NY State fire fighter takes on 52-mile challenge to raise mental health awareness 

Local 2393 fire fighter takes on the Fifty2 End Stigma challenge to raise awareness and counter stigma around mental health in the fire service.

October 3 • 2024

Chris Rinck, a battalion chief with the Arlington Fire District and a proud member of Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Local 2393, is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge this October. He will join a group of dedicated runners known as the “Wellness Warriors” in a mission to run 52 miles in one day on Oct. 19. It’s an effort to help raise awareness of mental health issues affecting fire fighters and the community. 

“As fire fighters, we’re good at bottling things up. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s important to recognize that everyone has good and bad days for many reasons, whether they relate to the firehouse, personal life, finances, or health issues,” said Rinck. “A variety of factors can affect us, and those feelings can show up when the call drops, and we have to jump in and go.” 

The upcoming run is part of the Fifty2 End Stigma campaign, organized by Family Services of the Hudson Valley.  

As fire fighters, we’re good at bottling things up. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s important to recognize that everyone has good and bad days for many reasons, whether they relate to the firehouse, personal life, finances, or health issues.

chris rinck, battalion chief, local 2393

Local 2393 posted on social media, commending the effort, saying, “Arlington Professional Fire Fighters are proud to be represented in and support Family Services efforts in Fifty2 End Stigma.” 

Suicide is also the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., and fire fighters face an increased risk. In a national sample of fire fighters, current post-traumatic stress symptoms were associated with 5.2 percent higher odds of attempting suicide during their firefighting careers.  

According to Mental Health America, more than 52 million people face mental health challenges every year, and only half of them receive professional support.  

“One in five U.S. adults experience mental health challenges, while for first responders, the rate is significantly higher,” said Rinck. “The stress of our jobs, including sleep issues, only adds to that. It was just another reason for me to get involved.” 

To prepare for the grueling run, Rinck has followed a rigorous training plan that incorporates short workouts and long-distance runs. 

His commitment is not just personal; he hopes to engage his fellow fire fighters in physical activity and foster open and candid conversations about mental health. 

“Reaching out for help is crucial,” he said. “In the firehouse, we’re blessed with the ability to sit around the kitchen table and ask for advice, but if that’s not working for you, it’s OK to seek help outside of that.” 

In the firehouse, we’re blessed with the ability to sit around the kitchen table and ask for advice, but if that’s not working for you, it’s OK to seek help outside of that. 

chris rinck, battalion chief, local 2393

Outside of the run on Oct. 19, the campaign invites community members to challenge themselves to complete 52 miles throughout the month of October — whether through walking, running, or hiking. Participants are encouraged to share their journeys on social media to amplify the message. 

In September, the IAFF launched a month-long initiative to honor celebrate National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. Visit the link here to connect to recovery month resources and other IAFF behavioral health programming. 

To support Chris and the Fifty2 End Stigma campaign, visit the link here