mental health, first responders, public safety, PTSD, leadership, training, resilience, coping strategies, community support, emotional well-beingsummaryIn this episode of The Weight We Carry Podcast, Bart and Brittany Heaney sit down with Scott Garing, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services for Cranberry Township. Scott shares his journey through public safety, the impact of his military service, and the importance of mental health awareness among first responders. He discusses the challenges of coping with trauma, the significance of continuous training, and the lessons learned from personal and professional tragedies. The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability, community support, and the ripple effect of helping others in the field of public safety.takeaways

• ​Mental health challenges are prevalent among first responders.
• ​Family influences can shape career paths significantly.
• ​Military service can impact mental health and coping mechanisms.
• ​Coping with trauma is a continuous journey.
• ​Leadership is about supporting and uplifting others.
• ​Continuous training is essential for public safety professionals.
• ​Embracing emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• ​The importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth.
• ​Helping others can be a form of healing for oneself.
• ​It's okay to seek help and talk about mental health issues.
• ​Navigating Mental Health in First Responders
• ​Scott Garing: A Journey Through Public Safety
• ​"It's okay to not be okay."
• ​"I wear my heart on my sleeve."
• ​"Embrace the bad days."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Scott Gehring03:18The Impact of 'Take Your Kid to Work Day'07:43Early Days in Public Safety11:39Military Service and 9/1115:26Challenges of Serving Overseas20:39Recognizing PTSD and Its Effects25:53Embracing Emotions and Vulnerability28:52The Aftermath of a Traumatic Incident35:18The Weight of Responsibility39:02Leadership Lessons from Tragedy41:47Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges45:38The Importance of Continuous Training50:32Making a Difference in Public Safety54:28Legacy and Mentorship in Public Safety58:00Mental Health and Coping Strategies01:01:16Embracing the Journey01:04:59The Importance of Fun and Connection01:06:37The Weight We Carry.mp4