Hello, my name is David Prather and I am a Firefighter/EMT. I have always enjoyed helping people in their time of need. I started as a junior Fire Fighter when I was 14 years old. I was able to obtain my MRT (EMR) when I turned 16, and then continued my skills to become an EMT at the age of 18. I spent my first 10 years as a volunteer at the Branford Fire Department, M.P. Rice Hose Co# 2 and then the rest of my time with the North Branford Fire Dept. Co# 2 and Co. #4.
Throughout these years, I have seen my fair share of bad calls, that I never talked about, and it took a toll on me. For many years I would have nightmares, night sweats, waking up screaming and not knowing why. After spending over a year and a half talking with a therapist and getting it all out, I can say I no longer have these episodes.
When I was asked to join the peer support team, I didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to be able to help my brothers and sisters in their time of need. Talking about the good, the bad and the ugly is a necessary evil, in which I can speak to from my personal experiences, to let others know that is okay to talk about their demons.
Some of my hobbies are brewing beer, collecting and shooting firearms and traveling.
Some people may think I appear to have a rough and tough exterior, but I am caring person that will let anyone cry on my shoulder in their time of crisis.
