CBS Fire Department continuing mental health care

Members of the Conception Bay South Fire Department (CBSFD) will participate in Wounded Warriors Canada’s (WWC) newest training program for professionals who have been exposed to trauma.

The STRENGTH Warrior program is designed to prevent burnout, manage trauma-related stress, and enhance emotional well-being among frontline workers. The program helps participants to take advantage of evidence-based training at their own pace.

Under Chief John Heffernan, the CBS department has been a leader in the country when it comes to helping firefighters deal with trauma and care for their mental health.

The department’s partnership with WWC began in 2018. As the first fire department in Atlantic Canada to collaborate with the national charity, the Town of Conception Bay South has consistently demonstrated its dedication to supporting the well-being and resilience of its firefighters, Chief Heffernan noted. The CBS department is also the first fire department in Canada to rollout the STRENGTH Warrior Program to its entire membership.

“We ask a lot of our firefighters on a daily basis as they work in situations that test their physical, emotional, and mental health,” said Chief Heffernan. “With the increasing prevalence of operational stress injuries in the fire service, we are continually looking for ways to best support our members. Our partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada presents an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal. We will continue to work to break down barriers to accessing culturally specific mental health training while reducing stigma.”