Firefighter suicides reflect toll of longer fire seasons and increased stress

More firefighters took their own lives than died on the job over that span, though line-of-duty deaths often eclipse suicides in the media and public consciousness.

A small but dedicated group of people in California and across the country is working to change that.

In the last few years these advocates have sought to increase awareness about firefighters' mental health, pushed departments to offer more firefighter-appropriate help and stepped in as counselors themselves.

In Los Angeles County, Supervisor Kathryn Barger last year ordered the fire chief, sheriff and other first-response departments to review the behavioral health services offered to employees.