Augusta Fire Department Adopts Mental Health Plan After Three Firefighter Suicides

Three firefighters took their own lives in 2025. The Augusta Fire Department responded by weaving mental health support into its three-year plan. Commissioners gave their approval in March, weeks after the Public Safety Committee heard the proposal.

Fire Chief Antonio Burden outlined what the department has done. Staff finished training to become certified peer supporters. A Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Program now exists.

"The mental health and well-being of our personnel remain a top priority for the department," Burden said, per WRDW.

The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance has tracked over 2,300 firefighter suicides since 2010, but that figure tells only part of the story. About 100 firefighters die by suicide each year.

First responders used to have few ways to deal with what they saw. Valor Station in Augusta now partners with the department to help first responders heal from trauma. This facility opened last year and has served first responders across six states.

"The goal is that everybody in public safety, at least here in Augusta, has access to mental health support, whether it's, you know, just routine outpatient counseling, or, you know, to get them taken care of after a critical incident," said Kristy Ledford, clinical director at Valor Station.

Burden explained that the agency is creating a referral pathway. Personnel will be able to access specialized trauma and PTSD programs once the partnership becomes official.

Late in 2025, the department held a Fire Safety Stand-Down centered on mental health. These sessions will happen on a regular basis moving forward. Plans involve partnering with Augusta University for clinical wellness training, plus growing a therapy dog program.