First responders supporting each other after Oxford floods

OXFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut first responders opened up on Friday about their physical and mental health following last weekend’s flash flooding.

“Long days, long nights, no sleep,” Oxford Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Gramigna said. “I think last night was the first night that I was able to sleep a full night.”

The Oxford Volunteer Fire Department is serving one of the hardest-hit areas by Sunday’s storm.

Gramigna said firefighters faced raging water, multiple rescues and the deaths of two women swept away from flash flooding.

Now, they’re planning to bring in peer counselors to help first responders process their traumatic experiences.

“You can’t train for the aftermath of what the firefighters go through to get through that scenario,” Gramigna said.

In Beacon Falls, leaders said that firefighters responded to countless calls throughout the region, and already have a program in place to address physical and mental health.

EMS Capt. Jeremy Rodorigo said that assistance includes daily check-ins and stress debriefs.

“Either [first responders] will be able to manage in a healthy way; or they’ll turn to alcohol, or depression, or God forbid suicide, or divorce,” Rodorigo said. “These are all things that happen in emergency services.”

Leaders said that as first responders continue to check-in with their communities, it’s important to check-in with themselves.

“We try to be there for each other and make sure that everyone is aware of the mental health aspects,” Rodorgio said.

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