The community of Sulphur is still reeling from the severe weather that hit the area a week ago. Eastern Oklahoma was not spared from the storms, which left a trail of destruction in their wake. First responders from all over the state have been working tirelessly to help the community recover, putting in long 12-hour shifts sifting through the wreckage of buildings and homes.
The demanding and emotionally taxing nature of this work is causing concerns about the mental health of these first responders. State Trooper Matthew Krupczyk has been on the ground since the beginning of the disaster and acknowledges the challenges faced by first responders, stating, “It’s been pretty difficult cause you’re dealing with people that lost their livelihood, they lost their homes, they lost their businesses, you got to worry about people looting.”
In addition to managing their own mental wellbeing, first responders are also focused on assisting the hundreds of individuals who have lost everything in the storms. The devastation and aftermath of the storm have been harrowing for everyone involved. Krupczyk emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety in
