GARLAND (WBAP/KLIF)- Three North Texas firefighters, two from Garland and one from Grapevine were part of a group of 12 nation-wide that were sent to Surfside Florida to offer peer support.
Garland Fire Captain J.D. Schulgan said they went to stations and the site where the condo collapsed speaking with search and recovery workers.
“It was absolutely one of the best things I have ever done in my career,” said Schulgan. “This is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. We see things that most people should not see and for us to go out there and help other firefighters work through the emotional and visual trauma I think that is the greatest calling there is,” he said.
Schulgan said they have had training from the International Association of Firefighters.
He said they helped them navigate their mental health in a positive way just by talking and bonding with them.
“We are peers. We talk the same language, we share the same fire service family so we really are able to bond with each other even though we are strangers and live in different states,” said Garland Fire Lieutenant Mathew Brawner.
He said the mission isn’t over for the search and recovery teams and there may be some lingering mental effects from this tragedy.
“They are still taking away debris still finding jewelry and possessions of the people who have lost their lives that’s important for families,” said Schulgan.
Schulgan notes that more firefighters are killed by suicide than in the line of duty.
“That’s why we are so adamant about this program so we can let firefighters know that there’s always hope, there’s always a way out and a resilient way to get back to that new normal,” said Schulgan.
He said it’s crucial for them to talk through their experience and get the help they need when they need it.
