First Responders

How did you initially react to being singled out in the photo of him holding the body of Baylee Almon?

Unveiling the Emotional Toll of being Singled Out in Iconic Photo

How did you initially react to being singled out in the photo of him? The person holding the body of Bailey, almond. You know, at first, I was just overwhelmed with all the attention, it was garnering. But you know, at first, when I first saw, the photo the next morning, my first thought, went to the parents of that child, whether they even knew the fate of their child. And here, this photo is being, you know, splashed all over the over the world as time went on it irrational. Guilt was one of my big struggles and I had to rush irrational guilt, because Aaron, which is Bailey's mother, you know, she was Not allowed to grieve privately because of that photo. I was the last one to hold her. Child me and Aaron were great friends today that's helped ease some of that irrational guilt but that was a lot of the emotion I took on was number. First of all I was concerned about this family, seeing this photo and a mother recognized her child, you know, because not everybody had been found or identified at that point. And then the irrational guilt, like I said, it took over for because of the photo, which I had nothing to do with not responsible. before you think that, but just the fact that that photo was out there and all that, it put Aaron Bailey's mom and all her family through,

I initially reacted with overwhelming attention and irrational guilt when I saw the photo of me holding Bailey's body. My first thought went to Bailey's parents and whether they knew their child's fate. I had to fight off the irrational guilt because Aaron, Bailey's mother, was not allowed to grieve privately because of that photo. I was concerned about her family seeing it and a mother recognizing her child.

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Initially, I was overwhelmed by the attention that came with being singled out in the photo of me holding the body of Baylee Almon. However, my first thought was for the parents of Baylee and whether they were aware of their child's fate. Seeing the photo being spread worldwide, I couldn't help but feel a sense of irrational guilt. This guilt stemmed from the fact that Baylee's mother, Aaron, was unable to grieve privately due to the widespread circulation of the photo.

Over time, my friendship with Aaron has helped alleviate some of that irrational guilt. It was important to me that the family didn't have to see such a heartbreaking image, especially considering that not all victims had been identified at that point. I want to emphasize that I had no responsibility for the photo, but its impact on Aaron and her family was something I carried emotionally.

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What was your reaction when you reached out for help and found many others were doing the same thing?

Overwhelming Relief: Reaching Out for Help, Discovering Others Doing the Same

What was my reaction when I first reached out for help and saw that many others were reaching out doing the same thing. My immediate reaction was relief I reached out to a culturally competent therapist who recommended that. I go to a retreat facility that was with other First Responders and Veterans and walking in not knowing what to expect. But then seeing that, I was not the only one with such a feeling of relief. Of course, that doesn't that That doesn't relieve all the trauma and all that you're dealing with. But it's that first step and that feeling of relief, knowing that I wasn't the only one and I had over there. Supporting me was the was the start. I was looking for, you know, I said it was just a huge relief to see others reaching out, just like me.

I felt a huge sense of relief when I saw that many others were reaching out for help with similar issues as me. It was the first step I needed to take towards healing and seeing that I wasn't alone gave me comfort.

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When I first reached out for help and discovered that many others were doing the same thing, my immediate reaction was relief. I had sought assistance from a culturally competent therapist who recommended a retreat facility for First Responders and Veterans. Walking into that space, not knowing what to expect, and seeing that I was not alone in seeking help brought a tremendous sense of relief.

Of course, this relief doesn't erase the trauma or challenges I was facing, but it was a crucial first step. Knowing that I wasn't the only one and having a supportive community around me was exactly what I needed. It was a huge relief to see others reaching out for help, just like me.

How did your upbringing in the "suck it up" era affect your approach to dealing with your own emotional struggles?

Unveiling the Impact: Upbringing in 'Suck it Up' Era & Dealing with Emotional Struggles

How did your upbringing in the suck? It up era, affect your approach to dealing with your own emotional struggles. You know, as I look back when I was on the fire department and going through some issues, I really didn't see it as a hindrance because it just something that wasn't done and that was due to that. Suck it up. Got to be ready for the next call. Let's move on. So, as I look back, I can see where it was a hindrance. But at the time, I was just pushing everything down because that's what you I taught. So, you know, it, I look back, I say it was a huge, huge anchor in keeping me from possibly reaching out, but the trend, I see now across the United States is so inspiring because this younger new generation is so much more willing to the, to the information into the health, that's out there.

Growing up in the "Suck it Up" era had a major impact on my approach to dealing with my own emotional struggles. I now realize that it was a hindrance to me reaching out for help and seeking information about mental health. However, I am encouraged by the trend I see of younger generations being much more willing to accept information about mental health.

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Growing up in the suck it up era had a significant impact on my approach to dealing with my own emotional struggles. During my time on the fire department, it was ingrained in me to push everything down and be ready for the next call. At that time, I didn't see it as a hindrance because it was just the way things were done.

Looking back, I now realize that this mindset was a major obstacle in reaching out for support. It kept me from acknowledging and addressing my emotional struggles. However, I find it inspiring to see the trend across the United States, where the younger generation is more open to seeking information and prioritizing their mental health.

Reflecting on my upbringing, I can see how the suck it up mentality acted as a significant anchor, but I am encouraged by the progress being made in destigmatizing emotional struggles and promoting mental well-being.

What do you want people considering a career as a first responder to know?

First Responders Reveal: The Most Rewarding, Life-Changing Career

What do you want? People considering a career? The first responder to know, you know, as a first I'll speak specifically for firefighting and first respond all First Responders. It's one of the best, the greatest most rewarding jobs that you'll have, I don't regret one minute. One second of anything I've been through on this job. With that being said, man, always always be training and learning. There's always something to learn. Always something to train on. Don't be scared of changes. Old-school, firefighters, we didn't like change. Change is good. Secondly, it have a support group. You're going to experience, trauma. You can't avoid it in the world of being a first responder. But, you know, that going in and have a support group, whether it's buddies, espouse somebody you can just bounce things off of when things are, you know, building up on you just to release a little bit. It's just part of the job that can't be avoided, but again, is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have I would do it all over again. Starting today, if they'd let me, anybody considering good luck, you'll love it.

Firefighting and first response is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Be sure to train, never stop learning and have a support group for when times get tough. Good luck to anyone considering a career in this field!

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For those considering a career as a first responder, particularly in firefighting and other first response roles, there are a few important things to know. First and foremost, it is one of the greatest, most rewarding jobs you can have. Personally, I have no regrets and cherish every moment of my experience.

However, it's crucial to always prioritize training and learning. There is always something new to learn and train on in this field. Embrace change, even if it may be challenging. As an old-school firefighter, I can attest that change is ultimately beneficial.

Additionally, it's important to have a support group. Traumatic experiences are inevitable in the world of first responders. Having a support system, whether it's fellow colleagues, a spouse, or someone you can simply talk to and release the built-up emotions, is essential.

Despite the challenges, being a first responder is incredibly rewarding. If given the chance, I would choose this career path again without hesitation. To anyone considering this path, I wish you the best of luck. You will love it.

What are the critical steps for transitioning away from life as a first responder?

Transitioning from First Responder: Identity, Finances, and Giving Back

To piggyback on Robert answer, everything he said was spot-on, you know, dealing with the the identity that you're not a first responder or in me and Roberts case firefighters anymore. You know, that was you that was, that was kind of who you were. It's not who you are, is what you do. But when you're introducing yourself or your family's introducing yourself, you know, you're a firefighter and then you're retired. So you're it's that identity. Make sure you're ready to go. Don't go just because you're mad. Mad or something, just you don't think it through. Make sure you got your finances in order if you're struggling. Once you're retired. I've had a buddy who struggled with this, that's kind of worthless, like he wasn't doing anything man. Go, go volunteer, you know, and help Habitat Humanity, help, build homes, help, do something that gives back, that gives you that same Spirit, you had, when you were a first responder or a firefighter and It's just it is a different lifestyle but it's well worth it. You've earned it, you deserve it. So don't ever look back and feel guilty about retiring but it's just something it's a process. So if it doesn't feel, you don't feel this great. You for you immediately, it still doesn't mean you made the wrong choice, give it time, it's a, it's a great thing.

Retirement is a process, and it can be difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle. Make sure you are financially secure before making the decision to retire, and find ways to give back by volunteering in your community.

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Transitioning away from life as a first responder involves several critical steps. Firstly, it's important to address the identity shift that occurs when you are no longer actively serving as a first responder. Recognize that being a first responder was a part of who you were, but it does not define your entire identity. Prepare yourself mentally for this transition.

Ensure that you are making the decision to transition for the right reasons and not out of anger or impulsiveness. Take the time to think through your decision and ensure that you are ready for this change.

Financial stability is crucial before retiring from the first responder role. Make sure your finances are in order and that you have a plan for your post-retirement financial situation. This will help alleviate any potential struggles or feelings of worthlessness that may arise.

Consider engaging in volunteer work or activities that allow you to give back and maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Find opportunities to contribute to causes that resonate with you and tap into the same spirit you had as a first responder.

Remember that transitioning away from life as a first responder is a different lifestyle, but it is well-deserved and earned. Embrace this new chapter and do not feel guilty about retiring. It may take time to fully adjust and feel the same level of fulfillment, but give yourself the space and time to adapt to this change.

Overall, transitioning away from life as a first responder is a process. If you don't immediately feel a sense of greatness or fulfillment, it doesn't mean you made the wrong choice. Give yourself time to adjust and embrace the new opportunities that await you.

How can you let mistakes go in order to move forward?

Unlocking Growth: Letting Go of Mistakes to Move Forward

How can you let mistakes go in order to move forward? Gosh, I almost have to answer that with a statement. You can't move forward unless you learn to let go of mistakes. And it's a hard thing to do. I've made many mistakes along the way, and I'll be honest, there are some days that I still struggle with the mistakes I've made. It's one of the hardest things I've learned, and I'll say it's one of the hardest things to do, is forgive yourself for the mistakes you've made, especially when it's hurt other people. You know, not physically hurt people, in my case, it was emotionally hurting people that I loved, and family and friends. And so to move forward, I have to let go of those mistakes. It's not always easy. It's a process. But it's a lot easier when you know you've been forgiven by those that you did hurt, or those mistakes you did make, you know you've been forgiven them. The only way to move forward is to put them in the past. It's just another part of learning and growing emotionally and spiritually and learning to move forward.

You need to learn to forgive yourself in order to move forward. It's not easy, but it is necessary in order to grow emotionally and spiritually. Once you have been forgiven by those affected by your mistakes, you can put them in the past and move forward.

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To move forward, it's essential to learn how to let go of mistakes. It's a challenging task, and I can speak from personal experience. I've made my fair share of mistakes, and there are days when I still struggle with them. Forgiving yourself for the mistakes, especially when they have hurt others emotionally, can be one of the hardest things to do.

In order to move forward, it's necessary to let go of those mistakes. It's a process that takes time. However, it becomes easier when you have received forgiveness from those you have hurt or when you know they have forgiven you. Putting the mistakes in the past is the only way to move forward. It's a part of the journey of emotional and spiritual growth and learning to progress in life.

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Chris Fields served over 31 years with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, promoting through the ranks, he retired as a Major in March of 2017. Chris was captured in a photo that became an iconic symbol of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 when he was cradling the body of 1yr old Baylee Almon. Chris discusses the brutal realities of a life spent responding to citizens in their darkest hours. Chris tells a story of his life, his 31 years of public service, and how that day in 1995 all combined to take a toll on his own life and his family, he suffered in silence for many years. Now he shares how he took control and his journey out of the suffering in hopes of helping others avoid the failure, and the pitfalls he experienced, and to reach out!