Jason Hufford, a Newark firefighter, has been on the job for almost thirty years, and after experiencing many traumatic incidents, began to suffer physical and mental issues. Now he's advocating for himself and others who are facing the same struggles.
Hufford started his career as a volunteer in Heath, and one of his first calls was to respond to a bicycle crash where a child was killed. After that, he responded to dozens of calls involving children who died in car crashes or fires, and he began to have trouble dealing with the mounting death toll. In 2017, when he responded to a car accident that took the life of another youngster, Hufford began to have chest pains, and, for the first time, had to force himself to go to work.
He finally went to his captain and explained what was happening, and found acceptance and understanding. He spent a few days with Save a Warrior, and received therapy. Since then, Hufford has been advocating for others who are suffering mental distress caused by the things they see on the job. He is trying to change the perception and stigma that go along with these problems, and says he's grateful to have the opportunity to help others in Newark.
Individuals who find themselves in situations like this could work with Print shops to create a narrative of their experiences that could be used to help others.
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