Hello. My name is Gary Harrison. I have been employed full-time with the Jackson Township Fire Department, Stark County, since 2002. I was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2014. I am married to a wonderful woman named Kate. I have four daughters ranging in age from 3 to 20. My oldest two daughters are from my first marriage. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree. It was definitely an eye opener starting back to college at 45 with two small kids running around the house!
There are many reasons why I am interested in the PEER Support Team. The loss of a close friend and coworker due to a tragic hunting accident in 2010, the haunting memories of distressing calls we've all encountered, and the stress of a long drawn out divorce with children. I am thankful to have had a strong support group during these situations, but there were a lot of times I felt as if I was going through all of it alone.
My primary objective within the PEER Support Team is to ensure that no one ever feels alone in their struggles. In an environment where expressing vulnerability has traditionally been viewed as a weakness, I aspire to challenge this perception and foster a culture where it's not only acceptable but encouraged to acknowledge one's emotional well-being. I firmly believe that by promoting openness and understanding, we can cultivate a healthier and more resilient fire service community where every individual feels empowered to seek help when needed.