Urgent Call to Action: Colorado Must Revive Critical Funding for Firefighters’ Mental Health Support

Every day, firefighters face sickness, trauma, and danger. As a firefighter in Colorado, I know how this job can weigh heavily on our mental health. However, a crucial support program for our emotional well-being—the Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust Behavioral Health Program—was drastically cut on July 1. The annual benefit per firefighter dropped from $10,000 to a $1,000 lifetime cap. Due to a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, funding was completely pulled for the 2025–26 budget cycle.

The Behavioral Health Program was set up through Senate Bill 2, aimed at helping first responders, their spouses, and children access mental health treatments like therapy and PTSD counseling. This program should have been a lifeline, but with its funding slashed, it feels more like a burden.

Fire Chief John Willson, chair of the Trust’s Board, noted that 600 firefighters have benefited from the program, but 460 have already hit that $1,000 cap. This leaves them shouldering the cost of care themselves, forcing families to make tough choices between necessities and mental health treatment.

Chief Willson stated that projected expenses for 2025 are already over $1.4 million, far exceeding initial budget estimates. This paints a bleak picture—one where support is dwindling just when it’s needed most.

First responders face alarming rates of mental health issues. Research suggests about 15% develop PTSD and nearly 30% struggle with depression at some point in their careers. Nationally, over 1,300 first responders have died by suicide since 2015, with 112 reported in 2024 alone. This indicates a grim trend, with an average of one suicide every two to three days. When mental health programs fall short, the stakes are life and death.

Behind each struggle is a community that suffers too—families, colleagues, and firehouses all feel the impact. Many firefighters are quietly battling their demons, and too often, these battles are lost.

Now, instead of providing support, the program sends a chilling message: “You’re not worth the investment.” This is not just a financial issue; it’s a public safety crisis. We need to make meaningful changes.

• Restore annual funding to at least $5 million.
• Reset the cap to $10,000 per firefighter.
• Ensure automatic enrollment remains for all state fire departments.

We must act on this issue; it’s not a political decision but a moral one. With a state budget of $55.9 billion, the $5 million needed for this program is a small price to pay. For context, Colorado allocates $5.4 million for inmate phone calls in prisons and even approved $4 million for new furniture for lawmakers. Yet, the funding for our mental health support seems expendable.

There are options available. Lawmakers can reallocate funds from less impactful programs or tap into federal grants aimed at mental health services for first responders. The resources are there; what’s lacking is the will to prioritize our mental health.

As firefighters, our duty is to protect public safety. But we must also protect ourselves. The Behavioral Health Program is not a luxury; it’s vital for the well-being of Colorado’s first responders.

Linda Crane is a firefighter with the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority. Her views are her own and do not represent her department.

This situation cannot be overlooked. Support for first responders is essential for community safety. Let’s stand up for those who stand ready to save lives every day.

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