Fulshear Simonton Fire Department Forms New CISM Team to Support Firefighter Mental Health
First responders run toward danger when others are running away—but the emotional weight of those emergencies often lingers long after the scene is cleared. Recognizing the hidden toll of trauma and stress in the fire service, the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department (FSFD) has officially launched a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, a new in-house resource dedicated to supporting firefighter mental health.
Announced this week by Firefighter/EMT-B Patrick Polasek, the CISM team is made up of trained FSFD firefighters, engineers, and captains who will now offer peer-to-peer support, stress management tools, and confidential referrals to professional resources after difficult calls.
“We’re incredibly proud to announce the formation of the Fulshear Simonton FD CISM Team,” said Polasek. “Their mission is to help our team process traumatic events, ensuring the long-term well-being of every member of our department.”
Mental Health: A Growing Crisis in the Fire Service
Mental health challenges in the fire service are well documented—and increasingly urgent. According to a behavioral health report shared by the U.S. Senate, firefighters are exposed to an average of nine traumatic events each year. That repeated exposure can lead to burnout, anxiety, PTSD, and even suicide.
Data from the CDC’s NIOSH division confirms that firefighters and law enforcement officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. And while reported rates vary, studies suggest that as many as 1 in 5 firefighters may meet criteria for PTSD or other behavioral health concerns—yet many never seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment.
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That's why initiatives like FSFD’s new CISM Team are so important—not only for the health of first responders, but for the overall strength of the communities they serve. By launching an internal team focused on emotional resilience and early intervention, FSFD is taking a proactive step to protect its people—both on and off the job.
“Our firefighters are human first. Forming a Critical Incident Stress Management Team was a top priority coming into the organization. It ensures they have confidential, immediate support after the toughest calls—because resilience isn’t accidental; it’s built together,” said Doug Boeker, Fulshear Simonton Fire Department Fire Chief.
What the FSFD CISM Team Offers
The CISM Team will serve FSFD’s personnel—who respond to emergencies across Fulshear, Simonton, Weston Lakes, and outlying areas near Katy and Richmond—by providing:
- Peer-to-peer support after difficult emergency calls
- Stress management tools and emotional wellness check-ins
- Confidential referrals to mental health professionals when needed
- Ongoing education to build a culture of support and openness
All conversations remain strictly confidential, creating a safe space for firefighters to open up about the difficult realities they face on the job.
“The job of a first responder is demanding, and our members often face traumatic and high-stress situations,” said Polasek. “The purpose of our CISM Team is to be a resource for our firefighters, offering peer support and mental health resources after critical incidents.”
A Department Built on Community—and Resilience
From its founding in 1963 with just a cattle sprayer and a volunteer spirit, the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department has grown into a highly trained and professionally staffed team of 70 firefighters (60 full-time, 10 part-time). With three active fire stations and a fleet of modern apparatus, FSFD now protects a rapidly growing region across Fort Bend County.
The department’s expansion has been supported by Emergency Services District No. 4 (ESD No. 4), which provides essential funding and oversight for fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services.
But this next chapter—investing in the mental and emotional health of firefighters—represents a deeper kind of growth. It's a commitment to sustainability, humanity, and long-term strength.
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Protecting Those Who Protect Us
By establishing a dedicated CISM Team, FSFD joins a growing number of departments across Texas and the nation prioritizing mental wellness as essential to public safety. The team’s work is rooted not only in compassion, but in the proven link between firefighter well-being and service performance.
“This is about taking care of each other,” said Polasek. “Because when our people are strong, our department is strong—and that means safer outcomes for everyone in our community.”
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more local updates from Fulshear and the greater Fort Bend County area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
