Amarillo Firefighters Pipes and Drums

Kyle Joy, battalion chief of health safety with the Amarillo Fire Department, said he has worked with AFD continuously since 2004. He said there was a time in his career when mental health care was just a package of M&M’s and a Dr Pepper before the next call.

“You didn’t talk to anybody about it, and you deal with it, and you better not let anybody see you cry,” Joy said.

In 2019, he learned that su***de had become the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths across the country. Joy said the most recent death by su***de for an AFD line-of-duty firefighter was over five years ago, but that, unfortunately, within the past six years, AFD has grieved the loss of multiple retired firefighters who died by su***de. Joy said those deaths, mixed with an increase in reported mental health injuries—such as PTSD or anxiety—amongst AFD firefighters, made the department say: “We have to do something.”

According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, nationally, in 2017, there were at least 103 firefighters who died by su***de and 140 police officers who died by su***de. According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, around 40% of firefighter deaths by su***de are not reported. It estimated the true number of firefighter deaths to be closer to 250 firefighters, more than twice the number of firefighters who died in the line of duty the same year. In 2021, the Ruderman Family Foundation released another study that found that since 2018, there has been no change in the rates of death by su***de among first responders.

Joy said that over the years, he has seen discussions around mental health become less taboo. The need for mental health care is there, he said, but resources are still developing.

Read more here: https://amarillotribune.org/2026/07/08/answering-the-call-local-firefighters-collaborate-to-increase-mental-health-support/

I've spent years trying to articulate why I play the bagpipes. We assemble from all over, acting as though no time has passed since the last tragedy. Most of us don't personally know those who have passed, but we know their spirit of service and we recognize that belong to a large family of firefighters and first responders. For me, though, I play to send a message to those left behind. My years of practice and preparation directly translate to a performance I hope communicates to those left behind how much a grateful community and our fire service family honors their sacrifices. Memorials end, and loved ones are just beginning one of the most profound and difficult journeys anyone can take: surviving.

Rest easy Brother

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.