The Marion County Fire Chief is praying earnestly after the department lost two firefighters to suicide in just weeks.

Alex BurtonFebruary 4, 2023

MARION COUNTY, Florida. — The Central Florida community gathered on Saturday to honor the memory of a deceased member of the Marion County Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the fire chief, two employees committed suicide at the department this year.

The funeral for paramedic Allen Singleton was held Saturday morning in Ocala, News4JAX reported.

Singleton served in the department for six years before his death last week. He left behind a wife and two children.

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The department lost firefighter Tripp Wooten last month. He was a department veteran with 14 years of experience.

Chief James Banta wrote in an online tribute that Wooten “never met a stranger and had a sense of humor that brightened the days of all who came into contact with him.”

Wooten is also survived by his wife and two children.

The deaths of Wooten and Singleton have raised concerns about the mental health problems that first responders face on a daily basis, from long work hours and PTSD to substance abuse and addiction.

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In the video message, Banta made an emotional appeal to the department and the community as they overcome these losses.

“I need each of you to be my eyes and ears. I am taking on the burden of getting us out of this crisis, but I cannot do it alone,” Banta said. “Please ask tough questions. We owe each other as colleagues, as friends and as family.”

Starting next week, Mental Health Strike Teams from the International Firefighters Association will be available to Marion County firefighters and support staff.

If you or someone you know is having trouble and needs someone to talk to, you can call or text 988.

More important figures

National Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-8255 (TALK); 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Text TALK to 741741 (suicide)
Text MAIN to 741741 (crisis)
Family support of the Orphanage Society: Hotline 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
Single way: Dial 211 for 24/7 emergency intervention and suicide prevention.
Here tomorrow: The Neptune Beach hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)