Henderson Fire holds line-of-duty death ceremony for firefighter who took own life

Henderson (KSNV) — More first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty each year, and today, many grieved a local name behind the numbers.

Motorcycles and fire trucks filled the streets of Henderson. A giant flag waves silently over a grieving community.

It's in honor of 35-year-old Robbie Pettigill.

Friends and family said the second-generation firefighter had a passion for service.

“For those of us who worked with Robbie in station 83, there's one echoing statement we all share: it was the funnest time of our careers” said Nick Sabastian, a friend of Robbie’s.

“He would always ask forgiveness instead of permission. He was so, so funny,” said his sister Nikki Lepore.

But on September 17th, the department said Pettigill took his own life after struggling with work related PTSD.

Chief Shawn White says the department is heartbroken.

"The problem with American fire service -- with all public safety -- is we still have a strong underlying stigma with this subject matter and this issue,” said White “And as leaders, that's our goal right now to start this conversation. "

A honest conversation that White hopes will assure first responders they are not alone.

“It would be great to get to a point where it was just like you had a cold,” he said. “You have a cold, go to urgent care get yourself healthy and get back to work. If you’re having struggles with this, use your benefits."

White says firefighters often struggle with traumatic situations, and they can feel helpless. But challenging the stigma of mental health is something white wants to do in Pettingill's honor.

In honor and memory of a man who lived a life filled with service for the community of Henderson, and dedicated his heart to others.