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💚Mental Health Awareness Month💚

June is , a time to recognize the importance of mental wellness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

Firefighters routinely respond to traumatic incidents, medical emergencies, serious injuries, and loss of life. While our members are trained to handle these situations professionally, the emotional effects can accumulate over time. Stress, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress can impact firefighters at every stage of their careers.

Studies have shown that approximately 30% of firefighters and paramedics experience symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their careers. In addition, national fire service organizations report that firefighters are more likely to die by su***de than in the line of duty, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing behavioral health concerns.

At the Boles Fire Protection District, we encourage our members to look after one another, speak openly about mental health, and seek help when needed. Just as we train to protect our community, we must also take care of ourselves and our fellow firefighters.

Mental health is health. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Boles Professional Firefighters Local 2665 IAFF Center of Excellence Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri International Association of Fire Fighters IAFF 2nd District IAFF Local 2665 7th District Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance First Responder Center for Excellence Break The Stigma Inc.

On this day, May 28,1966 Saturday, the threatened resignation of 1,016 firemen was averted when St. Louis officials agreed to present a new pay plan to the Civil Service Commission within 30 days. The decision was announced only an hour before virtually the city’s entire fire-fighting force was scheduled to resign because of the commissions rejection of their pay increase demands.

Want to wish all of you a happy and safe Memorial Day Holiday. Please remember those that gave their lives to keep our great States free, they are the reason we get to celebrate this Holiday with our family and friends.

Please take a moment today to remember our fallen brother. Keep his family and friends in your prayers. Rest easy brother, God Bless

Take a moment to remember our fallen brother. God Bless him and his family.

Happy Easter to all, hope you all get time to enjoy your family.

Honored to have received this helmet from a dear friend after his passing. Helmet was his grandpas, Carl Merz who served from 1943-1975. Capt. Merz took a leave in 1943 to serve in WW2 then came back to the fire department and promoted to Captain in 1955.

Please take a moment today to remember our fallen brother.

On this day in 1962, one of the largest fires in St. Louis City history started at the Ralston Purina plant. While fighting this fire, Fire Captain Roy Simpson suffered a heart attack and passed awhile.