Local peer support crews added to the frontline of firefighting and response efforts
MONTECITO, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs are as committed to the wellness of their frontline responders as they are to every call for service, saying that they go hand in hand.
A relatively new team of peer support firefighters have been trained to respond to the needs of first responders who have dealt with serious calls and traumatic incidents.
Chief Kevin Taylor with the Montecito Fire Department says the counseling is available in a confidential way on multiple levels.
"It's a safe spot for our staff knowing it helps them feel comfortable doing it without any repercussions. In addition, to be physically healthy they need to be mental and spiritually healthy and that is very important for them to have longevity in the position," said Taylor.