First Responders Sound the Alarm on Mental Health

LAFD's Behavioral Health Program hosted a free screening of the documentary First Responders Sound the Alarmthis past week at the Regal LA Live.

LAFD members were invited to view a documentary that provided insight into the lives and experiences of the first responder community, their families, and the lives they touch. After the film, members listened to a panel presentation. The panel consisted of Molly O'Neil, the wife of a Massachusetts State Trooper, Chris O'Neil, who died by suicide in 2016; Erin O. Smith, the widow of Officer Jeffrey L. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C., who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on January 15, 2021, due to injuries sustained at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021; and Rob Verhelst, an active career firefighter for the City of Madison, Wisconsin, since 2000. Verhelst is also an Air Force Veteran who contributed to search and recovery efforts following the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The panelists shared their experiences and answered questions from the members.

First responders are affected by mental health issues at an alarming rate. (Quell Foundation, 2023, 0:38)

The LAFD is taking a proactive approach by implementing a behavioral health program that employs three psychologists. The Department acknowledges the significance of its members' welfare and strongly emphasizes mental health to encourage their continued efficiency, wellness, and readiness to support their communities.

Thank you to the panelists for their participation, our LAFD Psychologists and LAFD Foundation for organizing the screening, and a special thank you to our members who attended the screening.