Episode 47: Triumph Over Tragedy-The Impact of a Photo with Chris Fields

Chris Fields is an incredible human and an even more incredible friend. My life is better because Chris Fields is in it, and when I started my podcast, I knew I had to have him on to talk about his story, both the darkest hours and the triumph.
Chris Fields joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department on July 12, 1985, promoting through the ranks and retiring as a Major on March 1, 2017, serving the citizens of Oklahoma City for 31 yrs and 7 months. Chris was captured in a photo that became an iconic symbol of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 as he cradled the body of 1 yr old Baylee Almon. Chris is now dedicating his life and travels to speak to other 1st responders. He discusses the brutal realities of a life spent responding to citizens in their darkest hours. Chris tells the story of his life, his 31 yrs of public service, and how that day in 1995 all took a toll on his life and his family and how he suffered in silence for many years. Now he shares how with God, Faith, and Family, he took control and his journey out of the suffering in hopes of helping others avoid the failure and the pitfalls and to reach out.

Chris also serves as a Fire Liaison on the Advisory Board for Survive First, a 501©3 organization whose mission is to assist 1st Responders, the military, and their families who need mental health support from the impact of PTSD, and substance abuse; he also serves as Fire Liaison on the Advisory Board for Thin Line Events, an organization supporting 1st Responders, Military, and their families through concerts, festivals, and other live events. Chris is an Ambassador for Lighthouse Health and Wellness; Lighthouse is designed to provide 1st Responders and those that support them anonymous access to existing health and wellness programs. He is also the Co-founder and co-host of a weekly webinar, Trauma Behind the Badge.
So what, now what?
A photo brought a decade of trauma to the surface. Your career is more than one defining event. Reach out early and often and get support for your mental wellness.
Contact Trauma Behind the Badge
Check out Lighthouse Wellness
The book Chris mentioned
Vicarious trauma toolkit
Email Chris at [email protected]

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