Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta issued an emotional message this week after two of the department's fire medics committed suicide during January.
Banta said as fire chief, he has been experiencing the same emotions and has had"many difficult conversations" with members of his department since the deaths of Fire Medics Singleton and Wooten. "If the answer was as simple as eliminating mandatory overtime, I would shut trucks down immediately, but I can tell you that it goes way deeper than that," Banta said.by keeping an eye out for warning signs.
He added that mental health strike teams from the International Association of Firefighters will be arriving after Singleton's funeral on Saturday to make recommendations, which will be implemented and continued. "We mourn the loss of our IAFF brothers. Stressors, including financial strains which impact personal relationships, work-life imbalance, and substance use, consistently contribute to firefighter suicide. Our Marion County firefighters have a workload that is double that of larger departments in Florida, with half the workforce. Municipal decisions to de-prioritize public safety, including forced overtime, all negatively impact the quality of life for fire service professionals.
We need to pay these true heroes far more money because it’s what matters especially right now. Their families deserve to be taken care of too. Anything else is just dressing.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Suspect in deadly crash given special driving privileges by Marion County CourtA man who faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide and causing death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, has been granted special driving privileges. The victim's family tells kanderson_WRTV they're extremely disappointed.
Source: wrtv - 🏆 598. / 51 Read more »
San Diego County Board Chair Nora Vargas delivers 2023 State of the County Address -SAN DIEGO (CNS) – County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas focused on improving life for families, a stronger economy, better infrastructure and mental health care, and combating homelessness in Wednesday evening’s State of the County speech. Speaking before a full crowd in county Administration Center West Plaza, Vargas, challenged the audience to help her “make San Diego County a... SupNoraVargas Compassion for homeless was tried for last 10 years and it didn't work, so Worse thing one can do is compassion for homeless. Now its time for punishment GavinNewsom ToddGloria SanDiegoCounty SanDiegoPD carldemaio CASenateDems FoxNews cnn MSNBC SupNoraVargas But she also want to jam road use fees/mileage taxes, and new sales taxes down your throats SupNoraVargas Which will only lead to more taxes for all
Source: KUSINews - 🏆 241. / 63 Read more »
Students, staff medically evaluated after fire at Lancaster County technical school: reportsSmoke from a Friday dryer fire may have made some students feel sick, news reports said.
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »
ECSO: Drive-by shots fired Thursday could be linked to earlier crimes this weekNew developments in a string of violent crimes in Escambia County, Florida this week.
Source: FOX10News - 🏆 581. / 51 Read more »
Fire department in Cook County auctioning off old ambulanceHere's a chance to have the most unique vehicle on your block.
Source: fox32news - 🏆 547. / 51 Read more »
Tucson Fire Department controls 2-alarm fire at Broadway and PantanoTucson Fire Department is on location at the grocery store, and asks the public to avoid the area near the intersection of East Broadway Boulevard and South Pantano Road. Which store?
Source: kgun9 - 🏆 584. / 51 Read more »