Matt Fiorenza and Jared Cheselske are veteran firefighters and suicide survivors. We discuss their traumatic childhoods, their journeys into the fire service, suicide ideation, the treatments that did not work, the Save a Warrior program and much more. Get a glimpse into the before and after treatment in this powerful two part episode.
Matthew Fiorenza has been a Firefighter/Paramedic in Southern California for 18 years. for the city of Anaheim in Orange County, Calif. for 18 years. After ten years working on the busiest units in the city, he received an on-the-job injury that required surgery, experienced multiple critical incident stressors, had extended time away from his family, and experienced a divorce. Matt found himself in a deep depression with no escape hatch. Thoughts of suicide, and a struggle with alcohol use and depression consumed his life until he finally reached out for help.
Matt's journey to health has placed him on a path of hope and resilience. Through his trials and recovery, he has found a passion for sharing his story and encouraging others. Today he is a mentor for men in 12-step programs, volunteers as a Shepherd for Save A Warrior, and is an outreach specialist for the First Responder Wellness program at Simple Recovery, a substance abuse and co-occurring mental health treatment program in Southern California exclusively treating first responders. Matt is a trusted member of Anaheim Fire & Rescue's Peer Support Team, a husband, father, and a brother in service. He is also an instructor with Santa Ana College’s Basic Fire Academy and addresses mental health blocks of new recruits so that they have healthier coping skills at the onset of their public safety careers. He has spoken at the Public Safety Peer Support Association and the International Public Safety Association, along with trainings at Departments across California and beyond.
Save a Warrior Website: Click Here
Shift Wellness Website; Click Here