First responder walk in Sudbury sparks conversations about PTSD

On Thursday, first responders and those retired from the profession took over the streets of Sudbury for the second annual Blue Balance Wellness PTSD Awareness Walk put on by the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Organizers said it’s an opportunity to have important conversations and connect while bringing awareness to the stigma around PTSD that has improved, but still exists.

Before joining the Sudbury police 15 years ago, Const. Cameron Kidder served in the Armed Forces. Kidder said June 26 is a difficult day because it marks the 14-year anniversary of the death of Pvt. Andrew Miller, who was killed in Afghanistan.

“It's one of the reasons why I think it's so important,” he said.

“Any of those tragedies, whether they happen here or overseas, depending on which agency organization you're with, it impacts everyone. So it's very important to have this opportunity for first responders -- and retired responders and veterans to see the engagements and just, you know, the camaraderie.”

This is the second year for the event, which has doubled in size with more than 120 people taking part, from law enforcement to fire and EMS, as well as Canadian Forces and Wounded Warriors Canada.

In all, 20 organizations were represented.

“We need, people, our first responders, to know that it's OK to talk about it, that this does affect all of us in some way, shape or form,” said Jesse Oshell of Greater Sudbury Fire Services.

“I have my own personal experiences. And you know what? Keeping that in and not talking about it, not getting the help from your peers or from the community, that can actually do a lot more harm than good. So we want everyone to know that, you know what? We're here. We understand. Let's get it out. Let's talk with support each other.”

This is the second year for the event, which has doubled in size with more than 120 people taking part, from law enforcement to fire and EMS, as well as Canadian Forces and Wounded Warriors Canada. (Photo from video)

Before joining the Sudbury police 15 years ago, Const. Cameron Kidder served in the Armed Forces. Kidder said June 26 is a difficult day because it marks the 14-year anniversary of the death of Pvt. Andrew Miller, who was killed in Afghanistan. (Photo from video)

“PTSD is a condition that can affect you one day, and then you're fine for days to weeks to months or years, and then it hits you again,” Kidder said.

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“So even me as an example, you know, I'm having a hard time talking about the anniversary for a friend from yesterday. It was Andrew Miller. And it's just up until the last year or two, I probably could have said his name and talked about it a little more openly, but now it's, it's still hitting me now.”

Kidder said the support for the event has been overwhelming and that he can see the event continuing to grow over the next few years to eventually include the general public.