In 2016, Prince George’s County Local 1619 experienced a series of tragic losses, including the passing of fire fighter John “Skillet” Ulmschnider during a routine welfare check, a member’s occupational cancer diagnosis, a retiree’s passing in a car accident and a member suicide.

Rocked by these events, Prince George’s county fire fighters needed additional outlets to cope. One of the first steps toward healing was to build a peer support program to encourage members to open up in ways that lifted the burdens of guilt, shame, and doubt.

Supported by the department’s employee assistance program (EAP), the Prince George’s County peer support program provides camaraderie and a wealth of resources to help members who may be struggling with family, work-life balance, mental health, addiction or overcoming a tough call without fear of repercussions or stigma associated with asking for help.