The Kitchen Table

Today I discuss how Fear affects mental health and how i dealt with it in the Fire Department. I also discuss a very humbling fire early on in my career in 59 Engine!

side note: Happy St. Patricks Day! This picture was taken 2 years ago, the day I retired on St. Pats Day!

Today i go over a very traumatic incident, when i was a United States Park Policeman, involving a man who took his own life, by jumping off the top of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. He landed where i was posted up for closing procedures. It was 1 of only 3 people ,who have committed suicide there. the last one was 1932, but details are sketchy. This is my first hand account.

Today I quickly go over a survey given to first responders about mental health and how they dealt with it. I also go over some of the Nicknames given in the Firehouse. The Tale of Kenny the Cat and how he went missing and was found 3 months later by the Men. Also how we took in a rooster that was mistaken for a baby Ostrich.

This episode talks real quick about how fitness and getting in the gym everyday has probably saved my life. I may not exist anymore if i didn't have fitness. And a civilian climbs an FDNY Aerial Ladder at a multiple alarm Fire in Harlem.

After watching some old home videos I needed to make an apology.

How Positive Self Talk can help lift you out of dark places. Story about a Brownstone Fire across the street from the Firehouse.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and I'm feeling Cranky so I'm reaching out to you guys to vent a little bit. Also tell a quick story about catching my first FIRE.

Quick episode of having a positive mindset and manifesting positivity. How the universe rewards you with good things when you have a positive mindset. How slowing down on the fire department relates to mental health.

Today is an episode of laughter and fun in the firehouse. How laughter is one of the best medicines for mental health. We build bonds, have fun, relieve stress and train each other through pranks and jokes. A few quick stories of pranks played on me and pranks i played on others.

Here I describe how sometimes my depression or anxiety is totally unwarranted and all i need is a swift kick in the ass to leave my pity party and get back into an positive mindset. Sometimes that is all you need to break you out of the poor me attitude. A person who will step up and tell it to you straight. No one wants to be around a debbie downer.