Roundtable Talk - Prioritizing Behavioral Health in the Fire & Emergency Services

In 2009, founder Jeff Dill, organized Counseling Services for Fire Fighters (CSFF). CSFF was established based on the tragic events that surrounded Hurricane Katrina. When speaking with firefighters who returned after serving the community of New Orleans, he heard the pleas of firefighters who had a difficult time talking with counselors who did not have any firefighting experience. They became frustrated and never did seek the help they needed. It was CSFF mission to offer behavioral health workshops to support firefighters, train senior officers and educate clinicians on the benefits of understanding the life and emotions of firefighters. On 12/31/14, CSFF donated all of their intellectual property to FBHA.

In 2011, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance was established to directly educate firefighters/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides. Through businesses, community support and sponsorships, it is our hope that the workshops and services will be offered at no charge to those in need.

Jeff holds a Master’s degree and is a Licensed Counselor. He is a retired Captain from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois and is a member of the American Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, International Associations of Fire Chiefs, and is an alumni member of the International Association of Fire Fighters. In July of 2021, Jeff accepted the position of Behavioral Health Administrator with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

Jeff Dill, and those working with FBHA are dedicated to educating firefighters and emergency service personnel on the importance of behavioral health and suicide awareness.

Wendy is the founder of Firefighter Ministries and a co-founder of the Texas LODD Task Force.  She serves as the president and chief executive officer. She also serves as the Presiding Officer on the Governor’s Advisory Panel for the Star of Firefighter Texas Awards.  She is a guest instructor for the Texas A&M TEEX fire schools, and a peer advisor for the SOAR program of the Phoenix Burn Society, and a Master Chaplain/Instructor for the Federation of Fire Chaplains.  

Dick Brown has been involved as a firefighter for 35 years, 17 on which he served as the delegate from California. He has been a fire chaplain for almost 15 years. Dick serves as the vice president of the California Fire Chaplain Association and is a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains.