or certainly even deal with personally. But it is very real. It may be easy to suggest people "suck it up" - but it's not that simple. Whatever the issue is, it is their issue, not ours or yours-but one we can sometimes help with when we sense "something" is wrong. Suicide is pretty subjective, in other words, what may be a "life ending" consideration for some people may be something that you and I may be able to blow off. It all depends on how we each cope with "stuff", the reasons are as different as people are different - but without question, it is an issue in our business.
For example, 4 Phoenix Firefighters took their own lives in a 7 month period:http://tinyurl.com/2agjbj8 Here is a USA Today article on rescuer suicide:
So who knows what happens to cause suicide? We certainly don't. But what we do know is that there is help out there. We also know that in this extremely "busy" world, it may be easy to miss signs-if there are any. It may also be nearly impossible for those contemplating taking their own life to reach out, when they think those who care are simply to busy. They don't wanna bother you. They don't want to be a burden. They...whatever.
Look, I am about as far removed from being a mental health professional as they come. But I do know folks who do know. They have very personally been there. They can help. They have time.
We have tried to raise the issue and provide some level of support on our Fire Fighter Close Calls PERSONAL SURVIVAL Page, which is coordinated by Chief Pat Kenny.
THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF LEATHERHEADS SOCIETY (FOOLS)
The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) is an organization that was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firemen. This group, known today as the Founding Fools, had a passion for not only the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged between firefighters, but the rich tradition and heritage of the Fire Service. Since 1995, this brotherhood has grown to over seven thousand strong. There are chapters all over the world, with new chapters starting almost every day.
The Leatherhead is a term used for a firefighter who uses the leather helmet for protection from the hazards we face everyday on the streets. The Leather Helmet, is an international sign of a Firefighter, a symbol that is significant in not only tradition from the early years of firefighting, but one of bravery, integrity, honor and pride. The helmet is a sign of who we are, not what we are.
The FOOLS, like the traditional leather helmet, has always existed throughout the brotherhood of the Fire Service, and will continue to grow and flourish as long as there are fires to fight and emergencies to respond to. The FOOLS are about the brotherhood and tradition that the fire service is based on. When we are in our gear, and trying to make our way down the dark Smokey hallway, we are all the same. All that matters is that you have my back, and I have yours. We do not care if you are a chief, a recruit, a volunteer or a career firefighter, a male, a female or the color of your skin. All we ask is that you are true to your brother and sister firefighter, and to the fire service. All firefighters are welcome to be a part of this great organization; one does not have to own a leather helmet to be considered a "Leatherhead". Our membership is growing everyday, and we encourage you to start a FOOLS chapter in your department.
The FOOLS are not a political organization. We will not be involved in union, management, or any other political issue. We are about preserving the tradition and heritage of the fire service and taking care of our brother and sister firefighters. We have been involved with fundraisers, charity events, and helping disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas. We believe that this part of what being a member of the FOOLS is all about.
The FOOLS also believe in providing real fire training for real firefighters. We believe that it is our duty to be as well trained as we possibly can. This can only keep us, and our brothers and sisters safe on the fire ground. We owe it to ourselves, our brothers and sisters, their families, and to the citizens we protect.
We believe in Pride: In our departments, in our stations, in our apparatus, and pride in ourselves.
One last thing that we as the Founding Fools ask of each and every one of you, let us never, ever forget those that have gone before us in the line of duty. Because those brave souls have given all, it is up to us to keep them alive in our hearts and our memories.
"FOR THE MEN... PROTECT THE BROTHERS"
A "Mutt" is someone or thing that will abuse and mistreat a Firefighter. This can be the City, the Mayor, the Chief in Charge, the habitual caller, or the homeless Person who starts a fire and leaves.
These are people that have never crawled down a hall or made the last room in an effort to do their job. If they can't get the job done today well maybe next week will do.
If we don't get the job done people might die and our brother and sister might also die. So we always lay it on the line and leave a little behind at every fire. I say that in a dark smoky hallway I can't tell the race, creed or sex of my fellow firefighter, I just know that they are with me. I don't care who or what you are as long as you are a firefighter and want to protect your brothers and sisters.
Leather forever. Stay low and let it blow! FTM-PTB Captain Mike Dugan, Ladder Co. 123, FDNY
Added by fellow FOOLS:
EGH - "EVERYBODY GOES HOME" "Sulum reverto domus"
Author unknown, possibly Old Gallagher
"Although 'EGH, Everybody Goes Home' is not always possible, it is part of what we strive for. It is why we train, it is why we read, it is why we interact with each other. We need to share the knowledge. The more we share, the more we pass on what we have learned, the safer we will be. The fewer funerals we will have to go to, the more of our Brothers and Sisters that will go home. Because it is all about protecting each other". (Pressler, 2002)
RFB - "REMEMBER FALLEN BROTHERS" "MEMOR CADO FRATER "
Lieutenant Michael Ciampo, FDNY
"The Fire service, as a whole, is collectively still trying to recover from the effects of Sept. 11. The 343 members of the FDNY who made the supreme sacrifice that day will always be in our hearts and forever on our minds. As part of our FOOL's "signature", R-F-B, "Remember Fallen Brothers", these heroes should never and will never be forgotten. This should also include ALL of our fallen Brothers, no matter where they were from, or the matter in which they died. Their names have been added to long list of those that have laid down their lives so that others may live." (Pressler, 2002)
KTF - "KEEP THE FAITH" "Servo fides"
Captain James L. Jester, Ocean City, MD
"Keep the Faith. With all that has happened we must believe. We must have faith in ourselves and in the others that think like us. They can transfer us, they can make you cut your mustache, the can tell you what you can't wear on your helmet, but never let them break your spirit!" (Pressler, 2002)
DTRT - "Do The Right Thing" "Operor Vox Res"
Lieutenant Bob Pressler, FDNY, Retired
"With everything going on in our lives, both personnel and professional, this may be sometimes hard to do. We are always pulled in several directions when there are tough decisions to be made. Even after weighting all the possibilities or options, decisions are sometimes still very hard to make. But, under closer examination, there usually is a "right thing". It may take personnel sacrifice, it may not be what you really would want to do, but it is the correct thing to do."
Brotherhood
Firefighter Duke Juanitas Eldridge Fire Dept. Sonoma, Ca.
Bonds that even death can't separate. Responding on all sorts of calls, some good and some bad. On every fire we trust each other with our lives. Trust, that if we fall on the fire ground our brothers will be there to rescue us. Humor is at every firehouse and is a big part of the job. Every firehouse you go to, you will see your brothers in every firefighter you meet. Remembering the pranks you have pulled on a "probie". How great it is to have a home away from home. Off the job we are still family. Our families are close. Days, months, and even years will pass but don't fret for we will meet again.
"DUTY-PRIDE-TRADITION"
Double E & Mac South Side FOOLS Chicago, IL
I have been asked to express some thoughts on "DUTY, PRIDE & TRADITION" for the F.O.O.L.S. web site. In doing so, it shall be my intent to instill a strong sense of awareness, stressing the importance and value of firefighters to themselves, their families, fire departments, and their communities. THAT WILL BE MY "DUTY".
"DUTY" is defined as at one's post or work, a task or chore one is expected to perform. It is answering the bell and being asked to perform tasks that challenge our physical and mental toughness under extreme conditions. It is our duty to prepare for these tasks through training, leadership, and "Esprit De Corps". It is our moral obligation to be doers in the fire service, to prepare for, come at and meet the enemy..."BATTLE READY". The fire ground is a battleground. It is the "DUTY" of the firefighter to form a barrier with his/her body against fire. Quote: "THAT PAIN MAY CEASE, HE YIELDS HIS FLESH TO PAIN" By Joyce Kilmer KIA in France in 1918.
"PRIDE" is defined as a state of feeling of being proud, a reflection of credit upon oneself. Pride is feeling good after a job well done! It is a feeling of goose bumps as you recount your actions; by going somewhere nobody else can go. By making a rescue and saving a life by being a part of a unit that successfully achieves its goal. Pride is wiping a tear from your eye and swallowing a lump in your throat, as you are hugged and kissed by a loved one, thankful you have returned safe and sound. Pride is a glow in your kids as they brag about you being a firefighter. Pride is wearing your uniform, proud of your colors, proud of your co-workers and fire department. Being a member of "THE NOBLEST BREED".
"TRADITION" is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, and information from generation to generation. A long established or inherited way of thinking or acting "Courage in the face of danger is a tradition of the fire service". Firefighters of the past stand by us today, passing on their legacy and dedication to us, and our fire departments.
Tradition is the maintenance and connection of values with our heroes, pacesetters, and examples set by our idols! It is our foundation.
"Duty -Pride - Tradition" gives an individual the desire to serve - the ability to perform and the courage to act.
"DUTY" IS DOING IT. "PRIDE" IS WEARING IT. 'TRADITION' IS LIVING IT.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings.
"DUTY FIRST' Edmund J. Enright Ret. Chicago Fire Dept.
Copyright 2007 SouthSide F.O.O.L.S. . All rights reserved.
Where Has the Brotherhood Gone?
Editor's Note: Jason Zigmont poses the question in the following article that more and more folks seem to be asking – where has the brotherhood gone? Do you agree with his perspective or do you feel it's still alive and well within the fire service? And, what exactly is brotherhood today? Use your free FireRescue1 log-in to have your say in the member comments section.
Whenever I visit different fire departments and talk to senior members, they all seem to say the same thing: "The fire service is not the way it used to be." They may have a point. It's not just the ever-changing technology and regulations. The biggest change seems to be in the decay of the brotherhood of firefighters.
There was a time when you could rely on your fellow firefighters for help with anything and the firehouse was the center of the community. Now you are lucky if you know the names of your brethren. When it comes to volunteer departments, the sense of community that the firehouse brought to its members was a large part of why people would volunteer.
The lack of brotherhood may be a part of the reason why we are having trouble recruiting and retaining members. I grew up in a fire department — my father was Chief, among other titles. Looking back, every member of the department knew each other and all the families grew up together. Family picnics and carnivals were the norm, and Santa Claus always visited on a fire truck. Big events meant that the entire family would be involved and the Women's Auxiliary was always there to help. Parades and parties were legendary and are still spoken about fondly 30 years later.
Always there When my father was burnt badly in a gas explosion, the department was there for him both in person and in raising funds. Anytime anyone needed help, they were there. Family members would get visits when they were sick and if you needed a hand painting anything, half a dozen guys would show up with rollers, pizza and beer.
Even common courtesies have been lost. It used to be that if one of your family members passed, that the entire department would be at the funeral in full dress uniform, maybe even with an honor guard. Now you are lucky if your department sends a sympathy card.
It's no great mystery why we've ended up here. Fire departments historically had generations of members from the same family; there was no doubt that your son or daughter would join the department because it was where they grew up and a part of their life.
Now we are begging people to volunteer and saying that volunteerism is dying. We are very good at serving our communities — but our members and families seem to have become secondary. Even worse, some departments are so segmented that they help those members they "like" and not others, causing widespread dissention.
Everyday life Maybe rather than pointing our fingers at volunteerism or changes in our community, we should look at the changes within our department. Our members — whether you like them or not — must always come first and we should always be able to count on each other. This should not be limited to the fireground, but encompass everyday life, too. Members should not have to ask for help but know that their fellow firefighters are there no matter what is going on. Departments regularly respond to public calls for help, but overlook our own.
If you think about your department, you can probably name a handful of members who could use a helping hand today! We all have members who are out of work, serving overseas, or who have a family member or are sick themselves. Little acts of support go a long way toward showing members the department as a whole values them and their contribution to it.
The question is, what are we doing to help them? How about visiting their sick loved one in the hospital or cooking a dinner for them and their family? If they are serving our country overseas, how about your department volunteers to help with the upkeep of their house and members take turns mowing the lawn? How about holding a fundraiser for your out-of-work members to help them make ends meet? For the volunteer service, throwing money at recruitment and retention rarely works, but supporting your fellow firefighters does.
The brotherhood may be fading, but it is not gone completely, and it can be salvaged. I challenge each of you to do one good act for a fellow member each week. It can be as simple as making a phone call to see how they are doing, but you will be amazed at the results. If each of us can commit to doing one good thing each week, I guarantee that within a year you will have a completely different department.
