"Who Are We Without Our Heroes?"

City leaders ignore the deadly psychological toll of overwork on first responders

Austin, Texas – City leaders finally addressed the mental health crisis within the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on Monday, following the suicide of a firefighter earlier this year. Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Fire Association, stood alongside council members Ryan Alter, Mackenzie Kelly, and Alison Alter — a united front demanding action to support the city's beleaguered firefighters.

"We need your help...They see [terrible, horrific events] every day, sometimes several times a day." – Bob Nicks, Austin Fire Association President

The AFD, like many first responder departments across the country, faces a dire situation. A 2022 study underscores the severity: firefighters have significantly higher rates of PTSD and suicide than the general population. The constant exposure to traumatic events takes an immense toll, compounded by the increasing demands of the job.

The numbers don't lie: over 20% of firefighters will experience PTSD during their careers, more than triple the rate in the general population. Sleep deprivation further exacerbates the problem, as firefighters struggle to keep up with a growing number of calls — a busy station can expect 20 calls per shift, a far cry from the 5-6 calls considered busy just a decade ago.

"Let us honor [the fallen] by taking meaningful action..." – Mackenzie Kelly, Council Member

The city council's response to this crisis? Proposed band-aid solutions, tucked into next year's budget. Alison Alter suggested budget items that include a meager increase in paid parental leave and a directive to study the benefits of reducing overtime. A paltry offering when you consider the 1,100 firefighters in the AFD are already struggling under a nearly 6% vacancy rate and grueling 53-hour workweeks.

Ryan Alter's proposal to add an extra cadet class this year is a step in the right direction, recognizing the critical need for more personnel to reduce the burden on existing firefighters. But it doesn't go nearly far enough to address the deep-rooted issues within the department.

Nicks himself acknowledges the solution is not merely about providing mental health resources; it's about changing the culture that stigmatizes first responders seeking help. Four out of the four firefighters who died by suicide in recent years were receiving aid, yet they still succumbed to their inner demons.

Amanda Bennett, an AFD lieutenant, knows this all too well. Having nearly taken her own life, she bravely shared her story to destigmatize the strength it takes to admit you need help.

"I want to destigmatize and celebrate the strength it takes to admit to others — and, most importantly, yourself — that you need help." – Amanda Bennett, AFD Lieutenant

The city of Austin must do better. These proposed measures are long overdue and fail to address the root causes of the mental health crisis within the AFD. Our first responders tirelessly serve our community; it's high time we showed up for them in a meaningful way.