11 Arizona first responders have taken their own lives this year

PHOENIX — Between sleep deprivation and post traumatic stress disorder, Arizona first responders are hurting.

The state has lost 11 public safety members to suicide in the first 11 months of the year, according to President and CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona Angela Harrolle.

“Often it is a result of their actions in the public safety world, whether they are a firefighter or police officer they see things you and I don’t ever want to see,” Harrolle told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

The 100 Club of Arizona aims to provide any type of support needed by beneficiary families of first responders, whether their injury or death is line of duty of not.

The 100 Club of Arizona has also announced it is launching apps specific to police and fire departments mental health needs across the state.

“There is definitely a stigma,” Harrolle said. “On the outside they’re expected to have shiny boots and badges — but we don’t know what’s happening behind that badge.

“It’s going to take changing a culture.”

The University of Arizona College of Medicine conducted a study in 2018 that showed Arizona emergency medical technicians’ risk for suicide is 39% higher than the general public.

“What’s really alarming is the number of line of duty deaths pale in comparison to the amount and number of non-line of duty suicides here in Arizona.”

On Thursday 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station will hold its annual fundraiser benefitting the 100 Club of Arizona, Holiday Heroes. Text 100 Club to 620620.

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