Detroit Fire Department Reviewed Following On-Duty Incidents

DETROIT — Detroit's firefighters and medics suffer at a high rate from work-related stress and trauma and more support programs should be offered to help them cope, according to a recent study conducted by the city.

The 74-page report, which included interviews with 225 firefighters and medics and reviewed firehouse conditions for city personnel, indicated the city should develop a more robust peer-to-peer counseling program to support personnel suffering from work-related stress and trauma.

The city also is recommending updated leave policies, which are expected to be in place later this summer.

“What we learned from this process is that many of our firefighters and medics are struggling to cope with the trauma and stress they face every day and that we, as a city and a department, have not done enough to support them,” Detroit Deputy Mayor Conrad Mallett said. “Instead of having a robust peer support program to turn to, some turned to alcohol or other inappropriate behavior as a coping mechanism. It’s not right that we ask these men and women to be there for us during our time of crisis and we haven’t been there for them during theirs.”

The department's audit was launched in March following two on-duty alcohol-related accidents involving DFD personnel. Firefighters, paramedics and EMTs are at a heightened risk for depression, PTSD and suicide when compared to the general population, officials explained. Based on personnel responses to questions provided through the survey, Detroit first responders were largely unaware of the City of Detroit’s employee assistance programs for which they could seek help.

The review, led by Mallett, encompassed five firehouses. It praised Lenette Woods, who is currently the department's sole peer counselor.

But one counselor is not a sufficient number of support staff for a department of more than 1,000 people, the report submits, going further to recommend a more robust peer-to-peer counseling program and reviewing the department's leave policies.

“The fire service is a great career option and allows individuals to serve others by saving lives and saving property but there are dangers associated with choosing a career as a first responder," said Erik Jones, the executive fire commissioner in Detroit. "For example, this audit identified the danger of post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Therefore, we must ensure that we provide robust resources to the men and women of the Detroit Fire Department so that they can adequately cope with this danger.

"I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendations listed in the audit. I will work with my colleagues to begin the process of implementing these recommendations.”