Dave Freeman

My presentation, "Reducing the Stigma of Mental and Emotional Health Issues" by Dave Freeman, explores the shift from outdated attitudes toward mental health, particularly in first responder communities, toward a more open and informed approach. It reframes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) to remove stigma and highlight treatability. The presentation outlines the causes and symptoms of PTSI, emphasizes the role of childhood trauma (through tools like the ACEs test), and shares my personal journey of recovery after attending the 2019 First Responders Conference in Columbus, Ohio. I outline recovery options such as therapy, meditation, treatment programs like "Save A Warrior", and personal support systems. Key recommendations include top-down cultural change, accessible treatment options such as EMDR and peer support, and promoting the message that "its okay to not be okay." My expanded bio: Dave Freeman is a seasoned public safety professional and U.S. Army veteran with over three decades of service. After graduating from Lorain High School in 1984, he served in the U.S. Army (1984-1987) and Ohio Army National Guard (1987-1993). He began his fire service career in 1993 with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department, rising to Lieutenant in 2006 and Chief in 2012, also serving as City Emergency Manager before retiring in 2022. He currently serves as the Lorain County Emergency Manager. His academic background includes an AAS in Computer Aided Design (LCCC), a BS in Fire Protection Administration (Magna Cum Laude, Eastern Kentucky University), and a Master's in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (Eastern Kentucky University, 4.0 GPA). He also holds multiple graduate certificates and FEMA certifications, including from the Advanced Emergency Management Academy. Personally, he's been married for 36 years to Dawn, an Army veteran, and is a proud father of four and grandfather of seven. Dave enjoys staying active through weight training, biking, hiking, kayaking and camping. Dave is also an active mental health advocate and lecturer, emphasizing wellness and resilience. Dave is the author of the "Supporting Mental Health in Ohio's First Responders: Recommended Practices" document posted on the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association website.