Canton firefighter/paramedic's death puts spotlight on firefighter mental health

Canton Repository
Updated ·3 min read

CANTON – The Canton Fire Department is mourning the death of 42-year-old firefighter/paramedic Jared Kneale who died by suicide Friday.

"It is with the permission of Jared's wife and children that wish to share that Jared's death was the result of suicide due to a post traumatic stress related illness," the department said Saturday night in a Facebook post. "Jared's family and our members are struggling to make sense of his decision to take his own life but we have collectively agreed his passing cannot be for nothing. We MUST and we WILL make something positive come out of Jared's death. In his final moments Jared signaled to us his wishes to use his death to help bring awareness to firefighter mental health. We urge our fellow brothers and sisters to reach out to one another."

The National Fallen Firefighters Association noted that a study by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology concluded that about "20% of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress at some point during their careers compared to a 6.8% lifetime risk for the general population. The connection between PTSD and traumatizing rescue work is clear."

At least 100 firefighters a year die by suicide, according to the group.

Kneale, who worked with the 2nd battalion and was assigned to Ladder Truck 1, had been with the department since April 2015. He was a member of the TROT team and an integral part of the radio division, the department said.

"His most important role undoubtedly was head chef at station #1," the department said. "He cooked nearly every meal, a task he took great pride in. Every morning, he imparted the same greeting to incoming and off going crews, a simple 'YOOO.' Jared had infectious laughter and was all the ringleader for pranks around the station. He had an insatiable love of candy. Most specifically peanut butter m&m's and sweet tart chewys. He always kept the door to his locker open knowing full well the entire crew would sneak handfuls of his candy that he never let run out."

Kneale is survived by his wife and six children.

"Our department is heartbroken but resilient," the department said. "Our members are rallying around each other and exemplifying the true meaning of 'brotherhood.' We would like express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received during this trying time. ... We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. At this time his family is asking for privacy as they grieve."

Where to get help

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The following resources also are available any time of day:

  • Stark County Crisis Hotline: 330-452-6000

  • Crisis Text Line, text ‘4hope’ to 741-741

  • Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth: 866-488-7386

  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

  • CommQuest Detox at Aultman Hospital: 330-830-3393

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 800-662-4357

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton firefighter/paramedic Jared Kneale died by suicide