Life After The Fire Ep. 19 Prioritizing Mental Health in the Fire Service with Retired Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain Larry Doelling

In this week's episode of Life After The Fire, Chris Phelps is joined by retired Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain, Larry Doelling. Larry was a late bloomer in the fire service, joining at 31 years old. Prior to his career as a firefighter, Larry spent time in the Army Reserve and the Air Force. 

 

While in the fire service, Larry displayed a reverence toward mental health and spent a number of years as a leader on the CISM team helping his colleagues better manage the stressors that inevitably come with the occupation. Chris and Larry dive into a deeper discussion of mental health with Larry highlighting some of the ways he would encourage the current generation of fire fighters to maintain their mental health while on the job. Additionally, encouraging retired firefighters to stay connected to those they served alongside during their careers. 

 

This episode focuses heavily on the importance of mental health, not only for current firefighters, but also for those who have moved into their life after the fire service. Chris and Larry discuss resources departments provided to combat mental health struggles and encourage anyone who is considering mental health treatment to take the action steps necessary to ensure that they live a healthy life both during and after their careers have come to a close. 

 

Thank you to all of those for watching, if you know of someone who you believe should be highlighted on the Life After The Fire Podcast or have topics you would like to see discussed, reach out to info@latfpodcast.com. 

 

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