Dallas, TX
Survey finds many Dallas firefighters struggle with mental health
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/YM44LDWNUREEHE7VZGFRUKXC3E.JPG "Survey finds many Dallas firefighters struggle with mental health")
Most Dallas firefighters don’t belief their prime leaders, round 1 / 4 of virtually 900 employees say they’ve skilled signs of melancholy, and almost 1 in 10 say they’ve considered harming themselves, in accordance with the outcomes of an inside metropolis survey launched Thursday.
The survey accessing the psychological well being of Dallas Fireplace-Rescue employees additionally discovered that 37% of respondents reported ingesting extra alcohol since beginning their job, 34% say they’ve elevated anxiousness, and most are conscious of a number of applications supplied by way of town to lower stress, however 83% say they don’t use any of them.
The survey comes after the fireplace division has had no less than one member die by suicide in every of the final 5 years, hearth officers say. Two employees have died by suicide within the final six months, and a 3rd tried to harm themselves.
Jim McDade, president of the Dallas Fireplace Fighters Affiliation, described the outcomes of the survey as disturbing, however not stunning. The union head mentioned many firefighters really feel town has supplied few options to elevated emergency calls, protections from COVID, and a protected area to report private points to administration with out it getting used towards them.
Points with getting paid on time have additionally shaken religion, he mentioned. The fireplace and police unions are in an ongoing lawsuit with town over delayed pay elevate will increase.
“A variety of what the survey exhibits is a fruits of two years of unbelievable stress on our members who’ve gone above and past for this metropolis and feeling like they’ve little or no assist,” McDade mentioned.
The fireplace division responded to round 236,000 calls in 2020, in accordance with the division. McDade mentioned the decision load sometimes will increase round 5% a 12 months. The vast majority of calls firefighters reply to are medical-related.
COVID additionally hit the division arduous. Greater than 900 fire-rescue employees examined constructive for the virus between March 2020 and January 2022, in accordance with the division.
In line with the survey, about 38% of the polled employees mentioned they believed the fireplace division’s prime managers, together with the chief, care about their effectively being. However 62% say prime employees don’t care.
The quantity who say bosses do care rose considerably when it got here to decrease ranges of administration resembling deputy chiefs (60%), battalion chiefs (85%) and hearth station officers (96%). The survey discovered 95% of firefighters believed their friends cared about their wellbeing.
Fireplace Chief Dominique Artis, who despatched the outcomes of the survey in a memo to the mayor and Metropolis Council members Thursday, mentioned he was inspired that employees really feel comfy sufficient to speak to one another, however felt he and different prime hearth officers must do extra to regain the belief of employees.
Usually, he mentioned, command employees members don’t see many firefighters exterior of trainee graduations and award ceremonies. Artis admitted to not realizing as many more recent members of the division as he ought to.
“We’ve obtained to do a greater job of getting on the market, going to the stations, being accessible and listening,” Artis mentioned. “It’s essential that we routinely speak to our membership to ensure they know we would like what’s finest for them and that we’re dedicated to creating certain all of their wants are met.”
He mentioned the division is wanting into hiring devoted paramedics to work throughout high-call durations to assist add employees. The division solely has paramedics who are also firefighters and rotate on ambulance obligation.
The survey was carried out by the fireplace company’s security division, and the ballot was despatched to 1,600 Dallas firefighters and paramedics. The survey drew responses from 895 folks. The division has a complete workforce of round 2,000.
The survey was carried out to higher perceive the psychological state of employees, and the info will probably be used develop applications to higher serve staff, Artis wrote within the memo.,
“DFR management is dedicated to addressing all of the survey responses,” Artis wrote. “Actually, work had already beforehand begun addressing points that have been subsequently introduced within the responses.”
He talked about as examples the division holding casual conferences to get enter from employees on how the company responds and dispatches to calls, and mentioned town is planning to rent employees psychologists for the fireplace division and stationing them in workplace area not owned by town.
The Metropolis Council on Wednesday accepted paying greater than $190,000 over 5 years for the psychologists to be based mostly in a privately owned West Dallas workplace constructing.
Artis mentioned he hopes the three psychologists are employed beginning in July and that employees and their rapid family would be capable to speak to them free of charge.
“It’s going to be actually essential that as we construct these applications that the belief is there,” Artis mentioned. “I’m very dedicated to creating that occur and so is my staff.”
Peer assist, stress administration and worker help applications are supplied to assist tackle the psychological well being of firefighters. The Metropolis Council in March additionally accepted a plan to permit metropolis employees who expertise a traumatic occasion whereas on obligation to take paid break day.
The survey discovered that 83% of employees mentioned they’ve by no means used any of the companies supplied by town to assist their psychological well being regardless of the vast majority of employees realizing all of the choices accessible.
McDade mentioned the union additionally offers companies to assist with the psychological well being of employees, however there isn’t sufficient belief of higher administration.
“Whenever you name the division peer assist staff and a deputy chief solutions the cellphone, there’s a a worry of being open and sincere as a result of the sensation is the chief will probably be extra loyal to town than to members,” McDade mentioned. “If somebody says they’ve been utilizing medication to manage and so they’re in search of assist, they’re afraid it’ll result in them getting disciplined as an alternative.”
Additionally within the survey, 88% of employees mentioned the the job has harm their sleep, however solely 35% mentioned they’d be keen to alter their work schedule.
“The survey is a step in the correct course,” McDade mentioned. “However till we’re in a position to tackle the workload on our members the impacts are going to proceed taking a toll on our members.”
Gather your family, grab some hot cocoa, and explore the best Christmas light displays across DFW. This list includes free attractions and festive events with admission fees:
Christmas Lights Show:
Dallas Zoo Lights
A holiday tradition is back: Dallas Zoo Lights returns
The Dallas Zoo is now exploding with lights, lanterns, and new immersive experiences. FOX 4’s Shannon Murray gives us an inside look at the festivities:
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Zoo
What: Enjoy illuminated zoo animals, creative displays, and larger-than-life decorations. Perfect for kids and families.
Cost: Tickets start at $16.
Holiday at the Arboretum
12 Days of Christmas event returns to Dallas Arboretum
This year, Dallas Arboretum is celebrating ’10 years’ of it’s celebrated ’12 Days of Christmas’ event. The tradition for many North Texas families returns tonight.
When: Nov. 13 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Arboretum
What: Thousands of lights and elaborate decorations set the scene for this cherished Dallas holiday tradition. Activities and food add to the festive atmosphere.
Cost: Tickets range from $13 to $37, depending on age and time of visit.
Lightscape
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
What: Millions of lights transform the gardens into a magical, glowing winter wonderland. Seasonal treats and warm beverages are available for purchase.
Cost: Tickets range from $12 to $30.
Tianyu Lights Festival
Magical Forest Tianyu Lights Festival in Grand Prairie
Vibrant colors everywhere you look at the Tianyu Lights Festival… The spectacular festival has opened in North Texas and will close January 19th.
When: Nov. 8 – Jan. 19
Where: Grand Prairie, Texas
What: Stroll through a magical forest filled with vibrant, handcrafted light displays. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: Admission ranges from $16 to $33, depending on the day. Parking costs $10 online or $15 onsite.
https://tianyuculture.us/dallas/
Drive-thru Christmas lights:
Burkman Holiday Home (Featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight)
Where: 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco
Cost: Free.
Deerfield Christmas Lights
Where: West Plano, between Preston Road and Coit Road.
Cost: Free.
Highland Park
Where: Enter the neighborhood at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road.
Cost: Free. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available for $175.
Karr Family Light Show
Where: 5901 Pacers Lane, Fort Worth (6–10 p.m.)
Cost: Free.
Lights on Trail Creek
Where: 4941 Trail Creek Drive, Fort Worth. Tune your radio to 99.9 FM for synchronized music.
Cost: Free.
Interlochen Christmas Lights
Where: Start at Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive in North Arlington.
Cost: Free.
Southwestern Boulevard
Where: University Park, between Central Expressway and the Dallas North Tollway.
Cost: Free.
Timberhollow Circle
Where: A cul-de-sac in Lake Highlands with a “12 Days of Christmas” display. Surrounding homes are also decorated.
Cost: Free.
Vitruvian Park
Where: Vitruvian Park in Addison (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1)
Cost: Free.
https://visitaddison.com/events/vitruvian-park/
New Law – Legalize Marijuana. Wooden judge hammer. Cannabis legalization as medical drug. CBD … [+]
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and local officials, targeting a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana-related offenses and bars police from enforcing state drug laws.
The announcement of this legal action, made last week, is related to Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” which was passed in November with nearly 67% approval.
The measure decriminalizes possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and restricts the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for such offenses, except in cases involving larger felony investigations. It also bars officers from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause for searches or seizures.
As of today, in Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. Possession of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.
The state contends that Proposition R is preempted by Texas state law, including the Health and Safety Code – which criminalizes the possession of marijuana – and the Local Government Code – which obligates municipalities to enforce state drug laws fully. The lawsuit alleges that the charter amendment is unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution to the extent that local laws may not conflict with state statutes.
The lawsuit also argues that Proposition R bars Dallas police from enforcing misdemeanor marijuana possession laws, utilizing the odor of marijuana as probable cause, or expending city funds to test marijuana substances with exceptions in those narrowly defined cases where the alleged offense is a violent or high-priority narcotics felony.
Therefore, the state asked the court to nullify Proposition R, arguing Dallas exceeded its legal authority. It also asks the court to stop city officials and police from enforcing the measure and to ensure state drug laws are followed.
Earlier this year, Texas AGl Paxton also sued the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton for adopting amnesty and non-prosecution policies that he claims violate state laws on marijuana possession and distribution.
Marijuana in Texas
Texas has not yet legalized marijuana for recreational use but has a medical marijuana program in place under the Texas Compassionate Use Act, which passed in 2015. It also legalized the production and sale of industrial hemp and CBD products in 2019, following the Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized hemp, defined as marijuana having no more than 0.3% THC, by separating it from marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.
Currently, 24 U.S. states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, and 38 states for medical use.
In the November presidential election, several marijuana-related ballot measures were proposed, but most failed.
In Florida, nearly 56% voted “yes” to Amendment 3, which allowed adult-use marijuana; however, it did not meet the required 60% threshold to amend the state constitution.
Similar ballot measures in North Dakota and South Dakota each failed to achieve majority support.
Arkansas voters could have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program, but the state’s Supreme Court ruled – prior to this election – that the votes could not be counted.
The marijuana legalization measure that passed was in Nebraska alone, making it the 39th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, though its validity is still being challenged in court.
Meanwhile, in Texas, a lawmaker has recently filed a bill to legalize and establish a regulated market for the production and sale of recreational marijuana. However, past marijuana bills have stalled in the conservative Texas legislature, setting up the next session as potentially crucial for marijuana policy reform in the state.
The Dallas Cowboys got back in the win column with a surprising upset over the Washington Commanders. Surprising in the fact that Dallas won, and surprising in that it was one of the crazier games seen in a while. The fourth-quarter alone was worth the price of admission.
The Cowboys were able to get their win even though they were roughly 10.5-point underdogs going into the game. Dallas has been the underdog for a while now, but this week they are favored. With their rivals in the NFC East, the New York Giants, coming to town on turkey day, Dallas finds themselves as 3.5-point favorites in the FanDuel odds.
The Giants appear to be falling apart after cutting QB Daniel Jones, getting rocked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-7, then having multiple players calling the team’s effort ‘soft’ and questioning the game plan.
Could the Cowboys actually go on a winning streak? And how does this sit with a fanbase firmly looking toward draft position?
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