PTSD Suicide Claimed Life Of Independence, MO Firefighter

Credit to first responders for bravely addressing mental health concerns for the entire community amid the tragic death of their colleague.

Here's a worthwhile remembrance . . .

"Chad committed his life to the service of his country and community. He served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2006, with a deployment to Iraq and then with the Independence Fire Department from 2008 to present as a Firefighter / Paramedic and Fire Equipment Operator. Throughout his career, Chad was exposed to many traumatic events first-hand. As with both veterans and first responders, this can lead to PTSD," Chief Short said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Independence Fire Department mourns death of firefighter

by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The Independence Fire Department mourns the death of one of its own. Fire Chief Doug Short announced Chad Sappenfield suffered from PTSD and took his life at his home. Sappenfield was a fire engine operator and paramedic with the Independence Fire Department for 13 years.

Independence raises awareness over PTSD after firefighter death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After the death of firefighter Chad Sappenfield Monday, the city of Independence has sent a release raising awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When Sappenfield's death was first announced, the cause of death was not mentioned.

Developing . . .