Up to the family but it shouldn't be denied. Mental illness shouldn't be swepped under the rug.

Probably the core issue is the Macho Cult in some public service sectors that makes such an illness out to be something to be ashamed about.

Who's to say that the 'job' wasn't a cause....

As a former catholic I always questioned the ban on 'consecrated' burial of suicide victims.....I recently had a close relative do the deed. It was not a thing I wish to repeat.

How's that?

Are you saying that since no one would be comfortable with walking up to one of (someone's) kids and telling them to their face that their dad was dishonorable . . .that we must go to the other extreme? . ..Special honors? ...reserved honors?

As I understand, the Q was not whether the guy gets ANY honor, but rather the extent of that honor.

Seemed to me that this was a serious question of balance.

One could argue that the whole <strike>nation</strike> WORLD should morn for this -a fallen firefighter- a true hero.... for the kids.
Else, you are just mean-spirited, and the type who would tell morning children that their dad sucked. --that seems to be what's going on here. Strawmen abound. ..and for what?

meh - Freaking groundhog day.

Yeah, and I would rather walk into a fire-house for only 8 days a month than a hospital 20 day/month. What about people who are prison gaurds or cell tower workers?

btw, Firefighters generally live w/in 2 years of the general population - Doc's do not.

Keep in mind, the typical firefighter spend something like 8 24-hr days per month hanging out in a brick building somewhere. IIRC they get to sleep only 8hrs for each 24. --not exactly a high stress job. Sure, maybe one in 1000+ FF's ever save some one by running into a burning building (Vinny likely has the number). Point is, FF's are not saving people in mass heroics as some here apparently romanticize about.


So, if you are all about " honoring bravery in the line of duty," see Home - Wounded Warrior Project

Island....truth in that but yer gonna get a spanking from the cop/FD lovers....

My final comment.....the hiring process is screwed up.

More psych testing and followup on FD hiring as opposed to who you're related to, sex or what color or if you're a vet.

Hire the best candidate.

To begin with, this guy was a volunteer. He didnt get paid to sit around in a brick building 24/7

I can tell you right now, his problem was in no way job related

and BTW, this wasnt started asking anyone to kiss anybodys ass. Just a simple question.

dishonorable and believing your death will solve something is different..

he didn't do anything to dishonor the fire dept..
more than anything..
some members were embarrassed by this....
leave no one behind..walk thru fire for each other..
and all that..
yet he didn't share..
that's were the anger lies with folks left behind..

' he/she could have talked to me'

lost a close friend 2 yrs ago..
few days before all was well..
see you soon she said..
then the call..

Rika