Tommy Bolin

Tommy Bolin is a 30-year veteran of the fire service, currently serving as a Lieutenant with a department on the northwest side of Columbus, Ohio. He began his career at Prairie Township Fire Department on the west side of Columbus and grew up in Grove City, Ohio, where he enjoyed a typical childhood. In 1993, Tommy met his wife, Lynn, and they married in 1994. Together, they have raised three incredible sons—Trey, Josh, and Nate—who continue to excel in their own lives.

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Throughout his career, Tommy has faced challenges beyond the physical dangers of firefighting. Early in his journey, he struggled with mental health issues, though he didn’t fully understand what he was experiencing at the time. Like many in his profession, he pushed his feelings aside and carried on. However, by 2016, the unresolved trauma, chronic stress, and sleep deprivation had taken a heavy toll, and by 2019, Tommy found himself at a breaking point. After coming dangerously close to taking his life, he sought help at the IAFF Center of Excellence, where he spent over 30 days addressing the demons he had long suppressed. Though recovery wasn’t immediate, Tommy trusted the process, and today, he is proud to say he’s a stronger and better man for it.

 

Tommy credits much of his ongoing recovery to his support dog, Finn, a 100-pound Labradoodle whose unconditional love and companionship have been transformative. Equally, he credits his wife, Lynn, who refused to give up on him during his darkest moments. Lynn’s unwavering support and belief that the man she married was still there, fighting to break through, became a cornerstone of his healing journey. Her steadfast love and encouragement gave Tommy the strength to face his struggles and rebuild his life. Together, they exemplify the power of resilience, partnership, and the enduring bonds of love.

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Inspired by his own journey, Tommy is passionate about helping others in public service who face similar struggles. For the past two years, he has been traveling and lecturing to public servants, shedding light on the mental health crisis within the profession. He highlights sobering statistics, such as the fact that more firefighters and police officers die by suicide than all line-of-duty deaths combined, and that 22 military veterans take their lives every day. For Tommy, these numbers are unacceptable, and he advocates for a cultural shift to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health.

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Today, Tommy Bolin continues to lead with resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to creating a better future for his brothers and sisters in public service. Through his work, he reminds others that it’s okay to ask for help, and that recovery is possible—one step at a time.