Impacts of Military Service on First Responder Behavioral Health
This training will highlight the convergence of veterans in the first responder community and the impact on behavioral health. Many first responders have previous military backgrounds and can even be considered preferred hires among municipal employers. While this experience can be very beneficial to the new responder, potential past exposure to trauma may also pose future challenges. This traning is intended to explore the ways in which a previous military career is a protective and risk factor for various behavioral health challenges among those in other first responder professions. Molly Jones, LSW will be joined by IAFF Center of Excellence Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran, Marc Rattigan, and Rt. Marine Sergeant/Infantry Squad Leader and Somerville, MA fire fighter, Mike Jefferson to share their insight.