Peer Support Program
Firefighters go about their jobs with a supreme sense of confidence – a trait that allows them to go above and beyond to keep our residents safe. But that feeling of invincibility sometimes allows firefighters to bottle up too much of their emotions without knowing how to deal with them. The Northstar Fire Department’s Peer Support Team is here to assist our members and their families by providing them with information and direction to resolve emotionally charged matters. Our trained team of peer supporters are available to help in a confidential setting at any time – day or night.
The NFD Peer Support Team is here to assist you and your family with anything you need including, but not limited to:
· Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or confused
· Home doesn’t feel like home
· Relationship or marriage struggles
· Dependence on alcohol
· Feeling alone
· Losing hope
· Recently losing a loved one
· Feeling like nobody else understands what you’re going through
· Not knowing why you feel the way you do
· Emotional issues during retirement
Whether you’re active or retired, we could all use a lending ear from time to time. We can solve most of the world’s problems at the firehouse kitchen table, but there are a few that you can’t or don’t feel comfortable bringing up. Peer supporters are here to lend a confidential ear. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to listen to you and validate the thoughts and feelings you may be dealing with to make you feel a little better. What you are going through could be your body's natural response. It might not be YOU, it could be just science. The conversations between you and a peer supporter will remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL, with the exception of suicidal thoughts, abuse in the home, or the divulgence of illegal activity. The peer supporters can offer professional resources, support groups, or even other firefighters and their family members who have dealt with similar situations.
Should you like to speak to a peer supporter, please call (530) 562-1212. By following the instructions and dialing the proper extention, you will reach a peer supporter. Currently, our Department's Peer Supporters are:
Iain Mallonee
Nick Brown
Here are some additional organizations that you can seek help from:
Nevada Peer Support Network:
Other Resources:
https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/
https://www.firstrespondersleeprecovery.com/
West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (6 day intensive in-patient retreat)
https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.htmlSee Northstar Fire Department’s Policy #1055.
