Steve Campana, Firefighter/Paramedic, Ret., Hanley Center’s First Responder Liaison
Brothers and sisters of Hanley,
It’s September 10th, the day is coming to an end, my evening routine is just about complete, there’s just one thing left to do, set all six alarms on my phone.
September 11th, 2001, I was assigned to Station 37 in Lantana on the Rescue. The day started off pretty normal, but it didn’t stay that way.
It’s hard to describe the rollercoaster of emotions that started just before 9 AM. Fear, disgust, and anger were just a few. Pain was at the top of the list. I felt pain and sorrow for the families of the 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 13 EMS workers families that lost their fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, aunts or uncles, nieces or nephews. Not to mention the nearly 3,000 civilian families that lost their loved ones, too.
Every day, first responders leave their homes to do what they love; for some, it’s what they are called to do. We often don’t express the feelings we have when we walk out the door; we just know we have been blessed to be able to do things that others may not be able to do.
Some of those things are extraordinary, some of those things no one should ever see. Unfortunately, we cannot unsee them.
They are forever embedded in our brains; some say into every fiber of our bodies. A simple sound, smell, or song can bring it all back. For some, it incapacitates, but for most, we stuff it back down and try to move forward, not knowing what damage has been done. We look for things to distract us, to take away the pain, to just try and get some sleep.
You know my story. It’s the story of too many first responders. Thankfully, mine is not the story of the HUNDREDS of first responders who just can’t take the pain anymore and feel like this world would be a better place without them. Thankfully, I was able to find healing.
You also know I’m committed to my brethren to spread the word there IS a better way of life.
A life without drugs and alcohol, a life to live that can be happy, joyous, and free, and free of the mental anguish. There is help.
I’m proud of what Hanley has done for first responders and veterans for the last 40 years. I’m more excited about the future and what we are building. A place for first responders and veterans to heal and learn how to live, giving them the deserved respect, tools, guidance, and love so they can return to life whole again.
So, on September 11th, remember the Fallen, the Fallen from that day, and all those who have died trying to find them. Remember to thank a first responder and vet for what they do. Remember to never ask, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever seen?” None of us want to remember what that is.
And most of all, treat each other like we did on September 12th.
Hanley Center has been helping people all over the country achieve wellness for more than 40 years. In addition to providing age- and gender-specific treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, Hanley offers a Patriots Program for first responders and veterans and a boutique residential mental health program for adults. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
