Kaitlin's Story

Kaitlin Bergan was an incredible young woman, one of the best of the best. Kaitlin was born a caring, goal directed, and dedicated individual. Early in life Kaitlin dreamed of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic. While studying Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa, she began her career as a volunteer firefighter in Coralville, Iowa. Following graduation with a BA degree, she completed Paramedic studies & became a certified paramedic in Anamosa, Iowa...all the while teaching EMS classes at the University of Iowa. She also, continued to work as a volunteer firefighter.

Kaitlin later moved to Memphis, Tennessee where she was accepted into the lateral training program as a Paramedic/Firefighter. While there, she experienced a major tragedy in her personal life, one that affected her deeply.

Kaitlin seemingly buried this sorrow and continued to excel. She was assigned to the SORT Elite Team Special Ops Station 25.

Tragically, on April 27,2022, at the young age of 27, Kaitlin passed away from suicide due to PTSD.

Tom Mann sits down with Kaitlin's parents, Scott and Lorena Bergan, who share Kaitlin's story in hopes of helping others. In honor of Kaitlin, they have established a foundation to honor her life and her dedication as a Firefighter/Paramedic called Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes. Utilizing this foundation, Kaitlin's family dedicates their time and energy to educating and supporting other First Responders and their families who may be dealing with mental health issues such as PTSD and to help remove any stigmas associated with this. Through Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes, they hope to help First Responders and/or their families who may be dealing with similar crisis'.

-Tom Mann
Executive Producer/Host

Storylines guests include:
Scott & Lorena Bergan

For more information about Katlin's Heart for Heroes:
www.kaitlinsheartforheroes.org

Special Thanks to Raymond Chiozza for pictures of Kaitlin Bergan.

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www.kaitlinsheartforheroes.org

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An active shooter situation. What do you do? The objective is to save lives. Obviously, it law enforcement plays a key role but treating mass casualties requires fire departments and emergency medical services to be on the scene. An immediate, coordinated response saves lives when you are on the firing line.

It can happen anywhere and it did. On September 21, 2021, the place was Collierville, Tennessee, often known for being one of many suburbs surrounding the City of Memphis. This incident became the first known case where police and fire entered together while an active shooter incident unfolded at a Kroger store..

This is the story of the Collierville Fire Department, the Germantown Fire Department and all the other agencies who provided mutual aid to this tragic event.. Many lives were saved that day through the efforts of the brave men and women who were on the scene risking their own lives for others.

-Tom Mann
Executive Producer/Host

Storylines guests include:

Chief John Selberg, Collierville, Tennessee Fire Department

Chief Eric Grizzard, Germantown, Tennessee Fire Department

Battalion Chief Mike Sansone, Collierville, Tennessee Fire Department

Lt. Jimbo Hunsucker, Collierville, Tennessee Fire Department

George Langston, Retired Memphis Firefighter
Featured in "Surviving the Unthinkable" EFD podcast links:
https://emergencyfdstoryline.buzzsprout.com/1036018/6566581
https://emergencyfdstoryline.buzzsprout.com/1036018/6751366


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2NYLA-b6Cp3oFn-5Mk7Kg


If you need help, seek out professional help from your fire department or local fire union. There are also resources online such as:
https://allclearfoundation.org


Go to emergencyfd.com for more podcasts.
Email EmergencyFD Storyline: storyline@emergencyfd.com


Support EmergencyFD Storyline at emergencyfd.com

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Support the show

Have you heard the saying “turning lemons into lemonade?"

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive "can-do" attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; "making lemonade" means taking those difficulties & turning them into something positive or desirable. When I think of first responders in general, "turning lemons into lemonade" just seems to be in their DNA.

There are some stories I want to investigate. Not all are about a tragic event. Sometimes, it is to find out what makes a person tick. Why do they do what they do? Why are some people encouragers (exhorters)? Teachers? What drives the passion? When their lives are lived not for self but to serve others, it grabs my attention. In the fire Service, I find many that into that category. For them it is a lifetime of service no matter what they may find themselves doing.

Some may be sidelined by an injury or tragic event but they keep moving forward with that same passion to serve others. Some of these individuals could be bitter but they are not. What has been sidelined is re-defined… that is the story of my guest. And like me, he is a talker….. and he speaks everyday...via a podcast, social media, instructing, and in person. This is his story. It's about what makes him tick. You may have heard of "Coach Camp." His real name is Christopher or Chris Camp. He is the perfect example of who a firefighter/paramedic is and what they are constantly doing...

"Turning Lemons Into Lemonade"

-Tom Mann
Executive Producer/Host

Storylines guests include:
Christopher Camp/ Retired Memphis Firefighter Paramedic

https://www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com/home

https://www.facebook.com/MotivatewithCoachCamp

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2NYLA-b6Cp3oFn-5Mk7Kg

Special Thanks to:
Shelby Row Productions LLC/Studio Services for Coach Camp


If you need help, seek out professional help from your fire department or local fire union. There are also resources online such as:
https://allclearfoundation.org


Go to emergencyfd.com for more podcasts.
Email EmergencyFD Storyline: storyline@emergencyfd.com


Support EmergencyFD Storyline at emergencyfd.com

Support the show with PayPal

Buy me a slice of pizza:

Support the show