The Training Officer: A Firefighter’s Journey Through Mental Health and Healing

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with Brandon Corey, who shares his raw and personal journey dealing with the mental and emotional aftermath of losing a brother in the line of duty. Corey explores the unseen wounds firefighters carry, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health training alongside traditional tactics. They discuss the gaps in existing post-incident support programs, such as critical-incident stress management (CISM), the importance of authentic peer support, and how leadership plays a pivotal role in changing the fire service culture. Brandon’s story highlights the struggle with guilt, closure, and the ongoing process of recovery, offering hope and practical advice for those silently battling their own “invisible storms.” This episode challenges the fire service to rethink how mental health is addressed—making it as integral as physical readiness—while honoring those who serve and remembering those lost.