In 2024, Marcus Waugh and his wife, Stephanie, launched the ‘Waugh Strong’ foundation.
TOLEDO, Ohio — At home, Marcus Waugh spends his time playing the role of dad. At the fire station where he works, he plays the role of hero.
“It takes a toll,” Waugh said. “I remember coming home and being mentally and physically drained and asking myself ‘why did I get into this?'”
Waugh’s career has spanned both law enforcement and firefighting. Before becoming a Toledo firefighter eight years ago, he spent five years as a corrections officer with the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
During those years, he witnessed tragic events that have stayed with him to this day.
Waugh recalls one particular incident that still haunts him. While responding to an overdose call, he was handed a gray baby who had been exposed to drugs. The image of the child stayed with him, especially as he looked at his own 2-year-old son.
“I saw my son in that and it really affects you,” Waugh said. “Not in the moment, because you are trying to do your job and save a life, but afterwards and in the days afterwards. That stuff creeps back.”
Waugh is not alone in dealing with these mental health challenges. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 20% of all firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.
To address this issue, Waugh founded “Waugh Strong” as an outlet for first responders and others to find relief through weightlifting. The nonprofit provides a space where participants can find physical strength while also fostering mental health awareness.
“It takes a whole community to take care of each other, especially in the fire service,” Waugh said. “We call ourselves brothers and sisters, but are we really being there for each other when times are tough? That’s what we’re trying to change.”
The nonprofit hosted its first benefit competition last year in August, raising over $5,000 for various veteran and firefighter support groups.
But for Waugh, it’s about more than money. It’s about giving a voice to a longstanding issue in the first responder community.
Phil Moline, with Toledo Firefighters Local 92, is proud of the work Waugh and his wife, Stephanie, have done.
“There’s an old saying in the field: ‘See a need, fill a need.’ Marcus recognized the mental health struggles within the fire service and took action,” Moline said. “I’m extremely proud of the work Marcus and Stephanie Waugh have done to bring light and also funding to this issue.”
For Waugh, the journey is just beginning. He hopes to continue raising awareness and making a difference for those who face the daily grind of public service.
“I’m proud of the progress we’re making, and I’m hopeful we’ll make a real difference in those statistics,” he said.
This article was published by Steve Iwanek on 2025-03-27 00:11:00
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