Healing After a Line of Duty Death: A Guide for Firefighters

By Leah Belsches, Psy.D.
B Shifter Buckslip, March 25, 2025

The fire service is a close-knit family where camaraderie, trust and shared sacrifice are cornerstones of the job. When a line-of-duty death (LODD) occurs, it shakes the foundation of this bond, leaving emotional scars that are hard to heal. The death of a fellow firefighter is not just the loss of a colleague but also a friend, mentor and, in many cases, a family member. The grieving process is complicated, and healing can feel like an insurmountable task. However, with the right strategies and support systems, firefighters can navigate this journey and find ways to honor the memory of their fallen comrades while taking care of their own mental and emotional well-being. Below, I outline ways to heal after an LODD death, highlighting coping mechanisms, the importance of seeking support and ways to honor the fallen while continuing to serve.

1. Understand Grief in the Fire Service

Grieving an LODD is a complex, deeply personal experience. For firefighters, the grief is compounded by the close bonds formed through shared experiences of high-risk situations. The loss can trigger a range of emotions, from deep sadness and shock to anger and guilt.

Aspects of Grief in Firefighters

Survivor’s guilt: Many firefighters experience survivor's guilt, questioning why they survived when their colleague did not. This feeling can be overwhelming and lead to self-doubt.
Heightened vulnerability: The death of a fellow firefighter often brings the inherent risks of the job into sharper focus, making survivors more aware of their own mortality.
Impact on identity: For many, firefighting is not just a job but a core part of their identity. The loss of a colleague can feel like a personal attack on this shared identity, making the grieving process even more challenging.

Key takeaways—Recognize that grief is a natural response to loss. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel and process these emotions rather than suppressing them.

2. Foster an Open Culture Around Grief

Fire service culture often emphasizes toughness and resilience. However, after an LODD, it’s essential to create an environment where grieving is accepted and supported. Acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss and giving firefighters permission to express their feelings openly can be a crucial step in the healing process.

Strategies to Encourage Openness

Leadership's role: Fire department leaders and senior firefighters play a critical role in setting the tone for how grief is handled. When leaders openly acknowledge their own emotions and express their grief, it sends a powerful message that it's okay for others to do the same.
Peer-led discussions: Instead of formal debriefs, consider organizing informal, peer-led gatherings where firefighters can share their thoughts and emotions. These sessions can be more relaxed and less intimidating, making it easier for members to speak freely.
Normalize emotional reactions: Remind firefighters that experiencing a wide range of emotions—from sadness and anger to numbness—is normal. Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline, and everyone processes it differently.

Key takeaways—Incorporate mental health check-ins into regular team meetings. A simple question like, “How is everyone doing today?” can open the door for firefighters to share their feelings and seek support. This approach helps create a culture of empathy and understanding, allowing firefighters to grieve openly without fear of judgment, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for healing.

3. Seek Professional Mental Health Support

While peer support is invaluable, professional mental health services play a critical role in helping firefighters process the trauma of an LODD. Counseling, therapy and support groups can provide a safe and confidential environment for deeper emotional work.

Types of Professional Support

Trauma-informed therapy: Specialized therapists understand the impact of traumatic events on mental health and can offer tailored coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps firefighters identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may arise after a traumatic event.
Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD): CISD is a structured group discussion led by mental health professionals, designed specifically for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event.

Key takeaways—Many departments offer an Employee Assistance Program that includes access to mental health services. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these resources.

4. Find Support in Brotherhood & Sisterhood

The sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among firefighters is one of the strongest in any profession. Leaning on this support network can be one of the most effective ways to heal after an LODD.

Ways to Build a Support Network

Team gatherings: Organize informal gatherings outside of work, like barbecues or coffee meet-ups, to provide a relaxed environment where firefighters can share memories and support each other.
Honor guard participation: Joining the honor guard or taking part in memorial services allows firefighters to come together in remembrance, providing a shared space for grief and healing.
Check-ins: Regularly check in on each other, both formally and informally. A quick call or text message to see how a colleague is doing can make a huge impact.

Key takeaways—Remind each other that it’s okay to have different grieving processes. While some may want to talk about their feelings, others may need time before they can open up.

5. Honor the Fallen with Action

One of the most powerful ways to heal after an LODD is to find ways to honor the legacy of the fallen firefighter. Creating positive actions in their memory can provide a sense of purpose and help survivors channel their grief constructively.

Ways to Honor the Fallen

Memorial services and tributes: Attend or organize memorial services, fundraising events or tribute runs in memory of the fallen firefighter.
Establish scholarships or funds: Create a scholarship or charitable fund in the firefighter’s name to support future firefighters or local community projects.
Promote safety initiatives: Advocate for safety initiatives within the department, such as improved equipment or updated training protocols, to honor the fallen by working to prevent future tragedies.

Key takeaways—Encourage participation in planning memorial events. Being involved in creating a lasting tribute can help firefighters feel more connected to the memory of their fallen colleague.

6. Engage in Healthy Coping Mechanisms

After experiencing an LODD, firefighters may be tempted to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol or substance use, to numb the pain. It is crucial to recognize these tendencies early and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Healthy Coping Strategies

Exercise: Physical activity can be a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety. Whether it's going for a run, lifting weights or practicing yoga, exercise helps release endorphins that improve mood.
Mindfulness and meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help firefighters stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation can be particularly effective.
Creative outlets: Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, music or writing, provides an emotional release and a way to process feelings.

Key takeaways—Encourage department-wide participation in activities like fitness challenges or mindfulness workshops to promote healthy coping habits collectively.

7. Give Back to the Community

Giving back to the community can be a meaningful way for firefighters to heal after a loss. Service projects and volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, helping shift the focus from the pain of loss to positive action.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community education programs: Organize fire safety and prevention education sessions for schools and local organizations, using the experience as a way to honor the memory of the fallen firefighter.
Mentorship programs: Firefighters can mentor new recruits or volunteer in programs that support at-risk youth, sharing their knowledge and experience as a way to give back.
Charitable events: Participating in charity runs, blood drives, or fundraising efforts in memory of the fallen can strengthen community ties and provide a sense of solidarity.

Key takeaways—When planning community events, involve the families of the fallen. It can be a meaningful way for them to see how their loved one’s memory is being honored.

8. Maintain Long-Term Support & Healing

Healing from an LODD is not a quick process. It’s a long-term journey that requires ongoing support and care. Firefighters should make it a priority to maintain long-term mental health strategies to ensure sustained healing.

Strategies for Long-Term Healing

Annual remembrance: Organize annual remembrance events or ceremonies to honor the anniversary of the fallen firefighter’s death, giving colleagues a space to remember and reflect.
Ongoing counseling: Consider periodic check-ins with a counselor or therapist, even after the initial stages of grief have passed.
Support group participation: Encourage participation in long-term support groups where firefighters can connect with others who have experienced similar losses.

Key takeaways—Establish a tradition within the department to create a memory book or wall of honor where colleagues can contribute stories and photos of the fallen firefighter. This serves as a lasting tribute and a reminder of the bond shared.

Firefighters are known for their bravery and resilience in the face of danger, and that same courage is required in dealing with the aftermath of a tragic loss. Healing after an LODD is a challenging process. Losing a fellow firefighter leaves a void that can never be completely filled, but by embracing supportive strategies, engaging in healthy coping mechanisms and honoring the fallen with positive actions, firefighters can find a path forward. Healing is personal, requiring space for grief while fostering a supportive environment. By leaning on their fire service family, seeking professional help, and honoring their fallen colleague, firefighters can heal together, keeping their spirit alive in their hearts and service.

Dr. Leah Belsches (nee Saulter) has worked for the Houston Fire Department for the past two years, where she serves first responders through therapy and crisis response. Dr. Belsches grew up in Canton, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate education at Ohio State University, where she majored in psychology and spent several years working with at-risk youth. She received her Master of Science from Virginia State University and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Belsches is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas with extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy, suicidal ideation, self-harm, crisis intervention, and group therapy. She enjoys traveling (particularly internationally) and has
visited several countries, including Zambia, Dubai, Bulgaria and China. Dr.
Belsches continues to reside in Houston with her family.