A critical incident is an incident in which first responders face a situation that causes a distressing, dramatic or profound change or disruption in their physical or psychological functioning. Stress and firefighting go hand-in-hand.

Two years ago, Jersey City Deputy Fire Chief Paul Drennan, with the assistance of his cousin, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Drennan, established the Jersey City Fire Department Peer Support team. It is now made up of FDJC members of all ranks as well as retirees. The group is not only available to the nearly 700 uniformed members of the fire department, but state-wide as well, including family members.

D.C. Paul Drennan went through some tough personal issues years ago, and he received help from others, including his cousin. So, the peer group is a very special project for him.

“Everyone knows someone with problems,” Drennan said. “Nobody's life is perfect.” He added, “the Facebook image". “If you got a problem, face it.”

With the assistance and support of Chief of Department Steven McGill, Communications Director Bob Baker and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), a two-day course was held for support group members in a classroom at the city's Public Safety Communication Center.

The speakers, provided by the IAFF, were Dave Kane (FDNY) and Joe Casolino (East Providence, R.I. FD). They both travel around the country offering their knowledge and experience, and talking in a down-to-earth manner-appreciated by first responders.

The department peer group has some 35 members, many of whom were in attendance for the two-days.

Before the first class of instruction commenced, D.C. Drennan gave a heart-filled talk, which included his own life experiences and personal issues. Being involved in many seminars around the country, Instructor Kane commented that Chief Drennan gave a “sincere introduction". "It came from the heart,” Kane added.

Newark Chief of Department Rufus Jackson stopped in during the morning and offered his heart-warming appreciation to D.C. Drennan and the group, for their recent visit to Newark. That department lost a captain, and a close friend of the chief. Chief Jackson said, “When it hits home, it hurts.”

Later, Instructor Kane said the words of both DC Drennan and Chief Jackson were some of the most sincere of all he has heard during his travels.

The instructors stressed that the peer group is “one person helping another". Let people tell their story. Be a good listener. The group is also “a bridge to other resources”. Get professional help, if needed.

“All conversations are confidential,” Drennan said. “We do not enable our peers; we help them face their problem and own it, so they change.”

An objective of the group is to reduce the stigma of seeking help.

“...no one has to go through their problem alone,” the chief stated.

In addition, the team reflects the demographics of the city. The group is made up of men and women from different ethnic backgrounds to reflect the communities served.

The group has developed an SOP #55 Peer Support Team Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. After a traumatic incident, a firefighter or officer can request the team to be activated. Last year, the peer group was activated several times in Jersey City, Carteret and Newark.

“The purpose of the peer group is to save lives and families from dispair and death,” Drennan added. “Our motto is, 'I am my brothers and sisters keepers'.” “Great leaders care about their subordinates.”

For contact information, go to jcfdpeersupport.com, or call 732-779-9214.