Local firefighters went to the coast after Hurricane Florence, helped in the search for missing six year old Maddox Ritch, as well as face daily stress and anxiety from the job. This stress and potential to see death and destruction can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so the Charlotte Fire Department put together a Health and Wellness group. Battalion Chiefs down to rookies can discuss the issues with each other and decide what kind of help they need.
CFS also has contracted third party facilities to offer therapy and medication if needed.
Charlotte Fir Chief Reginald Johnson said "A lot of our members, not only here in Charlotte, but in the fire service in general, see a lot of things that you wouldn't want anyone else to see and those memories can stick with you."