In response to the article “Beyond the breaking point,” The Leader, March 19.
Having served as a paid on-call Surrey firefighter for more than 28 years, I can relate to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Unfortunately, the critical stress division program was not available to our group.
I, along with some of my firefighter cohorts, were exposed to disaster and trauma. We just endured it and tried to shake it off – and so life went on.
Someone would say “you could have walked away as there was no obligation.”
My answer? It was for the good of the community and fellow citizens.
Besides this commitment, I had to deal with work other than the Surrey fire department.
This pressure I endured from time to time definitely had an effect on my personality – miserable, short-tempered,etc.
It may have a been a contributing factor to two failed marriages, not to mention dealing with my handicapped child.
I am glad that the powers that be are realizing the nature of this problem in order to find a solution.
Peter J. Walters, Surrey