Episode 35: Kenny Mitchell Jr - Retired Lt Firefighter with 22 years Experience, Founder of "Operation Yellow Tape", Keynote Speaker, Coach & Mental Health Advocate

Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.

A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.

In this episode, Erin speaks with Kenny Mitchell Jr, a Firefighter with over 22 years experience in VA, who retired as a Lieutenant this past April. Kenny is also the Founder of Operation Yellow Tape, an organisation empowering First Responders to build upon their strength, resilience and hope. Their mission is dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in the First Responder profession and community by offering education, resources and support, including their 3rd Annual OYT Conference coming up on September 14th!

Kenny tells Erin about how the events of 9/11 dramatically changed his career trajectory, taking him from the life of a graphic designer, to feeling inspired to want to serve on the front lines, by joining the fire department.

While he loved and thrived in his new role, he could see the impact of the job could be heavy on someone's mental health, so he joined the peer support network of his fire department in 2009.

Despite knowing the importance of maintaining your mental health and wellness, Kenny endured a tragic and devastating personal loss in 2013, which irrevocably changed his world. He was left engulfed by grief, suffering from depression and experiencing infrequent thoughts of suicidal ideation.

This mental health struggle lasted for 7 years, until the sudden loss to suicide of one of Kenny's close friends and colleagues, Tom. He knew something needed to change, so he began sharing his own personal struggles, realising how many fellow First Responders were experiencing the same kind of mental health challenges, but no one was speaking about them.

Whilst scribbling notes at his friend's funeral, Kenny wrote "There are too many of us to ever feel alone" and the concept of Operation Yellow Tape was born.

Kenny reached a point towards the beginning of 2024, where he could acknowledge his cup was getting full and it was time for him to walk away from his firefighting career, feeling proud of all he'd accomplished. He now spends his time dedicated to Operation Yellow Tape, giving presentations to First Responder and civilian groups alike, about the importance of maintaining our mental health and being proactive about seeking assistance. He also still participates in training MAYDAY/RIT.

First Responder Mental Health and Wellness is deeply personal for Kenny; you don't have to speak to him for very long to know how passionate he is about the work he does with OYT.

They have their 3rd Annual OYT Conference coming up on September 14th in North Chesterfield, VA. You can obtain tickets here: ⁠⁠https://www.kennymitchelljr.com/oyt⁠⁠

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Kenny and have him share his story and experience. (Third time was the charm for us!) We both hope you enjoy listening to this episode and you can follow Kenny on social media @kennymitchellfire or you can go check out his website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kennymitchelljr.com/meetkenny⁠⁠

You can also find his podcast "Operation Yellow Tape" wherever you find your podcasts!

Please feel free to reach out if you'd like a topic discussed, would like to be a guest or are interested in receiving coaching services from Erin Jane.

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