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cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Can ··· 271.htmlquote:
Pulling his ex-girlfriend's body from the rubble in Lac-Megantic, Que., led a young fireman to commit suicide, a coroner has ruled.
This is one of the biggest, and least discussed, issues in the fire service today...
The trauma, and horrors that are seen leave a mark, but because we're "big, tough, manly men" - we don't talk about it; and push it inside. The number of marriages that I've seen broken up, the drinkers, the anger issues...
Some departments are getting more progressive, with Councillors, and support structures in place; but many don't - doubly so for small town, and volunteer services, which, ironically, is where you're most likely see someone you know...
A few years ago, I was on the first truck in on a fatal fire - the fatality was the daughter of the Captain riding in the front seat. We knew who's house it was on the way there. You fall back on your training, you push it away... But eventually, it always comes back.