September 15 marks three years since retired Covington Fire Department Assistant Chief Alan "Chip" Terry was lost to suicide.
Since then, recognition and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a priority for the local firefighting community. An annual symposium focusing on PTSD for first responders and the Chip Terry Fund for First Responders were initiated to assist local firefighters, fifteen of whom have received treatment.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted live events, this local effort moves forward even though the fundraising activities and community seminar had to be canceled. The Covington Fire Department, Covington Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 38, and Terry's wife, Jo Terry, are instead promoting a Stand Down for PTSD Awareness event through September 17.
Each shift will gather for a trauma/PTSD educational class including a discussion about resources.