Firefighters are real-life superheroes. From running into burning buildings to rescuing people from crashed cars, they save lives every day.
But even superheroes need to take off their masks and capes. These brave first responders face tragedy day in and day out, and that can take a serious toll on their overall well-being. That’s why the Honolulu Fire Department is ensuring the warriors in battle are getting the care they need, so they can be their best selves and get their jobs done.
Double duty
Saving lives and giving back to the community are just some of the reasons Capt. Kevin Calleon and Capt. Brent Dillabaugh chose to become firefighters. Interestingly, firefighting was a second career for both of them. In fact, their previous jobs (Calleon was a mental health specialist and Dillabaugh was in the nonprofit sector) informed their ability to serve on the Honolulu Fire Department’s Peer Support Program, which offers one-on-one peer counseling for employees and their family members to discuss professional and/or personal matters.
“We experience a lot of gruesome things on a daily basis, things people may rarely experience in their lives,” explains Calleon, who assists in leading the program.
Firefighters and other first responders are more prone to mental health concerns compared to the public because of their constant exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTE). How each firefighter reacts to a PTE is different; some may be able to cope, while others may struggle with what they witnessed. There are also those who compartmentalize the event, but as their exposure to PTE cumulates over their career, so does their anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
“Sometimes first responders may hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional,” says Calleon. “We’ve found that they may be more likely to talk to a peer or someone who went through a similar experience.”
The Peer Support Program opens the conversation, letting firefighters know they’re not alone in their struggles.
“We’re helping folks acknowledge the importance of focusing on mental health and reducing the stigma,” says Dillabaugh. “The more we talk about mental health concerns, the more we’ll reach more members, allowing them to have a long and healthy career and retirement.”
Coffee and camaraderie
The Honolulu Fire Department also has a proactive approach to caring for firefighters’ mental health. Once a month, firefighters are invited to Coffee Talk, where they talk story and share any life updates, both professional and personal.
“We’re all ohana. One of the best ways we can be there for each other is to stay connected,” says Calleon. “As first responders, we do a great job protecting our community and putting ourselves out there. But sometimes what we fall short on is our own self-care. So, we make it intentional and mindful to hold these conversations.”
Both the Peer Support Program and Coffee Talk give firefighters a safe space to gather and be authentic with themselves and each other. By taking care of themselves, this community of brave superheroes can be the best they can be when they come to our rescue.
“It’s a unique experience to be a firefighter in this department here in these Islands,” says Dillabaugh. “We really feel like we’re making a difference in the community, so it’s truly a blessing to be able to be part of the department.”
Photo-illustrations by Brandon Young
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