MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — On Thursday, Feb. 29, current and former police officers will speak out about the importance of first responder mental health. This is called a first responder resilience event.
It aims to provide mental health resources to firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and other first responders who deal with traumatic events every day. First responders say they want to send a message to their colleagues that it’s okay to ask for help.
When tragedy strikes, people reach for the phone to call for help, but who will help first responders in their time of need? That’s the question former Police Chief Dave Funkhouser wants to answer.
“It affected not only my personal life, but my professional life as well,” Funkhouser said. “We want to spread awareness out there that it’s okay to not be okay.”
Talking about mental health isn’t easy.
Wauwatosa Police Chief James McGillis said, “Over time, the stress levels can really build up and cause moral injury that can cause psychological problems in the first responder community.” ” he said.
Fankhauser says it’s even harder to ask questions when you’re a first responder.
“Very often, especially early in my career, not being able to handle these extreme situations is considered weak or unfit for duty, and we must always remain calm when we are in the field. I was taught not to do that and to continue to be professional,” Funkhouser said.
McGillis remembers the first time she needed help.
“Let’s just say this was early in my career and it affected people differently. But we’re human and we need support,” McGillis said.
McGillis said she wants other first responders to know that while protecting their communities, they also need to remember to protect their own well-being.
