Kenny and K-9 Jaycee

My name is Kenny. I was a firefighter for 25 years for Minneapolis Fire. I loved my job and doing something different every day. I also loved helping people. In the beginning of 2024, I started to notice a change in my behavior. I was isolating myself from the people I was working with and not sleeping at all. My home life was suffering as well. I have 2 kids, and I was angry and not present for them. I reached out for help and started seeing a therapist. She diagnosed me with PTSD. My union and her recommended me to the IAFF center of excellence in Maryland. I made the call to go in April. The center of excellence saved my life and gave me a set of tools to deal with PTSD. I am still working every day to be the best I can be. I am in the process of leaving the fire department. In December I reached out to Soldiers 6 to learn more about getting a service dog. Ed called me on February 1. I was so excited to get this call. We talked on Monday, and he explained the whole process. I am looking forward to growing with my dog, Jasey. I know this is going to help me to continue me on my journey to healing.