As we observe National Wildland Firefighter Day on July 2, during the Week of Remembrance from June 30 to July 6, I want to express my deep gratitude for the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to meeting the challenges of wildland firefighting. During this week, we honor their unwavering commitment to service while also remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Today, our reflections are made even more solemn by the tragic loss of two firefighters in Idaho who were ambushed and killed by gunfire on June 29th. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alene firefighters, first responders, family members and the greater Coeur d’Alene community. Their loss is deeply felt across our wildland fire family, and we will stand together with our local partners to offer any assistance we can as they deal with this tragic situation. 

Wildland firefighters face immense challenges—their courage and resilience embody the very spirit of civil service. This week serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices they make to protect us all, and we reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing their safety in every aspect—psychological, physical and social.

Based on feedback from the field, we have been working steadily to increase services offered to our wildland firefighters and dispatchers. As we continue to improve our offerings, we want to remind you of the existing tools available:  

• Firefighter Pulse-check survey:  A short, anonymous survey distributed twice per year to the wildland fire community. This survey helps gauge agency performance in key areas such as health, well-being and available resources. With a high response rate, it provides invaluable insights into what we can do better.

• Behavioral Health Officers program: An interagency program that integrates trained clinicians into our wildland fire workforce. These professionals serve as guides, helping employees navigate mental health and other essential services. This initiative has been instrumental in supporting personnel through high-stress situations.

• Expanded mental health services: And this June, we announced broader access to mental health support for federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers. Through a nationwide network of licensed providers specializing in emergency response, this multi-year investment ensures that firefighters receive tailored care for their unique needs.

Beyond these advancements in mental health services, we remain committed to working alongside the wildland fire community to build a safer, more supportive environment. Together, we honor their legacy, strengthen their resources and ensure their well-being remains a top priority. Let’s stand together in gratitude and remembrance—because it takes all of us to support those who protect our lands and lives.   

For more information, visit the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program. 

Editor's Note: Provide feedback about this column, submit questions or suggest topics for future columns through the FS-Employee Feedback inbox.