PTSD and depression rates among firefighters tend to be higher that the civilian population. Kentucky lawmakers have passed a bill to make sure firefighters get help in coping with the stresses of the job. The legislation provided money for both paid and volunteer firefighters to get help from a licensed counselor for firefighting-related mental health issues.
"I tell everybody all the time that I am still fighting that fire," said William Stepp, Chaplain of the Pike County Firefighters Association.
He's referring to a house fire in Pike County, Kentucky in November, 2019. He was the incident commander. A young girl died in the fire. Her body was found in the ashes, and Stepp knew that family.
"Couple weeks before this fire she was sitting in my lap giving me a kiss on the jaw saying I love you Uncle Will. 2-3 weeks later here I am at her house. Reality just...I'm the one uncovering her. I'm the one identifying her for the coroner,' said Stepp.