Fire Family Foundation Monthly Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Dear Fire Family,

Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive feedback following our inaugural newsletter! We've loved hearing your thoughts—what you connected with, what you want more of, and ideas for future issues. In upcoming editions, we hope to include more voices from spouses, partners, and youth in fire families; more mental health tools and tips; spotlights on resilience efforts; and deeper dives into research you can use. Please keep sending your suggestions—this newsletter is for you.

With gratitude,
The Fire Family Foundation

Introducing Fireside Chats: A story-sharing series focused on mental and emotional well-being within the fire family.

Starting next month, we're launching Fireside Chats, a story-sharing series focused on emotional well-being within the fire family. Through personal stories from firefighters, family members, and others connected to the fire service, we hope to foster connection, reduce stigma, and remind each other that we're not alone.

Whether it's a moment of struggle, strength, resilience, or healing, your story matters, and it can help someone else more than you know. Let's build a stronger, more connected fire family—one story at a time.

Help others by sharing your story ›

World Mental Health Day (October 10th) is a powerful reminder that mental health matters, especially for those who serve and sacrifice every day. Firefighters and their families face unique stressors, and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being is more important than ever.

This year, we're dedicating the week to sharing simple, meaningful ways to support your mental health. Follow along with us on Facebook for daily challenges, tips, and encouragement designed just for the fire service community.

Let's stand together in support, strength, and mental wellness.

Welcome to Ignite Your Mind: Fire Family Reads. A new monthly feature where we spotlight books that inspire, educate, and support our firefighter families. Each month, we'll recommend a meaningful read tailored to the unique journey of fire families. Next month, we'll share key takeaways and invite you to join the conversation!

A 2025 study combining high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and resilience training among career firefighters showed significant reductions in depression and PTSD symptoms, and improvements in psychological resilience and wellbeing.

Our Take: The importance of integrating holistic approaches that combine physical fitness, mental health tools, and peer support are vital to the health and wellbeing of firefighters. This study reinforces our commitment to offering programs that build resilience in fire families crises emerge, supporting both firefighters and their loved ones.

This article examines how substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and PTSD affect about 30% of first responders (much higher than the general population). It argues that mental health support and resilience-building must be proactive, normalized and integrated into daily fire service operations—not just reactive after critical events.

Our Take: Prevention is key! By normalizing help-seeking and equipping families with knowledge, coping strategies, and peer support, we help mitigate risk factors before they escalate. Our programs aim to create protective environments that strengthen both firefighters and their families.

We're excited to share no-cost programs designed to support the emotional health and resilience of the entire fire family. Here is what's coming up:

There are many meaningful ways to stand with fire families, whether by showing up, giving back, or simply spreading the word. From joining a support session to helping others find critical resources, every action helps strengthen the resilience of those who support our first responders.

At Fire Family Foundation, we know that fire families face unique challenges—but there is very little data available that reflects the real needs and experiences of firefighter parents and youth.

We're conducting this short survey (one for parents and one for children ages 12-18) to better understand the issues teens in fire families are experiencing—from emotional wellness to family dynamics to everyday stressors. The insights you share will directly inform the programs and resources we develop, ensuring they are relevant, meaningful, and effective.

This survey is completely confidential, and your honest feedback is deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us better serve you—and fire families everywhere.

Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate your time and willingness to help guide how we support the families behind our firefighters.

Forward this newsletter to someone in the fire service community, follow us on social media, and talk to your department about integrating our resources.