When St. Petersburg Fire Rescue responded to a call about a self-inflicted gunshot suicide Tuesday evening, the emergency crew discovered the victim was one of their own.
"We're seeing a real spike in suicides," James Large, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief, said.
More first responders died by suicide last year than in the line of duty.
Chief Large admits his department is hurting right now.
The St. Petersburg Police Department identified the firefighter as Todd Rosenberger.
First responders, he notes, see the worst of the worst.
"There are crews that had to respond to deal with the event, so we've had to help them along," Division Chief Richard Ganci explained.
In Hillsborough County, the sheriff's office is dealing with the second murder suicide involving a deputy in three months.
"Why is this occurring? I wish I knew," Sheriff Chad Chronister stated at a press conference.
Constant exposure to death and tragedy takes a toll.