First Responders (Police, Fire & EMS) across our country have seen an increase in shootings, and mass casualty events which results larger numbers of victims who are injured or have died as a result of their wounds.  

Here in Kansas City, MO the number of homicides so far this year has surpassed 100.  Responding to these types of incidents starts to take its toll on the  Firefighters, Paramedics and EMT’s according to Greater Kansas City Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 42 President, Tim Dupin.  

Over the past decade we have seen significant increases in the amount of Firefighters who have died from Suicide then from Line of Duty Deaths (Ruderman Family Foundation Study) which was completed in 2017.  

The International Association of Fire Fighters has developed its own Behavioral Health and Wellness Program for the Fire Service.  In October Local 42 will be rolling out its new Mental Health Program to provide the services needed for all of our bargaining unit members that we represent across the KC Metropolitan area.  

The video listed below is from a KMBC Channel 9 interview of President Tim Dupin and we encourage you to visit their website for the entire story. Click here.