Family of fallen firefighter working to raise awareness about mental health, PTSD [Video]

MOUNT ORAB, Ohio (WXIX) – The death of a Scott Township firefighter is bringing awareness to the mental health demands of first responders and emergency crews.

Shawn Rust, 43, died by suicide. His family described him as quiet and kind, who loved his job.

His father, James Rust, served in the US Army. He said his son had the same heart to serve as he had.

“He wanted to be in the Air Force,” James said. “He wanted to be in the military, but he had a heart murmur so they wouldn’t accept him. So he became a firefighter.”

Shawn joined the Scott Township Fire Department in 2018. He seemed happy and content with his job. His death took his family by surprise. he left behind a 15-year-old daughter.

His family said the growing focus on mental health and PTSD in society is good, but it isn’t reaching firefighters.

“I …