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SITE NAVIGATION

About Sacramento Fire

Behavioral Health Unit

About Sacramento Fire

Behavioral Health Unit

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. FOR HELP, DIAL OR TEXT 988.

In case of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

photo of fire captain in full uniform kneeling down next to lab peer support k9

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Mission

To support our members and their families in times of conflict by actively listening, providing a safe space and assisting in providing behavioral health resources. We will build a community to help carry the negative realities of public service with the goal of being a guiding light to individuals feeling lost, confused, or needing some clarity on and off the job.

About the Behavioral Health Unit

The team was started back in the mid-to late 90’s by a small group of people interested in helping the department's members who were struggling with mental health issues.

These issues varied in classifications. However, in the early days of the unit, they focused on job-related stressors and their side effects. At that time, the unit was a covert operation that was basically known by word of mouth. There were a few members who would speak at officer meetings or at the captain's academy but, the unit itself was very low key. It has always been supported by senior staff and Local 522. They were both instrumental in getting our members the help they needed.

As the years went by, the team grew, and the department found funding to train the unit's members on topics like critical incident debriefings. Agreements were made that the team would respond whenever there was a need for their services, much as they do today.

The team tapped into some resources that Sacramento Police Department (SPD) already had in place, and they started following SPD's model. By then, the team had reached out and recruited a better cross section of the department’s personnel to join the team. The thought was that a more diverse team would help anyone struggling to come forward to seek help.

Another milestone was the vetting of clinicians. It was important to the team that the clinicians understood the first responder culture. The team also has an outstanding relationship with the City’s Risk Management Division. Risk helps with everything from clinicians and the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) to Workers Comp. It is important to note that senior staff and Local 522 still share the units passion for getting our members the help they need. If you are interested in becoming a team member please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Meet Captain Richard Alamo

Introducing Captain Richard Alamo, a remarkable leader who spearheads the Behavioral Health Unit at the Sacramento Fire Department. Captain Alamo's journey is an inspiring testament to resilience and transformation. Having faced personal challenges, including contemplating suicide and battling alcoholism, Captain Alamo's story is a beacon of hope.

Through unwavering determination and the support of his colleagues and community, he emerged from homelessness to become a captain within our department. His unique experience fuels his passion for the Behavioral Health Unit, where he is dedicated to providing vital support and resources to those in need, both within our department and the wider community.

Captain Alamo's remarkable journey embodies the spirit of hope, recovery, and compassionate service that defines our commitment to mental health and well-being.

A dedicated athlete, Alamo has completed more than 10 Ironman triathlons and is currently working toward his goal of competing in Hawaii.

Meet our dedicated peer support canines

Meet our invaluable companions in the journey towards mental well-being and resilience within the Sacramento Fire Department's Behavioral Health Unit – Ember, Emily, and Fancy.

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Ember

These three dedicated peer support canines play an indispensable role in providing comfort and solace to our department's members, both sworn firefighters and support staff. Amber, Emily, and Fancy are not just four-legged friends; they are compassionate listeners and sources of unconditional support.

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Emily

Their presence brings smiles, relieves stress, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among our team. These remarkable canines, with their wagging tails and gentle spirits, remind us that healing and strength can often be found in the simplest gestures of companionship. Together, they form an essential part of our commitment to ensuring the mental and emotional well-being of our dedicated fire department family.