Arlington County firefighters who responded to the Jan. 29, 2025 mid‑air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk near Ronald Reagan National Airport say they are still feeling the mental‑health fallout nearly two years later. An internal memo written by a fire captain on behalf of the crew was obtained by WTOP and sent to Fire Chief David Povlitz in April 2026.
Memo cites inadequate post‑incident support
The 20‑person fire team that worked the multi‑agency response described “hours in freezing conditions, handling dismembered bodies, pediatric victims and severely mutilated remains.” The memo states that the department’s follow‑up “resources, assistance and meaningful follow‑up were wholly inadequate for the specific trauma our members endured.” It further notes that many responders have experienced depression, family strain, alcohol use, sleep disturbances and eroded trust in leadership, and that some fear retaliation if they speak out.
Therapy sessions ran out, costs fell to responders
According to the document, workers’‑compensation therapy sessions were quickly exhausted, forcing firefighters to pay significant out‑of‑pocket costs for continued care. The memo also claims the department failed to apply lessons learned from the 9/11 terrorist attacks regarding trauma and recovery.
Experts confirm the impact of insufficient support
Matthew Frasca, a licensed clinical professional counselor who runs First Line Counseling in Gaithersburg, Maryland, said the lack of leadership support can damage morale and a responder’s sense of value. “If they feel that leadership is not supporting them, it really starts to affect morale and affects people’s internal beliefs about their value and the job that they did,” he told WTOP.
Robert Messeri, co‑founder of Paws of War, which pairs therapy dogs with veterans and first responders, warned that without a support mechanism, many responders turn to self‑medication, creating a dangerous spiral.
Fire department pushes back on criticism
Arlington County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Jamie Jill disputed the memo’s claims. He said a peer‑support team reached out to every firefighter involved and that the Office of Public Safety Wellness offered therapy and referrals to specialized trauma providers. Jill added that workers’‑compensation claims were submitted on behalf of each responder.
Jill identified two primary barriers to timely mental‑health care: a national surge in demand for services combined with persistently low insurance reimbursement rates, and workers’‑compensation limits that can be affected by pre‑existing conditions.
Insurance and workers’‑compensation challenges
Frasca confirmed the insurance issue, noting that low reimbursement rates cause many therapists to refuse such plans, making it hard for responders to find in‑network providers with the necessary specialty training. “Some insurance companies reimburse so low, a lot of therapists don’t take them or they’re difficult to work with,” he said.
He also described the mixed performance of workers’‑compensation providers: “Some are really good and they approve benefits quickly and you get paid quickly. Some deny it, and it can be a nightmare to get reimbursed.” Consequently, many responders resort to private insurance, even though deductibles of $10‑$30 per week can be a significant burden.
Calls for additional community support
Kevin Kelly, a retired New York City firefighter and 9/11 responder, suggested that private entities could help fill the gap. “If there’s someone who could step up or someone on the outside who’s looking in, that could come in and help them set up a foundation … would be tremendous,” he said.
Frasca emphasized the importance of self‑care, noting that after a traumatic event, experiencing stress reactions is normal and responders should continue to seek help.
What this means for Arlington’s first‑responders
The memo highlights a broader issue facing first‑responders across the nation: the need for robust, sustained mental‑health resources after traumatic incidents. While Arlington officials point to existing peer‑support and wellness programs, the documented gaps suggest that additional funding, streamlined insurance processes, and community partnerships may be necessary to ensure those who protect the public receive the care they deserve.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
