Chief to Chief Network

A line-of-duty death forever changes the fire department or agency and the community. So where does a chief turn for support after this tragedy?

The Chief-to-Chief Network grew out of a need expressed by chiefs who had lost a firefighter in the line of duty. They said that they felt very isolated after the death of a firefighter, that they had no one to turn to for advice and support.

The Foundation has established a network of senior fire officers who have one thing in common. They have all experienced the death of a firefighter in the line of duty and understand what a department goes through.

• Request more information about the program here.

Insights From Chiefs

Here are some insights from chief officers who have experienced the death of a firefighter under their command. Included are suggestions they would make to others facing a similar situation.

• How does the death of a firefighter affect the chief?
• “I was surrounded by people, but felt all alone.”
• “Others have been through this (line-of-duty death), but no one has been through this (my situation and the loss of this firefighter).”
• “After the death, I recognized responsibilities that I didn’t even know I had.”
• “I felt that, as chief, I had to be all things to all people.
• “I thought seriously about taking early retirement, but I have to stay and try to make changes so this does not happen again.”
• It is difficult, but so important to seek and accept help.
• Often, the firefighter who dies is also a dear friend, and you have to address the multiple facets that the loss represents.
• What if you did not have a good relationship with the firefighter? How do you deal with feeling that you are not reacting to the death the way you “should?”
• The death of a firefighter affects the chief’s family, especially the spousal relationship.
• A line-of-duty death often affects the way chiefs feel about the work they have always loved. “I used to look forward to fighting structure fires. Now I dread it when we get a call.”
• Some chiefs feel relief that they pushed hard for safety before the line-of-duty death. Others feel frustrated that they had done everything right and still lost someone.
• “There is no way around feeling guilt after a line-of-duty death, no matter what the circumstances. But you can’t let it consume you.”
• “The experience forced me to learn.”

What other insights have you had?

• A LODD, especially a multiple fatality or a high profile death, permanently changes the department and the community.
• Officers have to be officers, which may mean not being a part of the camaraderie at the firehouse.
• Command abilities need to be tested, just as operations and other areas are tested and simulated before an emergency occurs.
• Implementing increased safety measures can be unpopular and lonely.
• Investigating agencies are going to find fault with your department. Be prepared to answer.

What has helped you?

• “I called my own pastor on the phone from the hospital and took a few minutes to talk with him.”
• “I needed time alone.”
• “I kept a journal of my thoughts in the early days after the death, so I could have it for reference later.”
• Individual and family counseling
• Support and outreach from other chiefs who have dealt with line-of-duty death

What actions have you taken since the death?

• “What you do to make things better will be the benchmark you leave after a line-of-duty death. You must make changes for the better.”
• Threw out the old standards and started from scratch.
• Implemented a department fitness program
• Pushed for presumptive findings Insisted that firefighters follow all safety protocols religiously
• Reached out to other chiefs after line-of-duty death

Request More Information

For more information, contact the Foundation using the form below.