PTSD-Battling Firefighter Serves Ice Cream for Support

Douglas Satterfield, a retired firefighter who battled Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has launched a unique initiative to support the mental well-being of first responders. After his own near-loss experience in 2021, which led to a PTSD diagnosis, Satterfield found healing through the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat (WCPR). Inspired by this life-changing experience, he purchased an old mail truck and transformed it into an ice cream truck named 'Fire and Ice cream.'

Satterfield's new venture aims to bring joy and provide crucial support to his community. A significant portion of the proceeds and all tips generated from the ice cream truck will be dedicated to helping other first responders and their spouses attend the WCPR. This initiative acknowledges the high prevalence of mental health challenges, including PTSD, among first responders, which is nearly three times the rate in the general U.S. population. His family, including his wife Lori and children, have witnessed his transformation and are actively involved in the 'Fire and Ice cream' truck operation, bringing a message of hope and healing to those on the front lines.