In a profession that often masks deep emotional scars, the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is as a crucial lifeline for members experiencing PTSD, trauma, and addiction.
The facility offers more than just treatment; it’s a safe haven where IAFF members can begin their journey to recovery with others who truly understand their struggles.
To pay it forward, alumni returned to the COE to share their powerful stories of transformation. Among them were Tammy Mastin from Baltimore County, MD Local 1311, Ken Braniecki, a retired fire fighter from Ocean City, MD Local 4269, and Donald “Donny” Adkins from Washington, DC Local 36.
We sat down with the group for a Q&A on mental health in the fire service and their recovery journeys.
Tammy Mastin
Baltimore County, MD Local 1311 paramedic
Q: What motivated you to attend the IAFF Center of Excellence (COE)?
A: I’ve always been known as the “nice Tammy,” helping others, but after facing personal trauma, like being attacked and losing a child with my husband, I realized I hadn’t taken care of myself. I reached a breaking point at work and knew I needed help. My husband encouraged me to seek support, leading me to the COE.
Q: What were some key takeaways from your experience at the COE?
A: I learned many tools for my toolbox. I discovered my worth, something I had struggled with for years. The trauma therapy and support from fellow IAFF members were transformative. The clinicians here are like magicians; they helped me navigate my past and regain my sense of self.
Q: How are you doing now, five years later?
A: It’s been a journey. Some days are tough, but I choose to fight through those struggles. I’m still in the fire service, working in recruitment. I encourage new recruits to seek therapy early, not just for coping but for their overall growth. It’s crucial for their well-being.
Q: What advice would you give to others facing similar struggles?
A: In our darkest of days, when you’re fighting that dragon, don’t let it win. The struggles I’ve faced have shaped who I am, and they’re personal to me. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, and there’s a community out there that understands.
Q: How did you turn your own hurt into purpose?
A: After my time at the COE, I stayed connected with others who went through the program. Together, we started Worldwide Peer Support, a nonprofit to help first responders. It’s about creating a community where people can support each other.
Q: How has your perspective on helping others changed since your experience?
A: I believe that happy people help people. I want to be that happy person who lifts others up. The foundation I got from the COE taught me that helping myself first allows me to genuinely help others. It’s about turning our pain into a source of strength for ourselves and our community.
Ken Braniecki
Ocean City, MD Local 4269 retired fire fighter and paramedic
Q: Can you tell us about your career in the fire service?
A: I joined the Ocean City Fire Department in 1983. I spent 27 years there before retiring in 2010. I felt too young to retire, so I continued my career at a smaller fire department.
Q: What led you to the IAFF Center of Excellence?
A: I came to the COE because I was struggling with suicidal tendencies. I didn’t recognize the severity of my issues until it was almost too late. I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and realized I hadn’t been truly happy for years. It all came to a head on Easter Sunday when my wife and I had a heart-to-heart, and I broke down, revealing my suicidal plans and feelings.
Q: What was your experience like when you first arrived at the COE?
A: Checking into the COE was the scariest day of my life, but it quickly became the best decision I ever made. It was hard to confront my issues, but I learned the importance of taking care of myself. It’s a lesson many first responders forget as we prioritize others.
Q: How did your time at the COE help you?
A: The clinicians helped me unpack the emotional baggage I had been carrying for years. They guided me in rediscovering happiness and helped me understand that life is meant to be joyful. I had never fully acknowledged the pain I was holding onto, but they created a safe space for me to do that.
Q: How has your perspective changed since attending the COE?
A: I now understand the importance of mental health in the fire service. I openly share my experience because I believe it can help others who may be struggling silently. The brotherhood I found at the COE was something I hadn’t felt in my career before, and I want others to experience that too.
Q: What would you say to someone struggling with similar issues?
A: If you’re feeling lost, don’t hesitate to seek help. Life should be happy, and there are people who can help you rediscover that. Don’t buy into the stigma that fire fighters shouldn’t show emotions. Don’t let pride stop you from seeking help. We’re made to be happy, and it’s okay to ask for support. If you’re going through tough times, there are resources available, and the COE is one of the best. I would gladly invite anyone there to sit at my kitchen table and have dinner with me. You can become the person you want to be with the right help.
Donald “Donny” Adkins
Washington, DC Local 36 fire fighter
Q: Can you share your experience working in the fire service?
A: I’ve been a fire fighter in Washington, D.C. for 23 years, and despite everything I’ve seen, it’s still the greatest job in the world. Every day brings new challenges, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Q: What brought you to the IAFF Center of Excellence?
A: I came to the COE twice, mainly because my wife wanted a divorce, and I couldn’t cope with that. I started drinking heavily, and my life was spiraling out of control. My colleagues encouraged me to seek help, and I’m incredibly grateful I did.
Q: How has the COE impacted your life?
A: This place absolutely saved my life. I’ve learned so much, and I apply those lessons every day. Coming back here, it’s heartwarming to see familiar faces who remember me. It feels like family.
Q: What advice would you give to fellow fire fighters who might be struggling?
A: Don’t let pride stop you from seeking help. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, reach out. You can’t go through this alone. The COE can help you put in the work to become the person you want to be.
Q: How do you continue to support others after your experience?
A: I’m involved with the peer support team at work, trying to help others who may not realize they have a problem. It’s important to create a culture where we can openly discuss our feelings and support each other. The journey doesn’t end at the COE; it continues in our daily lives.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, seek help today. You are not alone, and there are resources available to support you.
- For immediate help 24 hours a day, call/ text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. and Canada.
- For more information on the IAFF Center of Excellence Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, visit the link here. For questions about admission, call (855) 900-8437.
- If you are seeking a clinician or other treatment referral, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
