Suicide Prevention in the Fire Service: Strategies to Save a Life

Objectives and Summary:

Join us during the IAFF’s second annual Suicide Prevention Stand Down week for a practical hands-on discussion that could save a life of a fire fighter you know. Topics will explore available research on fire fighter suicide, identification of suicide risk and warning signs, and how to use an evidence based 5-step action plan to intervene if someone you know is considering suicide. IAFF’s Suicide Prevention Stand Down toolkit will be shared, along with other resources designed to support suicide prevention and postvention.

Presented By:

Brandon Dreiman

IFD Fire Captain and IAFF Peer Support & Resilience Master Instructor
Brandon Dreiman, a Captain with 23 years at the Indianapolis Fire Department, is the IFD Coordinator of Firefighter Wellness & Support. He is an IAFF Peer Support & Resilience Master Instructor and frequently speaks on suicide intervention, sleep, and substance use disorders. Brandon is also a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Clinician, Certified Sleep Coach, Certified Peer Support Professional, and yoga teacher, and he founded Naptown Yogawalla.

Lauren Kosc, LCPC

Behavioral Health Program Clinical Coordinator, IAFF HQ
Lauren Kosc is the Behavioral Health Program Clinical Coordinator at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in Washington, DC. A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) since 2008, Lauren has led the growth of IAFF’s behavioral health initiatives since 2017, including Peer Support and Resiliency Training and the IAFF Center of Excellence. In 2024, she was appointed co-chair of the USFA Mental Health and Wellness Taskforce.