Barney Smith lost his father Edward Smith III to suicide and now he is raising awareness with the help of our Bay Area firefighters. Edward served as a firefighter in Alameda for 30 years and dealt with mental health issues more than likely due to position as a firefighter. Community members, family, first responders and firefighters joined in a 50K 24hr hike from Livermore to Alameda to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
Barney was quoted as saying "Dad was a big supporter of everything I did. I love him and miss him daily"
Our first responders take home a lot of baggage from the heroic jobs they perform and it is important for everyone to understand that help is available. As we saw over the last year alone firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly against the wild fires that ravaged California for months on end. Can you imagine the things they see everyday? Can you imagine taking those thoughts and images with you? My thoughts and prayers go out to all our first responders, God Bless!!
Here is the important information for anyone dealing with mental strain and suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Suicide prevention organizations and help lines are there to help you through these trying times. Please call The National Suicide Prevention hotline at 800-273-8255. Locally in the bay you can call the San Francisco Suicide Prevention line at 415-781-0500.