Firefighters do not belong just to a company, they belong to the Department family. And like members of families, they put their utmost trust in each other. Therefore, to best reach out to those personnel in need who may be less receptive to outsiders, the CSU utilizes peer counselors. These peers, consisting of active duty and retired firefighters, are the CSU’s first line of action and visit their fellow firefighters at the firehouse. Trained in post-traumatic stress and Critical Incident Stress Management, these firefighters have been providing invaluable help since 9/11, visiting every firehouse in the city and encouraging Department personnel to ask for help if they need it. Contact Frank Leto at 212-570-1693 for more information.