Newsletter April 2015 Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support SM GREETINGS from Lt. Matt Olson, ILFFPS Director Table of Contents Greetings Matt Olson Article 1 Training Complete/ Congratulations ILFFPS Article 2 More Updates to ILFFPS Firefighters helping each other pg. 1 pg. 3 pg. 4 Article 3 What ILFFPS is/ pg. 5 A Team, Network, and Community. Article 4 Reflection on What Peer Support is to Me pg. 6 Article 4 Are FFs Qualified…? A List pg. 7 Dear ILFFPS Team Coordinators, Team Members, Illinois Firefighters and Family Members, ILFFPS has had an active year in a lot of ways! We have trained just over 50 peer supporters from a group of firefighters who reached out to us because they share our passion for firefighter wellness! They see in our group, an opportunity to advance the conversation about mental health both within their place of work and also within the larger fire service community. ILFFPS has been able to connect with a number of firefighters who have reached out to us for assistance. Primarily, the contact has been through the website ilffps.org but also through our phone number, 855-90-support (855-907-8776). Both email or phone contacts are great because they allow us to get the people who reach out to an appropriate peer supporter who is able to connect with them. Article 5 How Leaving Work at Work... pg. 9 Our Team has also been busy in other ways. Article 6 Bridging the Gap This year alone we have just completed our third training at the end of March and have a fourth training at the beginning of May this year. It is clear that this important message is spreading. Article 7 Relationship Between ILFFPS/FPS pg. 10 pg. 11 Side Bar Articles ILFFPS Mission Statement, Recognition and Gratitude, ILFFPS Information, ILFFPS Leadership Team, Lewis University, ILFFPS Significant Other Support, Do you Recommend a Therapist, ILFFPS/FPS Mentorships VISIT OUR WEBSITE Additionally, Sarah Gura and I have been invited to speak with two departments who had suffered losses among their own members. We were able to meet with them and just have a productive conversation. This experience became a good example of peers stepping up to be there for each other. The conversations began within those four walls and then were able to be continued among the members of those departments even after we left. What makes me feel the best is how to see how the firefighters were able to have open minds and accept the possibility of a healing conversation! www.ilffps.org VISIT OUR FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ILFFPS Colleen Murphy and I have also led three groups of firefighter spouses in a guided discussion about of experiences for me as a firefighter and for her as a firefighter spouse. We will be meeting again next month with another fire department to talk with their Page 1 of 11 significant others to keep the conversation going! Brad Carter has coordinated with Dan DeGryse at the Rockford Harrison Campus to provide peer support once a week to the firefighters going through the Florian Addiction Treatment Program. That has become an opportunity that is well received by the group and always seems to be a source of inspiration for the peer supporters! ILFFPS Mission Statement To serve the fire service family by providing trained peer supporters who can give confidential, appropriate, and supportive assistance ILFFPS Vision Statement The Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support Team seeks to participate in the contemporary movement toward holistic wellness in the fire service by allowing peer support to become an integral part of the organization. Value Statements The Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support Team values the concept of Brotherhood in which firefighters have supported one another. This includes understanding that we have a duty to all firefighters equally, and that we are all deserving of genuine support by our peers in a time of need, no matter the need. We have also added two additional individuals to our Leadership Team to allow for growth and additional support so that all of us can continue to serve each other. Champaign Fire Department’s Engineer and Firefighter of the Year Joshua Jessup as the Lead Peer Coordinator and Firefighter Psychological Support Therapist Cody Todd M.A, L.C.P.C., N.C.C. as a Clinical Consultant. Both of them have a vigorous passion for the work we are doing and have been working extremely hard to support our mission. With our growing Team through training and development it will be our ongoing effort this year to reach out to as many fire departments as possible to continue to introduce our program. We would like to help any departments or individuals that may not be aware of us and how we can be here to facilitate positive change. Overall, when we are able to get in front of firefighters and talk to them about who we are and why we are here, it is an idea that is embraced. Firefighters understand how difficult the challenges are that we face are and are open minded to helping each other make it safe. When we are young candidates we learn about physical safety: that fire will burn us, that smoke will suffocate us, and to sound a floor before walking on it so that we do not fall through. ILFFPS wants to teach our firefighters to learn about emotional and mental safety so that you do not get burned, suffocated or fall through. We can make it safe for each other! Respectfully with care, and Lt. Matt Olson VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.ilffps.org VISIT OUR FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ILFFPS Page 2 of 11 In Recognition and Gratitude The Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support Team would like to thank the ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE for hosting our March/April training! Your gracious offering of space allowed us to continue sharing our mission with 23 firefighters who joined a team of dedicated people. Truly, THANK YOU for supporting the ILFFPS team and its mission! Another Firefighter Peer Support Training is Complete! On March 30th, 31st, April 1st –the Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support leadership team and 23 firefighters gathered to complete the third “Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support” training! We spent three days together getting to know the ILFFPS Team and its mission and goals, discussing specific personal and professional firefighter concerns, and practicing firefighter psychological first aid skills. We believe that this class continues to be a very powerful experience for all and an incredible growing opportunity! We look forward to our fourth training in May 2014! Because we are playing catch up with the newsletter we would like to acknowledge ALL of our team members thus far as they are creating and being part of something powerful and a growing resource for firefighters in Illinois! …to the firefighters who have completed the ILFFPS Training Did we say THANK YOU!? And how GRATEFUL we ARE!? Brian Barna Brian Blaauw Craig Bowden Marc Doty John Elashik Robin Gorsline Tim Grutzius Mike Kilburg Mark Klamut Richard McCormick Tammey Morris Tom Rafferty Tom Roate Troy Snider Ron Two Bulls Brad Carter John Antos Jason Boyles Danielle Fary Chad Lovell Mary Robbins Dale Smith Todd Anderson Stuart Blade Chris Coats Rhonda Foster Chris Humer Barry Miller Jimmy Zindars Paul Gardner Tom Howard Jason Dexter Mike Karban Craig Krsek Dave Foreman Jack Berry Mike Bloom Art Zern Pete Dyer Mark Findlay David Griffin John Halgren Kevin Kalbach Bill Leddin Scott Moran Andrew Perry Art Raunch Andy Scott Paula Tomczak Chuck Wehrli Matt Daly Jeff Hall Charles Jeanblanc Kelli Krupa John Sardina Andy Dina Brian Sleigher Dave Ashby James Childers Paul Cundiff Todd Hitt Jon Jenkins Randy Smith Ryan Hanson Kyle Dillon Jim Nichols Daniel DeGryse Kevin Kelly Bob Martin Jim Scharnhorst Joshua Jessup Page 3 of 11 ILLINOIS FIRE FIGHTER PEER SUPPORT INFORMATION We are repeating this information from a past edition of our newsletter. As we continue to grow and serve each other we want you to know what we are and the extent to which we can serve each person who needs us efficiently. We are NOT a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Team CISD providers are specifically trained in providing a debriefing after a critical incident. ILFFPS is not trained in providing this service. Also, ILFFPS is NOT an emergency service. Peer supporters are firefighters (active or retired) who are trained in basic firefighter psychological first aid. They can provide a low level of support –even as simple as “listen and refer” (refer to a service that best suits the needs a firefighter might have). We provide “productive and healing conversations” to help a firefighter in a time of need, no matter the need. We are also here to set an example and to prove to firefighters they are not alone. We ARE a Peer Support Team For the intents and purposes of firefighter peer support teams, peer support is defined as a service provided by an individual or group of trained firefighters who respond to firefighters in need –whether that need be a personal or professional concern. Peer support also seeks to help fire service personnel reduce stress and diminish the negative More Updates to ILFFPS!!! That is three explanation points, to show how we are so pleased to announce that there have been so many new improvements to ILFFPS which will allow us to better serve each other! As we continue to grow, we have spent countless hours discussing and implementing these ideas. We have an enthusiastic and passionate Team that is full of great ideas that we are utilizing to effectively respond to the emergent need. A few things to mention, first our Policy and Standard Operating Procedure Manual has been updated! It includes the latest and greatest with topics like Continuing Education (i.e., how to get them, how to track them, and who to send them too), High Risk Policy with a call tree and extended role descriptions. Additionally, we have added a new Lead Peer Coordinator Joshua Jessup and a new Clinical Consultant Cody Todd M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C. who together with Communications Coordinator Christy Coop have created an improved infrastructure to allow ILFFPS to digitalize and track information in an enhanced way. Peer Coordinator Jason Dexter has been feverishly working on getting all of this information to the website, so check back often for all the updates! ILFFPS has also welcomed two new Peer Coordinators Stuart Blade and Mike Kilburg to facilitate our Supporters. We also are creating an optional form as suggested by our Peer Coordinator Andrew Perry for ILFFPS team members to fill out with areas that they are more interested or comfortable working with. Andrew and the rest of the Leadership Team felt that this could allow us to serve Firefighters in getting them with someone quicker who is the best match. We also have established a Quarterly meeting schedule in April, July, November, and January. Following these mid- meetings, look for the ILFFPS newsletter to follow. Our Team is so grateful for all the help that each and every one of you has given to facilitating ILFFPS into a real, tangible and important facet to our Fire Service Culture! Page 4 of 11 emotional effects of this occupation. Peer support is a helping resource for fire service employees and their families. specifically acknowledges the importance of addressing mental/behavioral health needs for fire service employees and their families. Our goal is to increase the acceptance of this need through the practice of peer support. Peer Support is Totally Voluntary Peer support is only provided to individuals and groups of firefighters who request it. Inperson and/or phone/email contact is scheduled by appointment. Peer support cannot be required, or a mandated service. When a firefighter(s) wants the help –we will provide the support. This makes ILFFPS different from other services that can be mandated through the fire service chain-of-command. Peer Support within Your Department Peer supporters are activated/requested through ilffps.org and/or our contact line 855-90-support (855-9078776). ILFFPS peer supporters may provide peer support within their departments formally or informally as it is requested. However, firefighters may need to talk to someone else who is outside of their department. Firefighters should never think they have to talk to a peer supporter they did not personally choose. Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support is a Team, a Network, and a Community Sarah A. Gura, M.A., L.C.P.C. ILFFPS Clinical Consultant/Trainer FPS Therapist As we finished our first year as an official 501 (c) 3 in the State of Illinois, I have experienced Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support as an idea in the basement of a fire department, a first-time training experience, and an actual service that has helped firefighters. I have had the honor of meeting and working with some of the most incredible people who are dedicated to making it safe for other firefighters to call “MAYDAY for mental health.” Not only do we provide a service, we have created a culture that is becoming a community of support amongst firefighters. In that way alone, I believe we have exceeded our expectations for this team. I love the community that we are creating. I look forward to more firefighters embracing it. I have supervised peer supporters having healing and meaningful conversations in the last year; it is awesome! By the end of May 2015, we will have completed four training events; that is remarkable! Firefighters seem to be enjoying getting together and talking about firefighter behavioral health more than I ever thought would be possible. This is so admirable and inspiring. The peer support team has started to make it safe to share experiences as well as private thoughts and feelings, which has become a connecting force that is so comforting. I think this is such a wonderful and extraordinary accomplishment. When I think about the history of firefighter behavioral health and how many firefighters chose isolation, or alcohol, or unfortunately –suicide, I know that we are creating access to a new community of firefighters who are healing, who are well, and who want to help. We are not re-doing a program or service, but instead we are connecting everyone through understanding and support. I love it, and I am so thankful for it. My love and gratitude is extended to this impressive group of firefighters and paramedics. And, if you would like to join us, please do! Page 5 of 11 ILFFPS LEADERSHIP TEAM Reflection on What Peer Support is To Me Lt. Tim Grutzius Peer Coordinator Matt Olson, ILFFPS Program Director Joshua Jessup, ILFFPS Lead Peer Coordinator Christy Coop, ILFFPS Communications Coordinator Jason Dexter, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for NE/NW regions Tim Grutzius, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for NE/NW regions Brad Carter, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for Cook/SW regions Last week, the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Team (under the guidance of Sarah Gura and Matt Olson) held its third training program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute in Champaign. As a team member, I attended the first day of class and had the honor and privilege of sharing my story with the new group of applicants, and they with me. Listening to a fellow firefighter’s story has always had a profound effect on me and I learn something different, or confirm what I already knew, each time I go through this experience. Before I share my observations I want to tell you a little more about our team. As Program Director Matt Olson put it: “The ILFFPS was the brainchild of Sarah Gura” (a licensed professional clinical counselor) who recognized a population in the State of Illinois that was underserved in the realm of behavioral health, that being firefighters and their families. Through the collaborative efforts of Sarah, Matt, and a core group of dedicated firefighters who were passionate about behavioral health, the ILFFPS was born. The inaugural training was held in April of 2014, and as of this writing the third group of applicants are now team members. This organization is a work in progress, but continues to grow in strength with each passing day. That being said, peer support has a much deeper meaning to me, something I confirmed this past Monday. As each story was laid out on the table (so to speak), I could feel the angst as well as see the tears flow from many of my brother and sister firefighters. Most of the personal pain was the result of bearing witness to the horrors that our profession often heaps upon us. However, many related about hardships and traumas that were inflicted upon them long before they entered the fire service (personal history can have a direct bearing on how one will respond to or act out upon, should a future incident of a similar nature strike an emotional cord). Coupled together, it is no wonder why so many of us suffer from behavioral health issues. As I drove home that day, I reflected on my experience and came to a sudden realization: Those of us that make up the team are bound by a common thread that the concept of peer support, or behavioral health for that matter, was not discussed in the firehouse when we began our careers. I can only speak for myself in saying that I wished it had existed when I was a rookie, as it would have saved me a whole lot of emotional and physical turmoil. If I were a betting man (and I am not), I think most of my fellow team members would echo my sentiments. We all learned the hard way, and that is okay. For it is in these trials and tribulations that we will take our lessons learned and answer the call for help with a sense of confidence and compassion that knows no bounds. It is our fundamental duty as a member of the human race to leave the world a little better off than we found it, and as peer supporters I believe we will do just that. It is for these reasons my friends why I say peer supporters are the ambassadors to behavioral health. Not only for the fire service, but for all humankind as well. Page 6 of 11 Are Firefighters Qualified to Help Each Other? Sarah A. Gura, M.A., L.C.P.C. ILFFPS Clinical Consultant/Trainer FPS Therapist Mike Kilburg, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for Cook/SW Regions Stuart Blade, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for WC/EC Regions Andrew Perry, ILFFPS Peer Coordinator for S regions Colleen Murphy, ILFFPS Significant Other Coordinator Sarah Gura M.A., L.C.P.C., ILFFPS Clinical Consultant Some firefighters have asked me if they can take the Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support (ILFFPS) training, but mentioned a concern that they may not be well enough to be a supporter. Other firefighters have thought that only senior firefighters should be peer supporters. Some outsiders have shared concerns like, What if they don’t say the right things to each other? Similar to graduate programs in the field of psychology, which does attract students who are trying to figure themselves and others out – Illinois Firefighter Peer Support has attracted firefighters who have been and who are hurt. I am sincerely happy and secure about this! I understand people’s fears about behavioral health; and certainly I have shared their thoughts and feelings –we are human. But if we never face our fears, we will not make the progress we so desperately need to make in the fire service. My suggestion is that you do not judge yourself and others so harshly. Any firefighter, from the walking wounded to the healedand-wise are welcome to take the Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support training. In my opinion, right now the fire service needs two important supplements: 1) psycho-education, or learning specifically about firefighter psychology, and 2) peer support, or sharing/relating of experiences so that we make it safe for others to come forward when they need to. Having a class that is mixed with those who need help and who want to help is a beautiful thing! Also, the fire service has to allow behavioral health to start as young as the Fire Academy. We cannot wait until a firefighter is in a leadership position to start talking about firefighter behavioral health. Additionally, when firefighters are helping others, they have the guidance of other peers and clinical consultants –no one has to act alone. We will learn to respond in the most appropriate and effective ways and we will evolve as we gain experience. I view this peer support team as an alive organism. As we grow and develop this network, we are seeing where it is succeeding and where it needs some parenting. This is no problem; eventually it will get out of its infancy, be a rowdy teenager, and eventually a mature adult. The ILFFPS leadership team is well-aware that we Cody Todd M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C. ILFFPS Clinical Consultant Page 7 of 11 Lewis University March 2015 Acknowledgement, Recognition, and Gratitude Below is a list of firefighters who did something incredible! They stood in front of a classroom of psychology students to share their personal experiences since being in the fire service. May we continue to teach and contribute to the academic growth and development of students who may one day effectively help us in a time of need because we took the time to share what was significant and important to us. In recognition of your outstanding service and significant contribution to the Trauma and First Responders Workshop at Lewis University on Saturday, March 21, 2015. B/C John Maggio F/C Dave Griffin Cpt. Dana Buckley Cpt. Heather Moore D/C Mike Veseling FF/PM Jason Dexter B/C Shawn Collins FF/PM Brad Carter are operating from the ground up on this project, with almost no research and with a lot of personal experience. We are being witnessed by the entire fire service as we learn to walk, and I am totally enjoying this process! I hope that this clarifies a few things: 1) all firefighters are welcome, 2) firefighter behavioral health can start immediately upon starting the career, and 3) practice and experience makes better. I am sincerely impressed with this team of firefighters, and I totally believe that the fire service will be too! To each firefighter that has completed the training, Thank you! You are being the change that you wanted to see in the fire service, and I absolutely love it. “A-List” …of Fire Departments who welcomed the “Intro to Firefighter Behavioral Health” presentation into their schedules for their crews and staff. Thank you sincerely for supporting the Firefighter Behavioral Health: Troy (Shorewood), Bolingbrook, Channahon Manhattan, Chicago Heights & Spouses, Mokena, Naperville, Buffalo Grove, Plainfield & Spouses, Oswego, Batavia, Oak Brook, Sycamore, DeKalb, Lombard, Sugar Grove, Lemont & Spouses, Byron, DeKalb, Elgin, Homewood, Westmont, Riverside, McCook, Forest View, Lake Zurich, Oak Lawn, Oregon, Riverdale, Streamwood, Sycamore, Alsip, Aurora Fire Academy, Berwyn, Bristol-Kendall, Kankakee, Cary, East Hazel Crest, Elk Grove, Deerfield, Carle Hospital in Champaign, Orland Park, Addison, Gurnee, McHenry, Aurora, Arson Investigators, Downers Grove, Lombard, Montgomery, Pleasantview, Champaign, Springfield, Dixon, Bloomingdale, Manteno, Broadview, Hillside, Bellwood, and Westchester. UPCOMING: Argonne, Northbrook and New Lenox. If you would like to schedule the “Intro to Firefighter Behavioral Health” presentation, please contact: Sarah A. Gura, M.A., L.C.P.C. at: www.ffbhil.com, www.guracounseling.com sarahgura@gmail.com 815-557-1267 FF/PM Brian Sleigher Sincerely, Sarah A. Gura, M.A., L.C.P.C. Adjunct Instructor at Lewis University Page 8 of 11 Firefighters’ Significant Others’ Support Colleen Murphy Over the last few months, Lt. Matt Olson and I have traveled to Alsip, Champaign, Elgin, and Moraine Valley College to present to spouses and firefighters the missing link between fire life and family. The overall response has been a positive one and with every feedback form the program improves to better fit the needs of our audience. It has been great to hear that firefighters are being better understood by their loved ones resulting in more support for all parties. We are looking forward to more presentations this spring and summer. Word of mouth has helped us reach many firefighter couples. The best part has been to know that creating such awareness about the firefighter career for the families is resulting in a stronger foundation for them to succeed and be safer at work. With any luck this will lead to boosting morale around the stations as well. This domino effect is one we want to continue to spread until support, help, and awareness become the new "norm" and the high suicide rates and marital graveyards are just a thing of the past. How Leaving “Work at Work” might be Effecting you at Home Collen Murphy ILFFPS Significant Others Support Coordinator For many firefighters wearing the invisible scars that come with the uniform do not always come off when the shift is over, the result…leaving your loved ones at home confused. When a married firefighter tries to shelter and says “I don’t want them to know” he can be robbing himself and his partner at home of the opportunity to make life easier off the job. Sharing what goes on at work can lead to more open communication between you and your loved ones. Not discussing work at all creates a wall that can ultimately leave you both standing alone in the end; the very opposite of what you wanted when you married in the first place. Sometimes sharing something as simple as “last night we had a bad accident” could be just enough to let your partner know you need space and it has nothing to do with them. It may also be your way of saying I need to talk. When you open up the doors for communication you knock down the walls of confusion. Your partner will be able to better recognize any changes in your behavior and if they are not able to help, at the very least they will be able to understand you better. Who does not want a partner that gets them? If the approach you have been taking was “I want to protect them from the things I see” I encourage you to try something new and see if it serves you and your family better. Remember, you are not expected to go through this career alone and your family will appreciate your effort to be more open. Your efforts to protect and shelter them by closing them off will inevitably alienate and increase anxiety within the family dynamic. Know your audience’s comfort level in listening to your work experiences ahead of time. If you know your partners are sensitive then you know you can paint a picture without every graphic detail. If your partner works in the ER then you know details are appreciated. If your current circumstances are not serving you both well at home then now is a time to try being more open and trusting your partner to help carry the weight. Both physical and emotional weight is always better handled with two people. Remember we cannot see every injury that walks through the door and as the wife of a firefighter, I can tell you the stories that scare us the most are the ones you do not talk about at all. For more information, email: colleenilffps@gmail.com Page 9 of 11 Do you recommend a therapist? Bridging the Gap Cody C. Todd M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C. ILFFPS Clinical Consultant/Administration/Clinical Support FPS Therapist Take a look at this picture below. I want you to consider what I am trying to show you. Perhaps, it would be easier to see if we take his tie off and add full turnout gear, put boots on his feet and a helmet on his head. Are you getting it yet? Firefighter Psychological Support (FPS) is a comprehensive fellowship program for licensed therapists that will prepare them to provide appropriate and effective psychological support services to firefighters and their families. Therapists will complete a 40 hour training course, 40 hours of ride-time (scheduled after the initial classroom time), and 40 hours of supervised clinicals with firefighters and/or their family members. If you believe a therapist may be interested and a good match for FPS, please contact: Sarah Gura, FPS Director and Therapist at sarahgura@gmail.com Or, 815-557-1267. Metaphorically, on one side of the ravine is your place of comfort and the Fire Service culture you were raised in. The other side is taking a stand to help your fellow Firefighter or ask for help yourself. I see bridging the gap as reaching out to talk to someone you can see suffering or you reaching out when you are. ILFFPS was created from the idea that Firefighters need and can take care of EACH OTHER. Mental health is NOT something that you take lightly when you are feeling good, why is the same when you are feeling bad? Thank you to the Illinois Fire Chiefs’ Educational and Research Foundation. With the help of 3 grants we have written the curriculum, had it copyrighted, and the logo trademarked You do not have to look down into the ravine and see sharks swimming, but rather that dip is the peaks on top of a heart and rather you are standing on a solid foundation of love. I know, gushy, but even within machismo there can be room for it. Whether you are aware of it or not, you live together, work together, trust each other and most likely spend more time together than anyone else in your life. Why not support those with whom you work with? Those whom you run into burning buildings with or maneuver a stretcher down the stairs with? A large part of being a Firefighter is being with civilians at their worst. You see people suffering, losing parts of their lives, or things changing for these people when they least expect it. As honorable and heroic as your job is, you are still allowed to be a person too. And people can get hurt, but they can also get better. Just as you would comfort a loved one, or a civilian, you can comfort each other. Do not be afraid to bridge the gap and take care of your own. Page 10 of 11 Relationship Between FPS and ILFFPS Illinois Fire Fighter Peer Support Thank you for your mentorship of the FPS Therapists and Candidates! These Firefighter Peer Supporters and FPS Candidates are committed to working together to best support the work we are all doing! Lt. Matt Olson Sarah A. Gura, M.A., L.C.P.C. FF/PM Brad Carter Cody Todd, M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C. Cody C. Todd M.A., L.C.P.C., N.C.C. ILFFPS Clinical Consultant/Administration/Clinical Support FPS Therapist As stated throughout both the ILFFPS and FPS newsletters’ we are all working tirelessly in creating a grassroots movement here in Illinois to take care of the men and women of the Fire Service. Although we have not had newsletters out since last year, we have been training more and more ILFFPS Peer Supporters and FPS Therapists. Look for the ILFFPS newsletter and FPS newsletters’ to come out one after the other starting now and into the future. The reason they will be after one another is the updated Quarterly meeting schedule for the ILFFPS will be mid-month April, July, October and January. Look for meeting minutes to be posted to the website www.ILFFPS.org. From each of us involved with either ILFFPS, FPS or BOTH- we all end our correspondences to each other with “take good care” “as always take care” or “take care out there.” That CARE starts and ends our days and is our motivation in continuing to work. -So as always take good care out there, Lt. Chuck Wehrli, Retired Jada Hudson, M.S., L.C.P.C. Lt. Brian Barna Sandy Carlson, Ed.D., L.C.P.C. -ILFFPS & FPS Lt. Andy Scott Olivia O’Hare, L.S.W., L.C.S.W. Lt. Tim Grutzius Bethany Juby, M.A. Page 11 of 11