Fighting the Fire

Fighting the Fire is extremely well-developed and produced. As a former law enforcement officer, and someone who is still friends with a significant number of first responders, watching this film brought about numerous thoughts and memories surrounding the internal battles that arise, even when one is not on duty.

Having an extremely caring and emotionally supportive group around you is so important. I was fortunate enough to work as a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Their department does an amazing job of supporting, not just their Deputies, but their entire staff. I can't begin to recall the number of times my Sergeants and Lieutenants checked in on my colleagues and me, just to ensure our well-being. The training and communication we received just seemed to reassure everyone that you were never alone and that everything would be alright.

Additionally, having a supportive spouse/partner at home is very important. A strong family support system is crucial. When someone is hurting, losing that support, or having it taken from them, is never beneficial. I have friends and colleagues that have had both supportive and unsupportive spouses. It truly makes a difference.

Overall, I felt Fighting the Fire touched on so many critical issues that first responders are forced to deal with, day in and day out. James Dickey did an amazing job in portraying Brian Cook. The journey his character was forced to travel, kept my attention throughout the entirety of the film.

Former Deputy Sheriff Stafford County Sheriff's Office, VA.

Finally a film that doesn't just focus on the first responder's struggle, but the pain and torment that their families and friends also experience. This was an exceptional movie that truly captures the emotion and internal struggle that a firefighter struggles with after experiencing trauma repeatedly.

The lead actor did a phenomenal job and I truly felt that he was experiencing all of the emotions portrayed. I found myself shedding tears along with him in many of the scenes. I do not remember that last time that I felt this way leaving a theater. It was truly a great experience and the film does a great job trying to communicate that it's ok to ask for help.

The supporting cast was an excellent mix of diversity and also included actual firefighters in many of the scenes. The main family members each seemed to represent different emotions in response the the story being told; wife- loneliness and fear, son- anger and indifference, daughter- love and loss, and of course the father- PTSD and alcoholism.

This is a must watch for all first responders in every field and the military. It is a great reminder that we do not struggle alone and when we are hurting we also tend to hurt those around us without knowing.

*9/10.

This is an intense and accurate depiction of the stress, trauma, and PTSD that many first responders face on a regular basis. Kudos to the cast and crew for tackling such an important message and for making sure that the topic of mental health is kept in the forefront. The movie gave the sense that; it's okay if something is wrong, but what's not okay is to hide it until it hurts yourself and others.

The main character's family and friends start to suffer as a result of unresolved and unaddressed traumas. He starts to follow in his fathers footsteps without even knowing and then ultimately changes his path after learning that is healthier to cope than to suppress and self medicate.

Admittedly, I was not prepared for the emotional ride that this film provided and I caught myself lost in the struggles of mental health and alcoholism that were so very well portrayed by Dickey. The entire cast and their roles were all essential in the telling of the overall story and to make the audience aware that; it's not just the person you see hurting that is the only victim.

Speak up before it's too late. If you're hurting, it's okay to ask for help! So many of our real life heroes battle demons and unfortunately succumb to them... don't be another statistic. Watch this movie, share the message, and check on your loved ones in the first responder field.

The real strength comes from opening up, not from hiding.

The "988 Lifeline" provides 24/7, free & confidential support for people in distress, prevention & crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

Fighting The Fire is not just a film; it's an emotional journey that dives deep into the tumultuous waters of mental health, particularly focusing on the often overlooked struggles faced by men. Directed by Bobby Lacer, this movie is a powerful testament to the healing power of vulnerability and the importance of dialogue in overcoming life's darkest moments.

From the very beginning, the film's raw and honest portrayal of doubt, self-worth, pain, and disappointment resonates deeply. For those who have wrestled with these inner demons, Fighting The Fire serves as both a mirror and a beacon of hope. Lacer's direction brings an authenticity to the screen that is rarely seen, capturing the essence of human suffering and the slow, arduous process of rebirth.

James Dickey, in the lead role, delivers a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal of a man on the brink, grappling with the idea of ending it all, is heartbreakingly real. Dickey brings the script to life in a way that allows viewers to feel every ounce of his character's pain and every flicker of hope. His journey from despair to a tentative rebirth is executed with such nuance and depth that it brought me to tears.

The film's script is another standout element, weaving a story that is both harrowing and uplifting. The dialogue is raw and unfiltered, reflecting the reality of mental health struggles without sugarcoating. This honest representation is crucial, as it helps to demystify the topic and dismantle the stigma surrounding it.

Mental health, especially for men, has long been considered a taboo subject. Fighting The Fire tackles this head-on, opening up a much-needed conversation. The film's message is clear: seeking help, opening up, and simply being there for one another can be life-changing. Lacer and his team have created a film that is not only a work of art but also a tool for social change.

The cinematography and score also deserve special mention. The visual and auditory elements of the film work in harmony to enhance the emotional impact, creating a visceral experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Fighting The Fire is a must-watch for anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health or knows someone who has. It's a film that encourages us to share our struggles and to be there for each other in times of need. Bobby Lacer and his cast and crew have set a new standard for how mental health can be portrayed in cinema, and in doing so, they have made a significant contribution to breaking down the barriers of silence and stigma. This film is not just seen; it's felt, and it has the potential to change lives.

Fighting the Fire has an accurate and meaningful message concerning the effects a career as a first responder has on an individual. What this film reveals is the real life of a firefighter.

During my years of service, have personally witnessed similar things to those revealed in this film. As begin my career in the field, one of the first incidents was a part of involved an eight year old boy who was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. I helped perform CPR on this child all the way to the hospital and to the operating room. Sadly, he didn't survive.

My children were about the same age at that time and this incident troubled me for many days. Eventually decided that I had to either resign from the fire service or learn how to dismiss these incidents from my mind as quickly as possible. I decided to learn how to think and imagine positive things, like watching ocean waves blast the rocks, the view of a starry skies on the clear night, going on a camping trip with my family - things like that, until the thoughts of the previously witness trauma subsided.

Firefighters/police are typically reluctant to talk about their struggles with these issues for fear of being harassed or ridiculed of by their peers, so they keep it to themselves. And yes, many choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Another common problem is the ease of becoming hardened to tragedy. You tend to lose what should be sympathy and/or empathy for the day to day struggles of other, including your own family.

My hope is that this film will encourage others who struggle with these problems to see they are not alone. There are support groups available and other helpful coping methods.

It is my belief that Fighting the Fire will be helpful for firefighters and police officers to realize these types of incidents are going to occur, whether they are there or not. This will allow them to remember that a career as a responder provides a rewarding opportunity to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of people in their community.

Chief Marvin Johnson (Retired)