At the Portage Fire Department, we believe in the long-standing tradition that “I am my Brother’s Keeper.” This phrase has guided firefighters for generations, reminding us to look out for one another in every way. Now, more than ever, this sentiment extends beyond the fireground to include the mental and emotional well-being of our firefighters. We understand that the stresses and traumas of the job can take a significant toll, and we are committed to providing the resources necessary to address these challenges.
In the past, many firefighters were told to “just suck it up,” but we now know that such an approach has harmful long-term effects. As Lt. Patrick Newell puts it, “we see more death and dismemberment, blood and gore, and generally unsettling things that many humans are not meant to witness.” While the public often expects us to return to duty shift after shift, burying the trauma we’ve experienced, it is vital to recognize that these experiences can accumulate and impact our well-being. This is where our mental health support programs come in.
Regional Peer Support Group
Our Regional Peer Support Group is built on the principle that the best support often comes from those who truly understand the unique pressures of the fire service. As Lt. Newell explains, “A good peer response team is valuable because it is led by folks in your industry who know what your job entails, what you see every day, and who can relate to your experiences.”
This team is composed of firefighters and emergency responders from our department and surrounding departments, creating a network of peers who are available when you need them most. These individuals have lived through the same situations, so they can offer understanding and support in ways that someone outside the fire service may not be able to. Whether it’s an informal chat after a tough shift or a more structured response to a critical incident, our Peer Support Team is here for you.
Confidentiality is at the core of this program. Everything discussed within the team is treated with the utmost respect and privacy, ensuring that firefighters can open up without fear of judgment or gossip. As Lt. Newell highlights, “just because a group of responders experienced the same incident doesn’t mean they experienced it in the same way.” Each individual’s experience is unique, and their privacy is essential to the success of peer support.
If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable discussing an issue with someone from within our department, the Regional Peer Support Team includes members from neighboring fire departments. This allows you to connect with someone outside of Portage Fire, ensuring you can speak freely without concern for internal dynamics. Reaching out to a peer from another department offers an additional layer of discretion and can help if you are worried about any department-related issues.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
In addition to peer support, our firefighters have access to professional counseling services through the City of Portage’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential help with a wide range of personal and work-related issues, including stress management, family problems, addiction, trauma, and more.
The EAP ensures that when peer support isn’t enough, or when a higher level of care is needed, our firefighters have professional resources at their disposal. These services are available not only to our firefighters but also to their families, reinforcing our belief that the well-being of our members extends beyond the individual and into the home.
Chaplain Services
We are also proud to offer the guidance of our on-call Chaplain, who provides spiritual and emotional support tailored to the needs of our firefighters. Whether you are facing a personal crisis, wrestling with the aftermath of a difficult call, or just need someone to talk to, our Chaplain is available for both on-scene and station visits.
Lt. Newell reminds us that, in the past, gatherings after tough shifts often involved destructive behaviors like excessive drinking. While those events may have offered some temporary relief, they often encouraged addiction and masked the need for true healing. Today, we are replacing those behaviors with healthier alternatives, like peer support and Chaplain services, which provide real healing without the negative side effects.
A Commitment to Our Firefighters’ Well-Being
As Lt. Newell so aptly states, “we are seeing the toll that ‘suck it up’ has taken on our brothers and sisters.” We now understand the importance of addressing the mental and emotional strains of the job head-on. Firefighting is not just a physical profession—it is one that demands mental and emotional resilience, and that resilience is only possible when we take care of ourselves and each other.
At Portage Fire Department, we are committed to doing just that. By embracing peer support, professional counseling, and spiritual care, we aim to foster a culture where our members feel safe and supported in every aspect of their lives. Our mental health resources are designed to help you navigate the challenges of the job so that you can continue serving with pride and purpose, knowing that you are never alone.
As Lt. Newell says, “Take care of yourselves, and each other.” We are a family, and together, we will face every challenge.