Peer Support Team
Since 2003, the Baltimore County Fire Department’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team has provided around-the-clock peer-based support, intervention, and stress management education to career and volunteer emergency responders and their families while maintaining confidentiality.
In 2020, the team transitioned to a Peer Support Team (PST) model while continuing to offer CISM responses. Team members complete cross-training and earn certification to support others after critical incidents and with job-related and personal stressors. They receive training and access various mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support resources.
Our primary goal is to reduce the impact of critical incident stress on department personnel and help prevent the long-term effects of traumatic stress.
PEER SUPPORT TEAM
The PST team is available 24 hours a day by calling the Administrative Duty Officer (ADO) at 410-307-2052 or by contacting the coordinator, Kirsten Koenig, at 443-955-3650 or the co-coordinator, Zack Belcher, at 410-802-9225. Members can find additional team contact information in the Cordico app.
The team responds to a variety of situations, including:
- Line of duty deaths
- Suicide of a department member
- Serious injuries or illnesses sustained in the line of duty
- Departmental accidents resulting in serious injury
- Serious incidents involving infants or children
- Incidents with multiple fatalities
- Sudden or unexpected death of a department member
- Any event where mental health support may be beneficial
The Peer Support Team is not limited to responding to serious incidents. We are part of a community that values caring for one another. Any department member may activate the team out of concern for another, and referrals can remain anonymous. We aim to empower individuals to prioritize mental wellness, foster resilience, and ensure all members receive the help they need.
The Peer Support Team is here to support members not only during single critical events but also in managing the cumulative stress that can result from repeated exposure to trauma. Support includes:
- Education on how trauma affects the brain and nervous system
- Guidance in developing healthy coping skills
- Active listening and peer support
- Access to mental health and self-care resources
- Triage and referral to higher levels of care, clinicians, and/or recovery centers when necessary
Mission statement: Our mission is to foster a supportive, resilient community within the Baltimore County Fire Department by providing a safe and confidential space for first responders and their families to share experiences, strengthen connections, and access resources for mental health and well-being. We empower our members through peer support, guidance, and understanding, fostering a culture rooted in trust, compassion, and mutual support.
Vision statement: We envision a fire department where every first responder and their families can access the support and tools they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. By promoting open dialogue, reducing stigma, and encouraging collective strength, we aim to be a department where each member feels valued, supported, and resilient, both on and off duty.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Police Behavioral Assessment Unit, Mobile Crisis Team
The Baltimore County Crisis Response System (BCCRS) is a collaborative program between the Police Department, Health Department, and Affiliated Sante Group that is designed to provide comprehensive crisis intervention services to persons in a mental health crisis. The Mobile Crisis Team pairs a mental health clinician with a police officer to provide emergency police response to persons in need of crisis intervention.
Baltimore County Employee Assistance Program
Baltimore County's Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. For more information, visit the Employee Assistance Program page.