Bullying Probed in Va. Firefighter's Suicide

Last week was a tragic one for the nation’s fire service.

Two firefighters died while performing their jobs, while five others took their lives.

The suicide of Fairfax County, Va. Firefighter/Paramedic Nicole Mittendorff has thrust the issue into the spotlight.

Even before Mittendorff’s body was found in a remote section of Shenandoah National Park, there was discussion that cyber-bullying may have been a factor.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers says he has zero tolerance for bullying of any nature, and has promised an investigation.

Many raunchy posts about Mittendorff and other women firefighters were posted on a website by people using bogus names.

Bowers said last week he was aware of the forum and the derogatory statements.

“I assure you that my department cannot and will not tolerate bullying of any kind….We will thoroughly investigate this matter and take any appropriate actions needed,” he said.

Bullying in the ranks

“There’s bullying everywhere, and it’s not just aimed at women. Males also are harassed,” said Jeff Dill, a retired fire captain who established the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance.

Picking on colleagues, whether it’s virtual or in person, is unfortunately part of the fire service culture. And, there are no quick fixes.

“If someone sees a person being harassed, they usually jump on the band wagon. They see it as a way to deflect bullying away from them,” Dill said. “There are thousands of firefighters suffering…”

Bullying begins in the fire academy, and some cadets never live long enough to fulfill their dream of becoming firefighters.

“Why are we treating them so poorly? I don’t buy it that they’re being tested to determine if they will stand up and be there for us in difficult times,” the retired firefighter said, adding that some can’t handle the constant abuse. "Please tell me why it's condoned. These people are supposed to be part of the team..."

“There are a number of probationary and fire cadet suicides every year,” Dill said, adding that not all deaths are reported as such.

As he travels around the country, he tries to get firefighters to not only look for tell tale signs in others, but to know when it’s time for them to make the call for help.

“It’s an internal size-up.”

Responders, by nature, are accustomed to handling issues. And, unfortunately, some try to do it on their own.

There’s a stigma associated with seeking assistance, but making that connection could very well be a lifeline.

It’s vital, he said, that the person answering that call for help understand the challenges responders face.

As for the Virginia incident, Dill says Chief Bowers is in a tough spot.

“Everyone is watching him. He’s in an incredibly difficult position. People will judging…”

Statistics

While the number of suicides of responders is on the rise, it’s difficult to know just how many die by their own hand.

“I’d say we only get 50 percent. People just don’t always report them as suicide…”

Right now, his records show 38 firefighters have taken their lives this year, compared to 116 in 2015 and 110 in 2014.

iWomen statement

 The International Association of Women in the Fire and Emergency Services issued a statement about Mittendorff’s death.

 “…Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and fellow firefighters in Fairfax County, Virginia during this difficult time.  Nicole’s death adds to the rapidly climbing number of suicides in the fire service. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and fellow firefighters in Fairfax County, Virginia during this difficult time.  Nicole’s death adds to the rapidly climbing number of suicides in the fire service…Behavioral health struggles in the fire service are often overlooked, but it affects every EMS and fire department in one form or another.”