resources

Peer support.

To get connected with a Peer Supporter, click here to choose from a list of active Saint Paul Fire Peer Supporters. Everyone on this list wants to hear from you if you feel like you need help. Don’t hesitate–reach out now.
Contact peer support

about us

A Confidential support team.

The Peer Support Program has a mission of firefighters helping firefighters through the power of conversation.

Taking care of each other means being there to talk whenever the need arises, and having someone to talk to who understands what it means to be a firefighter or EMT is invaluable during a time when we feel more alone than ever.

We know that talking through issues early leads to better outcomes, and we believe that providing a non-judgmental, completely confidential setting is the best way to do this.

American flag flying on a tall pole against a cloudy sky.

Here are a few of our guiding principles:


The program is confidential. Only your chosen Peer Supporter will know that you’ve reached out to talk. We don’t share information with city or fire administration, Local 21, or other healthcare professionals.


The program is voluntary. You will always be in control of the process and of how much you want to share.


Peer Supporters will do their best to provide resources, options, assistance, and support to any member who asks for help

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the program work?

There are three ways Participants may become involved in the Peer Support program: (1) Employee self-initiated contact, (2) Stressful event initiated contact, in which a Peer Support response is requested due to a notable incident; and (3) Co-worker initiated, based on signals of distress, where a co-worker requests a Peer Support response for a potential Participant.

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Any member of the department who would like to contact a Peer Supporter can review the attached list of team members and contact them directly at the phone number or e-mail address provided. The department member seeking help from the program will maintain control of the decision making process. Additional contacts and multiple conversations can take place over a period of time. If a member wants further help the Peer Supporters have access to additional resources through our Clinical Advisor. Peer Supporters are considered mandatory reporters for such things as domestic abuse, as well as members in crisis who may need immediate action/intervention.

Have Peer Support Team members been trained in doing any of this?

Yes, Peer Support Program team members have received training from the IAFF and have guidance from our Clinical Advisor. Our Clinical Advisor is Sue Johnston, LICSW, whose background includes work with the Metro CISM team and a private practice concentrated on emergency responders.

What’s the difference between the St. Paul Fire Department Peer Support Program and the City’s sponsored Medica employee assistance program (EAP)?

The Peer Support Program is not an element of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), nor is it a substitute for professional help. The program was created to expand upon and formalize any existing peer support that may already be going on in the fire department. Peer Support is provided by PEERs (aka Firefighters). EAP is a component of our health insurance and is a central location for additional resources that our insurance may cover.

Is the Peer Support Program part of the Fire Department Administration?

No. The Peer Support Program exists separately from Fire Department Administration and Headquarters. The activities of the Peer Support Program and the services provided are not supervised or monitored by any Chief or any City Department. The program is fully supported by Administration, Local 3939 and Local 21.

Will my supervisor or the Chief be informed if I use the service?

No. The Peer Support Program is completely confidential. Neither the City, Chief, nor any supervisor has access to any personal information that is discussed between the fire department member and the Peer Supporters.

Is it confidential? How can I be sure?

Confidentiality is a guiding principle/core value of the team. All Peer Supporters must sign a confidentiality agreement in order to be a member and participate in the program. Confidentiality is an integral and primary component of this program. We regularly review our confidentiality agreements and periodically receive training on just how to ensure we maintain confidentiality.

How is the Peer Support Program structured? Who runs it and how is it organized?

It is operated as a part of the Wellness Fitness Initiative under the administration of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. The Peer Support Team is guided by an Advisory Committee, facilitated by a Peer Support Coordinator, and has a contract with a Clinical Advisor for additional resources, supervision, and training. The core of the Peer Support Program is the department members who have completed specific training.

Does the program provide defusings or debriefings to individual crews?

No. Critical incident stress defusings or debriefings are additional resources to be requested through the chain of command for a response by the metro CISM Team.

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