It’s terrible to hear this news, compounding the pain that continues to be felt across the community of West, Texas, and by everyone else affected in this tragic event.
We know that drug and alcohol use is an issue that our entire society is constantly working to address. We also know that members of the fire and emergency services are, despite their commitment and devotion to duty, at base just “ordinary” people who are often called to do extraordinary things.
I wonder if we all know someone in our service who has been able to do the job in a condition we can probably agree is not ideal. We’ve all seen the stories and reports of firefighters, and others, involved in both on- and off-duty injuries or fatalities where drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor.
Of all people, we know the perils of trying to do things where a high degree of attention and cognitive function is needed, when you’re at less than peak mental and physical condition.
Perhaps, in addition to the other lessons we’ll identify (and hopefully learn) from the sacrifices of our brothers in West, Texas, we can take this opportunity to have a real discussion about drugs and alcohol in our fire departments.
Stay safe.
