St. Cloud firefighter Deelia Guite responded to a deadly fire in 2023, in which a 24-year-old man and his 4-month-old daughter died.  

Guite carried the little girl’s body to the paramedics waiting outside.  

It was an experience she’ll never forget. At the time she was working in Sauk Rapids, and she’s grateful for her department and fellow firefighters for giving her the support she needed to get through that difficult day and the days that followed. 

“The job doesn’t allow you to relax, never completely,” said Guite. “You’re always on high alert. You’re always thinking next steps.” 

It’s no secret there are health and safety risks associated with the fire service. 

It might be injuries caused from running into a building, or future challenges like cardiovascular issues or cancer diagnoses. But many people aren’t aware of, or don’t acknowledge, the mental health toll firefighters face.  

Guite says she was given many resources and opportunities to debrief and discuss what she experienced with other firefighters and an individual therapist — an approach she thinks is vitally important. 

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson has also responded to a deadly fire, something she says is all too common. 

“I've asked people in conferences, ‘how many of you have responded to a fatal fire?’ I'm always surprised at how many in the fire service have,” said Swenson. “Because we are responding as a group … if you have a fatality, it's not one firefighter experiencing that.” 

The International Association of Firefighters surveyed 1,000 U.S. firefighters in 2015. Of those surveyed, 47 percent had considered suicide at some point, 19 percent made plans for a suicide attempt and 16 percent went through with a suicide attempt. 

The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing Minnesota’s firefighters with the resources they need to prioritize and protect their health. It reports firefighters experience much higher rates of mental illness than the general population, specifically related to sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation/action. 

And too many are suffering in silence.  

Confidential peer support and mental health resources are available to Minnesota firefighters and their families for free through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. 

Swenson hopes firefighters who are struggling know there are resources available to help.  

“Sometimes just getting back to the fire hall and talking about it that evening isn't enough.”