Tell us your PTSD Story

Doug S. - Executive Director

I spent 25 years in the California Fire Service. I worked for a few agencies, also volunteered my time while off duty. I started at the biggest department in the state and ended at one of the smallest. The agencies I worked for, are considered all risk departments. I have worked on most equipment involved in firefighting, from a helicopter to an ambulance. My experience ranges from some of the largest and most destructive fires in history, to running medical aids, all night. I have worked in the position of IC, down to sitting in stagging and getting canceled. 

For the other duties I performed while not running calls. I managed the billing for incidents, running a station, supervision, and company inspections. My highest rank in the fire service I have held is Captain. My career since my first diagnosis with PTSD in 2004, has had its ups and downs. The incidents and trauma that led to the original diagnosis never stopped. In most opinions it only got worse. Incidents have gone from bad to holy shit. Fires are worse, more people are dying, and more homes are being lost.

After 15 more years of this and no signs of it getting better, I tapped out. In the last few years, major fires in my community, with people I know dying. Then the death of a member of the fire service. That really hit home for me. I went to the IAFF Center of Excellence and spent sixty of the best days I have had. I spent time with people like me, with doctors that get what we do. I will say it saved my life.