S3-E9: One Man's Quest to Improve Firefighter Mental Health - Chief Jeremy Craft

Finding Strength

In this episode we talk with Chief Jeremy Craft of Lehi Fire. We get deep and address tough issues, what it's like to be in the fire service, how difficult it is to be a first responder, and how the issue of mental health awareness is on the rise. We also open up about our own individual journeys of finding who we are and how to embrace all the parts of us that show up from time to time. It's a great episode with lots of helpful tools and information for anyone!

Here's a little about Jeremy: Jeremy Craft has been in the fire service for the past twenty seven years. Jeremy began his career as a volunteer for the local ski patrol in Montana where he grew up. After high school he moved to Utah to pursue a career as a paramedic. He soon found that in order to be a medic he had to also be a firefighter. It was as a part time employee at South Davis Fire District that he received his initial firefighter training.

Jeremy also worked for Gold Cross Ambulance in the early months of his emergency medical services career. It was through Gold Cross Ambulance that Jeremy was able to receive his Paramedic education at Weber State University. Just after graduation from Paramedic school, Jeremy was hired by Provo Fire and Rescue. Throughout Jeremy’s career he worked as a medic for the first eight years and then moved to the position of engineer. After two years as an engineer he was promoted to Captain and served in that capacity for three and half years.

One of Jeremy’s career goals as a Paramedic was to fly in an air ambulance for Life Flight. He was fortunate to be able to fly with them for five years. In 2007 Jeremy was accepted to Utah Valley University and began pursuing his educational goals. Jeremy graduated with honors in April 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in public emergency services management. He continued his education at Upper Iowa University. In 2013 he graduated with a Masters of Public Administration.

Jeremy took the fire chief job with Lehi City in December of 2014, and still holds that position today. Jeremy’s wife Kristen has been a source of much unselfish support as he continues to achieve his goals. Jeremy and Kristen have 5 children: Ashlee, Jordin, Marlee, Kenedy and Terrence. As a family, they enjoy anything outdoors.

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