Gary’s WARRIOR Story
Gary Metz
I am a retired disabled professional Firefighter who spent almost thirty years as a Firefighter Paramedic, Paramedic Captain at Littleton Fire Rescue. During that time I was also employed as a Flight Paramedic for over 7 years. After being disabled in 2004, I spent time as a fire service training Captain, Fire Science and EMS instructor at Red Rocks Community College. I also served as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support instructor for 31 years. Due to the COVID pandemic, my teaching career abruptly ended, and I finally retired my Paramedic license on January 21, 2021 after 44 years as a Paramedic.
I found myself struggling with many issues post career. I was overwhelmed with daily life. I was experiencing debilitating PTSD, as well as an abundance of health issues. My extended career in the fire service left me in chronic pain from many orthopedic surgeries. In addition, I was diagnosed with job related prostate cancer, and an unexpected cardiac issue, which resulted in a 6-way bypass shortly after being disabled.
By this point, I was having severe depression and anxiety, which resulted in suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. My family and friends were looking out for me and they knew I was in desperate need for help. It was suggested that I look into the International Association of Firefighters Center of Excellence (COE) in Maryland. This is an in-patient treatment center for firefighters with struggling with PTSD and other behavioral issues. Regular yoga classes were
part of the COE's treatment program.
That decision to seek treatment saved my life.
After more than a month of intensive treatment in Maryland, I returned home to continue my recovery and begin to regain my life. I realized recovery from the years of his Firefighter Service was going to be a life-long endeavor. I have been very active in my ongoing recovery which has included EMDR, meditation, talk therapy and several other treatment modalities.
One day on a visit with my therapist, she suggested that I meet with a yoga instructor that was involved with first responders and assisting in the healing of trauma, named Sharon Wheeler. At the end of my session, Sharon came in and introduced herself and described her classes, which addressed the unique stress relief for those suffering from the effects of a career in the Fire Department. I started weekly yoga sessions with Sharon and it has been the most effective part of my recovery. I have now been regularly practicing yoga with Sharon for more than 4 years and it has become the most important part of my recovery.
Sharon's dedication to helping first responders has been an inspiration to me. She is also a wonderful human being and has become a dear friend. I am humbled that Sharon has asked me to be on the advisory board. I have also been active in helping other Firefighters with PTSD. This foundation will be an avenue to help my fellow brothers and sisters in need. This is truly a cause that is close to my heart.
I was contacted by Denver 9 news Corey Rose to be a part of her Emmy award winning firefighter PTSD special. Corey sits on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Professional Firefighters Foundation. Her father, Gary Stameisen, passed from job related cancer in 2010 at the age of 57. She has been active in bringing firefighter cancer to the forefront as well as our under reported PTSD epidemic.
Here is a link to Corey’s 9 News PTSD special.
Please take a look if you haven't had a chance.
Peace and Love to all,
Retired Disabled Firefighter Gary Metz