State Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, who sponsored the resolution; Florida CFO and State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis; Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant; and several other dignitaries were in attendance. Officials spoke on the need to support first responders and to remove the stigma from seeking help when signs of mental heath issues arise.
A burden that is carried inside
Perry said emergency services personnel respond to what citizens only read about in the newspapers.”
He said emergency personnel have tried to deal with stress privately and carry it inside.”
The press conference was held at the centerpiece Firefighters Memorial at the training facility, which is located on Northwest Gainesville Road north of Ocala.