Itasca, IL, April 9, 2025 – Darley, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest – Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health Challenges in the Fire Service. Now in its fourth year, this initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.
The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights, fostering a broader understanding and paving the way for effective solutions.”
With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters. The aim is to identify why these challenges not only exist but continue to escalate, especially in the context of rising rates of PTSD, divorce, and suicide within the fire service community.
How to Participate:
- Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer
- Essay Requirements: Submit a three- to four-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
- Submission Period: March 24 – June 2.
“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’ masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly and contribute to a crucial dialogue that can lead to real and lasting change.”
Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented.
For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit darley.com/essay-contest.
About Darley: You serve others. We serve you. Darley provides the highest quality pump, technology, and equipment solutions for first responders around the world. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a complete line of unmanned systems, immersive training technology, equipment and pumps. Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was created by Congress in 1992 to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters, assist their families, and support programs that improve firefighter safety and prevent line-of-duty deaths. For more information, visit www.firehero.org.
