Columbia Station Eagle Riders hold fundraiser in memory of firefighter

Brian Slack, a well-respected firefighter and fire officer in Lorain County took his own life on Sept. 26, 2020. A 27-year veteran in the fire service, Brian began his safety service career as a firefighter for the Eaton Township Fire Department in 1985. In 2000, Brian moved to the Wellington area and joined the Wellington Fire District, before once again serving on his home department in Eaton Township. Throughout Brian’s career, he was a trusted Firefighter, Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, and Fire Instructor.

Brian had many passions, and two of which that could not be denied was his love of the fire service and his love for riding his motorcycle. Many who knew Brian came to know him through these two passions, and for this reason he knew, and was known by many. It was those close to Brian who knew that, although, a person who loved life, Brian also experienced internal struggles. Was it these struggles that ultimately led him to choose the tragic decision of suicide? Were the signs there and went unnoticed, or perhaps, noticed and dismissed. Brian’s death brings to light the rapidly increasing awareness of the mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, suicide, and suicide ideation that plague our nation’s safety service professionals.

The Columbia Station Eagle Riders recently hosted a poker run in Brian’s memory. More than 40 motorcycles roared from each stop to the next, raising $1,400 in the process. On Sept. 19, members of the Eagle Riders generously presented these proceeds to representatives of the Lorain County Fire Chief’s Association, asking that the funds be placed in a training account to help better educate Lorain County’s fire personnel on the recognition and treatment of mental health issues.

The Lorain County Fire Chief’s Association thanks the Columbia Station Eagle Riders, and fully recognizes this problem, agreeing that awareness, education, and recognition is the key to combating it.

SUBMITTED Members of the Columbia Station Eagle Riders presenting a check to Chief Mike Wetherbee (Wellington Fire District), Chief Glen Thompson (Grafton Village Fire and Rescue), and Brian’s father Phil Slack.