VIDEO: The CDC says rates of suicide for first responders are higher than the average citizen. A big reason is they run toward danger – not away from it. “It’s not just an isolated moment in time where, you know, you may see a dead body on the side of the road. You are dealing with a family and their pains and struggles as well. And that takes a toll on people,” said Paul Dondorfer, Vice President of the Rochester Locust Club.
Dondorfer has worked for over two decades as an officer. He’s seen a lot. His first year serving was as a New York City officer during 9/11.
“There was a lot of things that, you know, we saw that the human body just doesn’t comprehend the human mind, doesn’t comprehend these things,” Dondorfer said.