Officers are investigating an apparent suicide of a firefighter that happened outside of Station 17 Wednesday morning.
This is the same fire station that lost a firefighter on the scene of Oct. 12 structure fire that claimed two lives.
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The Kansas City Police Department was called to the 3400 block of Paseo Boulevard around 9 a.m. to investigate reports of shots fired.
When officers arrived, they found the firefighter dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Paseo Boulevard is closed from Armor Boulevard to 33rd Street as officers continue to investigate.
41 Action News reporter Ariel Rothfield is on the scene.
#BREAKING: Paseo blocked off, lots of activity at fire station. We are waiting for KCPD PIO to get here & brief us pic.twitter.com/pScxCsBXLk
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) December 16, 2015
#BREAKING: KCPD investigating shooting death near 34th and Paseo, area around Fire Station 17 shut down.
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) December 16, 2015
KCPD confirm it is a suicide, man found in between fire station & house after neighbor heard shots pic.twitter.com/Vg0VTj6kaJ
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) December 16, 2015
Mayor Sly James, City Manager Troy Schulte and KCFD Chief Paul Berardi released a joint statement following the event.
Our hearts are heavy today as we stand with our Kansas City, Mo. City family, especially our Kansas City Missouri Firefighters, Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians.
This tragedy is difficult to understand. While we cannot know exactly what happened, this may be a reminder of the intense stress that our trained team of professionals endure as part of working in public safety.
On behalf of all our firefighters, we appreciate the prayers and words of support. In respect for the family and coworkers, we ask for privacy in this time of shock and grief.
#WeStandWithKCFD in this latest tragedy. pic.twitter.com/YsQY5g9OKO
— Kansas City, MO (@KCMO) December 16, 2015
Counselors are available for employees.
Resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Kansas City
Suicide among firefighters
According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, from 2000-2013, there were at least 360 confirmed cases of firefighters committing suicide.
- 2012: there were 61 confirmed suicides.
- 2013: at least 62 firefighters committed suicide.
- A majority of the suicides were committed by those on active duty, rather than retired firefighters.
- The leading method of suicide is by gunfire.
- Studies have found that as many as 37 percent of firefighters may exhibit at least two symptoms of PTSD.
- The age range with the highest frequency of suicide is 41-50, followed by those in the 31-40 and 18-30 age ranges.
- Among those September 11 responders from the FDNY, it’s estimated that at least 22 percent of firefighters are undergoing or underwent PTSD symptoms.
- More information from the FBHA
RELATED: FDNY to assist Kansas City Fire Department with handling post-traumatic stress disorder
