PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Michigan Signs Fire Chiefs is receiving $25,000 dollars to promote emotional wellness for first responders, as presented at Plainfield Charter Township's Fire Department
“The Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, along with many other first responder organizations recognize the alarming rate at which first responders are committing suicide,” President of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs David Glotzbach said.
It's part of a state-wide campaign to raise awareness about mental health called the Yellow Rose Initiative.
“The Yellow Rose initiative that we started is really about recognizing behavioral health, one for first responders, and that it’s frankly okay to have emotional problems with everything we do and see,” Glotzbach said.
As part of that initiative, local departments can receive special funding to promote emotional wellness within their departments. Plainfield Charter Township is one of the first in West Michigan to receive said funding.
‘This issue only becomes more prominent as we face more issues in our world. Recognition and support for first responders and the work they do is one of the best contributions they can provide back to us," Glotzbach said.
