May 4 is International Firefighters Day, so CMHA North Bay and District is pleased to join others around the world in celebrating these brave individuals who serve the public in emergency situations.
International Firefighters Day encourages communities to remember past firefighters who have died while serving or dedicated their lives to protecting the public. Likewise, this day provides an opportunity to show support and appreciation to the firefighters who continue to serve.
According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, there are more than 30,000 firefighters in Ontario, including more than 18,000 firefighters who work as volunteers. All of these individuals dedicate their time and risk their safety to the protection of life and property in their communities.
Provincially, CMHA Ontario leads the mental health program Resilient Minds, an evidence-informed, peer-to-peer, skill-building program designed by and for career and volunteer firefighters across Canada to develop strategies to mitigate and better manage occupational stress and enhance personal resilience, resulting in informed and healthier teams.
Please join CMHA in celebrating the bravery, resilience and dedication of our local firefighters!