Unseen Battles: Firefighter Tommy Bolin on Trauma, Recovery, and Resilience

When we think about the fire service, images of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice often come to mind. But behind the sirens and the turnout gear are unseen battles—struggles that rarely make the headlines. In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, firefighter, paramedic, and author Tommy Bolin courageously shares his personal journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery.

His story is one of pain, perseverance, and ultimately resilience. For firefighters, first responders, and anyone who has faced the crushing weight of mental health challenges, Tommy’s experience is a powerful reminder: you are not alone.

With over 30 years in the fire service, Tommy has lived the highs and lows of a life on the line. He speaks openly about:

• The silent toll of chronic stress, insomnia, and moral injury.

• The moment his struggles with alcohol and depression pushed him to attempt suicide.

• The turning point when his son unknowingly saved his life.

• Finding hope and healing through the IAFF Center of Excellence and the support of peers who understood his pain.

Tommy’s vulnerability dismantles the stigma around mental health in the fire service. His message is not one of weakness, but of strength—strength found in community, vulnerability, and the willingness to seek help.

As I listened to Tommy, five powerful insights—or as I like to call them, nuggets—rose to the surface. These are lessons that every leader, responder, and family member should take to heart:

1. Vulnerability Is a Superpower

Tommy’s story proves that opening up isn’t a sign of weakness. Vulnerability creates connection, breaks isolation, and saves lives.

2. Moral Injury Hurts as Much as Trauma

Trauma on the job takes a toll, but the sting of administrative betrayal and moral injury can cut even deeper. Leaders must recognize how damaging broken trust can be for their crews.

3. Grounding and Daily Practices Build Resilience

From breathing techniques to journaling, Tommy highlights the importance of simple daily habits. These practices retrain the brain, manage anxiety, and create a foundation for long-term resilience.

4. Peer Support Is Life-Saving

The most powerful therapy didn’t happen in a classroom—it happened around the fire pit at 5:00 p.m. with brothers and sisters who understood. Peer support is more than talk—it’s survival.

5. You Are Never Alone

Perhaps Tommy’s most important reminder: the struggle is real, but it is not yours to carry alone. Support systems, peers, and professional help exist. Asking for help is not failure—it is courage.

Tommy’s journey is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. His book, Unseen Battles: The Price of Duty and a Life of Trauma and Sacrifice, dives even deeper into these themes and continues his mission to break the stigma around mental health in the fire service.

If you’re a firefighter, first responder, or someone who cares about them, I encourage you to listen to this full conversation. It may change the way you think about resilience, vulnerability, and leadership in the fire service.

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Because sometimes, all it takes is one story to save a life.