In his “Straight Talk” keynote address this morning at the Opening Session, Daniel DeGryse, director of the Rosecrance Florian Program and a battalion chief in the Chicago (L) Fire Department, celebrated the fact that Mental Health was now a prominent topic at FDIC International. He advised audience members to get on their cellphones and, “Send the message that it is okay to talk about this issue at home, at work, and at FDIC.”
DeGryse’s objective was to share with the audience how to “think better, feel better, and be better.” He noted that it took decades and the courage and initiative of many predecessors to bring about advancement in fireground tactics, structural firefighting gear, and equipment. As far as mental health awareness and education are concerned, the fire service is now [quoting Chief Bobby Halton] “at the beginning of the beginning.”
He explained: “Our career, like a career in the police and military, will change us and affect the person who entered the academy excited, anxious, proud, and willing to do the job. We will repeatedly witness and experience trauma in ways that everyday citizens do not.” He quoted Jeffery Denning, a decorated war hero and the author of Warrior SOS: “Whether there are subtle changes or drastic ones, no warrior views life the same after engaging in the things of battle.”
Part of the problem, he added, is that fire service members are not taught how to process the disturbing sights of victims and observers and their reactions or their own reactions to such experiences. “Our mission to protect life and property can come with a price on our mental well-being that affects all aspects of our lives. Everyone in this room can close their eyes at any moment and picture a scenario they experienced in their career and the feelings attached to it.
“We need to modify the thoughts and perceptions of being the tough, rugged, strong, and resolute individuals and what that means,” DeGryse asserted. “It is difficult to completely pursue leadership, have pride on the job, and strive to be our best selves unless we first address our mental health.” He asked audience members to “use your personalities, experiences, and characteristics in a way that promotes well-being for all of us. Model behaviors useful to your success; demonstrate vulnerability, encourage others to do the same, and mentor those around you as you see opportunity.” The fire service, DeGryse said, is “learning that we are physically, mentally, and emotionally affected by our experiences, and we need to acknowledge this and take direction on how to address it.”
Modeling, Vulnerability, and Mentoring
DeGryse advocated that fire service members engage in “modeling,” is a form of learning in which individuals ascertain how to act or perform by observing another individual. He pointed out that it is just as important to assess for fitness of duty every individual standing beside them each day as it is to inspect their gear, tools, and equipment. Supervisors, he said, should engage their coworkers and subordinates as part of their morning duties—ask, “How are you doing?” And, he cautioned, “really mean it.” It should be a greeting to which you anticipate a response. He offered an example of how a simple greeting can become a meaningful encounter. All—from the candidate to the chief--are responsible for the direction in which your physical and mental health are heading, DeGryse said. “I ask you to be a model and walk the walk we are discussing today. Let’s lead by example and model the behaviors we want to see in our coworkers.”
Addressing vulnerability, DeGryse said it is not comfortable to talk about being susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm, and fire service training teaches that how not to be vulnerable or to put yourself or your team at an unreasonable risk. “I believe differently,” he countered. “We should make an effort to be emo