VIDEO: First responders are five times more likely to experience depression and PTSD, according to a study by Kaiser Permanente. Researchers said it is due to often being exposed to traumatic events and life-threatening situations.
One Nampa firefighter knows that struggle all too well.
After 20 years of fighting fires in the Treasure Valley, Nampa Fire Department's Sarah DeFur will put on her gear one last time Friday afternoon. She is trading fighting fires for spending more time with her family. “I love being a firefighter and I love getting on that engine, but I like to be home with my kids too,” DeFur said.
Defur began her fire career at age 19 at the Star Fire District.
"They saw a young ambitious 19-year-old and said, ‘come on board we'll teach you all about firefighting’ and I was immediately hooked," DeFur said.