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Safety Stand Down 2025: How will your department mark the event?

Chief Jason Caughey calls on organizations and individuals alike to prioritize firefighter mental health

In this week’s Chief Chat, Fire Chief Jason Caughey encourages all firefighters to take part in the Firefighter Safety Stand Down, this year focused on the theme “Break the Stigma: Behavioral Health RESET.” Caughey acknowledges the stressors of the profession and emphasizes the need for healthy stress relief methods, such as physical activities and open conversations about mental health. He advocates for creating a supportive environment where firefighters can feel safe to share their challenges. Ultimately, Caughey calls on both organizations and individuals to prioritize mental health to maintain effectiveness and well-being on duty.

Find additional content and training ideas on the Safety Stand Down resource page.

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Chief Jason Caughey is a member of the FireRescue1 Editorial Advisory Board, serving as a senior fire advisor. He has been in the fire service for more than 20 years, serving in many capacities, including state trainer, volunteer firefighter, fire captain and volunteer fire chief. Caughey currently serves as fire chief of the Laramie County Fire Authority (LCFA) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. LCFA is a combination fire department with 100 members, 9 full-time members, 12 resident firefighters and 100 volunteer members protecting 25,000 citizens in Laramie County. Through eight strategically placed stations, the district covers and protects 1,150 square miles ranging from suburban development to rural ranch land. Caughey is committed to service of both the community and members of LCFA through progressive leadership that focuses on service, ownership and unity. Caughey has an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and is currently working on his master’s in public administration. He also achieved his Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy along with the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Connect with Caughey on LinkedIn or via email.