jordan blei.

Mental Fitness Trainer: First Responder Development & Mentorship.

Lieutenant, Peer Support Specialist

I've been in the fire service for 11 years, and in that time I've learned that this career can take a toll on you in ways that aren't always obvious. We see difficult things, work long hours, miss time with family and friends, and are expected to perform when other people are having the worst day of their lives. I understand how easy it can be to carry some of that home with you, even when you don't realize you're doing it. 

I've also learned that the things we deal with outside of work don't disappear just because we walk into the the firehouse. Relationships, family, finances, stress, lack of sleep, and just life in general can pile up alongside everything we experience on the job. In this profession, we're pretty good at putting our heads down, making a joke about it, and pushing forward- but that doesn't always mean we're actually doing okay. 

That's a big part of why mental health and peer support have become so important to me. I believe sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is simply have someone to talk to who understands the culture, understands the job, and isn't there to judge you. I've found my passion in art and music, and am here to help others find that release from the every day stress of the job.