September 26, 2025
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Bulletin
Although September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, every month is a time to shine a light on an issue that profoundly affects our fire service family. Across the nation, suicide has become a leading cause of death among first responders. The work we do is demanding, with long shifts, exposure to trauma, and the unrelenting responsibility of protecting others. These realities take a toll, often in silence. Firefighting is a calling, and it’s also a career that asks a lot of our minds, bodies, families, and crews. This month, we’re reminding every member: you are not alone, help is real, and simple actions from peers save lives.
What You Can Do for a Fellow Firefighter (5 Practical Steps)
If you’re worried about a teammate, use these simple, proven steps:
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Be there (listen, no judgment).
- Help keep them safe (reduce immediate risks, don’t leave them alone if danger is imminent).
- Help them connect (peer support, clinician, 988).
- Follow up (check back within 24–48 hours).
Do: listen, reflect their feelings, offer to call or text 988 together, and stay with them if the risk is high.
Don’t: minimize (“you’re fine”), argue about reasons to live, promise secrecy, or leave them alone if you’re worried.
Evidence shows that asking directly does not increase risk and can be lifesaving.
If You Are Struggling
- Talk with a trusted peer, clinician, chaplain, or family member.
- Call or text 988 (24/7). You can ask for support specific to first responders and get local connections.
- If you’re a Veteran or service member, dial 988, then Press 1 or text 838255.
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
This month, and every month, remember: Your life matters. The fire service is a brotherhood and sisterhood; we do not leave anyone behind. Let’s watch out for each other the same way we do on the fireground: size-up, communicate, act. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier LAFD family.
Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7, confidential). Counselors can also coach you on how to support a peer.
- Veterans Crisis Line — dial 988, then Press 1, or text 838255 (for Veterans, service members, and families).
- FBHA (Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance) — prevention training, self-screening tools, and confidential suicide reporting to improve fire-service-specific prevention.
- NFFF / First Responder Center for Excellence — national initiatives and education on firefighter mental wellness and suicide prevention.
- SAMHSA — public guidance for recognizing and responding to suicide risk; targeted
United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112
Dr. Hugo Catalan Jr.
Director of Behavioral Health Services
(213) 544-5890
Tice Merriweather
Chemical and Behavioral Addictions Manager
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 317-1086
Vera Rodriguez
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 238-3609
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
PsyD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 544-6100
Tiffany Zamora
Administrative Assistant
(213) 414-0071
LAFD Behavioral Health Department
Drs. Julie Snyder and Krystle Madrid
LAFD Department Psychologists
lafd.bhp@lacity.org
(323) 276-7169
Published on September 26, 2025
February 6, 2025
Call to Action: Wellness Cadre
Hello Peer Supporters,
The clinicians at the BHP have created a Wellness Cadre and wanted to extend the invitation to peer supporters before opening it up to the rest of The Department. We here at The Center are excited at the potential of these trainings and believe they can add to our current peer supporters’ knowledge base and skill sets to support our members’ mental health. We appreciate the collaboration with our partners at BHP and hope most of you can take advantage of the wellness cadre.
The need for support is clearer now than ever. The demands of a firefighting career can impact mind, body, spirit, and the lives of our loved ones. As natural problem solvers, you have all done a fantastic job in mobilizing and supporting one another. Given the ongoing stress of the last several weeks, some of you now need help and support, and that demand will undoubtedly increase.
To enhance support efforts and resources, the Behavioral Health Program would like to formalize and create a department-based “Wellness Cadre.” The Wellness Cadre will be composed of members who have a vested interest in supporting the wellness needs throughout the department. Members of the Wellness Cadre will be “Wellness EMTs,” offering more immediate support, care, and resource connection to our members. As peer support members, your involvement will ensure wellness is top of mind across the department.
Additional specialized training on stress management, trauma, suicide prevention and intervention, self-care, moral stress and moral injury, anger management, family support, substance use, as well as crisis intervention skills will be taught as part of the Wellness Cadre training.
If interested, please click on this link or scan the QR code below to apply. If you have further questions, please contact BHP at lafd.bhp@lacity.org
Clinical Staff
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Hugo Catalan Jr.
Vera Rodriguez
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
Tice Merriweather
Tiffany Zamora
Published on February 10, 2025
January 16, 2025
Dear UFLAC Member,
As the fires in Los Angeles continue to rage, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary challenges you are facing. These unprecedented conditions have required unwavering strength, relentless determination, and tireless effort—qualities you exemplify as you stand on the frontlines, protecting lives, homes, and our community.
We understand the toll this demanding work can take on your physical and mental well-being. Please know that you are not alone. UFLAC’s Center for Health and Wellness is here to support you and your families during these difficult times. We are ready to assist whether you need someone to talk to, guidance on managing stress, or resources to help you navigate what to do next.
Burnout is a common and understandable response to prolonged stress, and being aware of the signs is essential. Recognizing these early can help you seek support and develop coping strategies before burnout worsens. Some common signs of burnout include:
- Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, and muscle tension.
- Emotional Symptoms: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, emotionally drained, or detached.
- Behavioral Changes: Difficulty staying motivated, withdrawing from family and friends, or increased reliance on alcohol or other substances.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or a sense of hopelessness and cynicism.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or feelings of burnout, it’s important to know that help is available. Our team is here to listen, provide guidance, and support you through these challenges. Talking to someone and addressing burnout early can help prevent long-term mental health impacts and improve overall well-being.
Our team of clinicians is dedicated to offering a safe space for you to share your experiences and access the care you need. We also want to remind you that caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical well-being.
At the bottom of this bulletin, you’ll find a list of available resources. In addition, if you know of individuals outside of LAFD who have been affected by the fires and are in need of mental health treatment, we can provide referrals to clinicians offering pro bono therapy for those impacted by this disaster. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you or someone you know needs help.
In this challenging period, we stand with you—now and always. Thank you for your heroic efforts, bravery, and commitment to our community.
Stay safe and remember that our doors are always open for you and your loved ones.
With respect and gratitude,
The UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness Team
Contact Information
Hugo Catalan Jr., AMFT, 133892, CATC IV
Behavioral Health Director
Cell: (213) 544-5890
eMail: hcatalan@uflac.org
Vera Rodriguez, LMFT, #134497
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: (213) 238-3609
eMail: vrodriguez@uflac.org
Dr. Melissa Ryan O’Keefe, PsyD, LMFT #130927
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: (213) 544-6100
eMail: mokeefe@uflac.org
Tice Merriweather
Chemical and Behavioral Addictions Manager
Cell: (213) 317-1086
eMail: tmerriweather@uflac.org
Tiffany Zamora
Administrative Assistant
Cell: tzamora@uflac.org
eMail: (213) 414-0071
Resources and Referrals
- Peer Support Team- Peer Support Roster – United Firefighters of LAuflachttps://uflac.org › peer-support-old › peer-support-roster
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Phone: 988
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) Help Line- Phone: 1-800-854-7771 (available 24/7)
- Pro Bono Mental Health Services
- Clinicians offering pro bono therapy for individuals affected by the fires. If you know someone outside LAFD who needs help, contact UFLAC’s Center for Health and Wellness for referrals.
- For free Mental health services Jan and Feb. for people who have lost their homes, they can contact Hillside Wellness Center in Sherman Oaks at (424)261-9444
Clinical Staff
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Hugo Catalan Jr.
Vera Rodriguez
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
Tice Merriweather
Tiffany Zamora
Published on January 16, 2025