Berkshire Volunteer Fire Department

See these? Do you know what they are and what they represent? They are the shoes of volunteer firefighters.... They are the comfortable shoes, worn at home, running errands, taking the dog out, raking the leaves. They were shed without hesitation to don heavy uncomfortable boots and bunker gear designed to offer at least some protection from fire, broken glass, and jagged metal. Clothing whose sole purpose is to protect..... those who protect you. Local guys. They work in the oil patch, the local ag supplier, trucking company, phone company or area farms. Some are even retired but just not smart enough to stay that way. They leave their wives, children, parents or whomever to come to complete strangers aid. 12 noon, 3pm, 2 am, it makes no difference. And their families want little more than to see them put their shoes back on at the end of the call. There are no words to describe the task of picking up that pair of shoes after a call, knowing the man or woman who put them there will not be returning to do it themselves. Pay attention. Get off the fricking phone. Move over. Help them put their shoes back on

More firefighters die from suicide than in the line of duty. The problem is real. Behavioral Health is an important issue in emergency services. Come and hear from folks who have been there.

Berkshire Fire would like to thank the organizers of the Salute to Healthcare workers event today. It was a privilege to be in to be able to show our thanks to all our local healthcare workers for all that they do!