Virginia Fire Officers Academy 2024 Student Surveys
Mr. Mitchell had great information into a topic is has always been pushed to the side and he was an example of that during his years of a fighter fighter and LT. I know I learn more when I see someone that has lived an experience instead of reading it from a book. Another great speaker for the academy and thank you so much for having him for us!
Excellent class!!! This touched on a very heavy topic so I think it would be beneficial to have this class at the end of the day where more time could be allotted and also time for us to reflect afterwards with each other in discussion. Excellent class an issue that company officers need much more training on. Thank you very much!
It was obvious from his presentation style that Kenny has a passion for the subject of mental health of fire fighters. His vulnerability of telling his own story acknowledging his own problems helped drive the point home for me. There was one moment that stands out when it was as if he was talking directly to me: describing how we are calm and collected on scenes and then can't start the weed whacker and it ends up being destroyed. His presentation provided me with some idea of why I have had explosions like that.
As leaders we must become fierce in the early recognition of a mental health decline in those we work with, family, friends, and most importantly ourselves.
Are you approachable? Are you equipped to assist in a mental health emergency? Does your department have peer support yearly training? Do you have a peer support team? Have you made mental health reactive or proactive? Do you know who is struggling? Have you set the example in the culture that asking for help in your organization is, okay?
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"The hard truth is that as first responders there are going to be incidents that hang on the walls of your mind forever causing pain and heartbreak. Those calls that bother you the most: the drownings of an infant, going into someone's home who has no food, or electricity, hearing the screaming of a family member as you perform CPR on their loved one, and many more. Unfortunately, those incidents are going to occur over and over during a career. The goal is to have coping mechanisms, a skill to pull out your mental health toolbox and put into place immediately when those memories start to negatively affect your mental health."
- Lt. Kenny Mitchell Jr, Operation Yellow Tape
Jeff Robertson - Motivational Speaker, Host of the Second Chance Podcast
When Kenny Mitchell Jr. takes the stage, you're not just getting a speaker – you're getting an experience. His ability to captivate, motivate, and inspire is second to none. Kenny connects with his audience on a profound level. His energy is infectious, and his insights are transformative. I've had the privilege of attending one of his talks, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose. If you're looking for a speaker who can truly make an impact, Kenny Mitchell Jr. is your guy.
