The Surrey Firefighters local 1271 hosted the 2nd annual Break the Ice hockey tournament on friday October 21, at the Fleetwood Recreation Centre, aimed at increasing mental health awareness and removing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Many first responders are subjected to traumatic, stressful and disturbing events. The cumulative effect of these often extremely unsettling calls can lead to emotional fatigue and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Through the tournament the firefighters and other first responders are hoping to raise awareness about educational resources, coping skills and self-detection for family members, employers and health care professionals.
“As first responders we need to acknowledge that to serve and protect means to do that not just for the citizens we protect but for each other,” said Mike McNamara, President of the Surrey Firefighters Charitable Society.