PEER SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT
Kentucky First Responder Mental/Emotional Health Response to LODD
By Phil Hall, KYFRPST 12/6/2023
LODD (Line of Duty Death) is the epitome of when Peer Support can be a vital part of a department’s reaction to the worst-case scenario of saying goodbye to one of our own. It is and will be a time for reflection and grief for those who knew the brother or sister we lost.
On September 29, 2023, Mark Hernandez “Mongo”, of the CVG Airport Fire Department passed away. He was a Firefighter /EMT with the Department for over 22 years. Mark’s enormous impact on the department and its members was felt every day. He had a big heart and a best friend to all he met. Mark had an immense passion for helping others and treating everyone like family.
After being made aware of Mark’s declining physical health, we began setting up internal support for our members. During the critical and stressful time of saying goodbye to Mark, we wanted to ensure everyone knew they were supported during their individual grieving process. We were able to provide that support internally with reminders to show kindness and respect. It was important to give each other some grace as we processed our loss. Support was also extended to Mark and his family during his final days by assigning department personnel to ensure they had ongoing contact with the department.
In the last week of Mark's life, Pet Therapy came to the firehouse three days, one of which was the day he passed. Pet Therapy animals gave us much-needed unconditional love.
After Mark's passing our department became very task and mission-oriented with the arrangements of LODD services. During this time, it was again the internal support process of reminding each other to be kind and forgiving to our department family during the grieving process. During this emotional time, our department came together to do an amazing job of honoring Mark and supporting his family.
After the LODD services, we gave the department a break, a few days to individually breathe and grieve. About a week after the funeral, we had arranged 3 days of Peer Support with members from outside the department coming to lift up the Fire Department and others from the Airport Peers were partnered with Pet Therapy and a few clinicians to assist if needed.
Our approach to the 3 days of Peer Support was one of continued support, love, and kindness. Nothing was mandatory. Department members were made aware of some of the things they may have been and would be feeling were normal. The ability to give themselves and each other time was highlighted. It is important to remember grief is an individual process but can supported and done together. Introductions were made for those who were from the outside. They each gave a brief description of who they were and why they were there.
The Airport Fire Department is made up of 3: 24/48-hour shifts, with seventeen members each. We have an administrative staff of eight that support Operations and administrative duties. We are a family of brothers and sisters that come together in others time of need but this time the need is theirs. As the leader of the Peer team for the Airport and a friend of Mark's, I said a few words about my personal experience with losing Mark. I praised the department for the response to Mark, his family, and each other. We were reminded of the normalcy of emotions and the resources available in this grieving process. Some stories were shared, and a few tears and laughs were had. When departing the remainder of the continued support internally would still be needed as each member's grieving timetable is different.
For the long-term support and follow-up, additional information will be dispersed on grief and healing. We will make a conscious effort to remember the anniversary and continue to remember our brother Mark and his family. Peer Support is not the magic pill to endure hard times but just a piece of the puzzle in the mental/emotional response. When incorporating peer support properly it can have a lasting impact on all involved. It can be a reminder of the family that is the Fire service. When tough times happen, we can rely on and support each other to get through any challenge.
