Last year, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty.
Still, many are living in our country and in Louisville that struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It comes with fighting fires and seeing horrific, traumatizing scenarios.
"The first responders, the people that are the helpers, it's hard for us to ask for help because we're the ones that are supposed to be taking care of others," said Brian O'Neill, president of Louisville Professional Firefighters. "Sometimes you forget to take care of yourself."
Tuesday, O'Neill was among dozens of Louisville firefighters gathered at a memorial ceremony with bagpipes and a wreath honoring fallen firefighters as part of Fire Prevention Week.
City leaders and fire chiefs from multiple departments spoke about fallen brothers and sisters, and PTSD.