Firefighter's suicide shines light on PTSD in profession

In this Nov. 4, 2016 photo, Scott Geiselhart stands next to turnout gear at the Frazee Fire Department fire hall in Frazee, Minn. Geiselhart is a volunteer firefighter who tried to commit suicide in 2014. (The Associated Press)

A firefighter’s suicide last month is shedding light on post-traumatic stress disorder in the profession in the Florida community.

Vero Beach Battalion Chief David Dangerfield had a brave reputation and was known for his positive force in his community.

Dangerfield posted a message about PTSD on Facebook before going out into the woods and shooting himself.

The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance estimates nearly 30 percent of the nation's 1.3 million career and volunteer firefighters suffer from PTSD. According to the group there were 132 suicides by active and former U.S. firefighters and paramedics reported last year.

There have been recent efforts throughout the country to help train firefighters to recognize PTSD.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.