First Help

First Help First H.E.L.P.

reduces mental health stigma for First Responders through education, advocating for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of First Responders lost to su***de, assisting officers in their search for healing, bringing awareness to su***de and mental health issues, and caring for first responder families in the aftermath of a su***de loss.

The battle to get the names on the wall that have received the Federal Line of Duty Death designation continues...The Na...
06/22/2026

The battle to get the names on the wall that have received the Federal Line of Duty Death designation continues...

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund previously voted in 2024 to allow deaths by su***de to be considered for inclusion, acknowledging the profound toll that line-of-duty trauma can take on officers. However, that process was later paused, leaving these cases unresolved and families without recognition.

“It is incomprehensible to me that these officers have not been recognized yet,” wrote Ranking Member Raskin.

In addition to urging immediate action, Ranking Member Raskin is seeking detailed information about the Memorial Fund’s decision-making process, including whether these officers were ever formally considered, what criteria are being applied, and why the review of su***de-related cases has been halted.

***deAwareness

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2026)—Today, Rep.

Fantastic Initiative -- What is happening at First Priority reflects a broader shift emerging across EMS nationwide. As ...
06/20/2026

Fantastic Initiative -- What is happening at First Priority reflects a broader shift emerging across EMS nationwide. As conversations around wellness, resiliency, workforce sustainability and career longevity continue to grow, agencies are recognizing that the future of EMS depends on more than staffing or equipment.

It depends on culture and whether clinicians feel supported. It depends on whether leaders are willing to evolve and invest in people before burnout drives them out of the profession.

Leaders at First Priority recognized that model was no longer sustainable. “We used to do the sink or swim mentality,” said Jonathan Vilord, a Nationally Registered Paramedic and the wellness and resilience officer with a background in EMS and social work. “We could either keep looking for the few people who could swim, or we could actually teach people how to swim.”

***deAwareness

How First Priority Mobile Healthcare is rethinking workforce sustainability

Special thanks going out to Motorola Solutions Foundation tonight! Thanks to their generosity, four of our families (and...
06/16/2026

Special thanks going out to Motorola Solutions Foundation tonight!

Thanks to their generosity, four of our families (and soccer fans) are enjoying an amazing night watching the World Cup game here in Massachusetts!

We love that these amazing experiences bring such happiness to them!

06/12/2026
We are thrilled to be named a charity partner of Law Enforcement United Inc.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELaw Enforcement United ...
06/11/2026

We are thrilled to be named a charity partner of Law Enforcement United Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Law Enforcement United Announces Partnership and $31,000 Commitment to First H.E.L.P.’s Su***de Prevention Efforts

Chesapeake, Virginia — June 10, 2026 — Law Enforcement United (LEU) is proud to announce a new partnership with First H.E.L.P. (Honor. Educate. Lead. Prevent.), reinforcing its commitment to supporting mental health, wellness, and su***de prevention initiatives throughout the law enforcement profession.
As part of this collaboration, Law Enforcement United has committed an initial investment of $31,000 to support First H.E.L.P.’s su***de prevention training platform. The funding will help expand the program’s reach, providing critical training, education, and resources to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

“Law enforcement officers face unique challenges and stressors throughout their careers, and it is essential that we invest in proactive solutions that support their mental wellness,” said Wallace Chadwick, Executive Director of Law Enforcement United.
“Our initial commitment of $31,000 will help First H.E.L.P. expand its su***de prevention training platform and reach more agencies across the country. By investing in prevention, education, and awareness, we can help ensure officers have access to the resources and support they need before a crisis occurs.”

First H.E.L.P., a nationally recognized organization dedicated to addressing first responder su***de and supporting affected families and agencies, welcomed the partnership as an important step toward advancing officer wellness.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Law Enforcement United and share our mission with its members and supporters,” said Karen Solomon, Founder and President of First H.E.L.P. “Together, we can increase awareness, strengthen support systems for first responders and their families, and ultimately save lives. We also encourage agencies and individuals to report first responder su***des to First H.E.L.P.’s confidential database. Accurate reporting helps honor those we have lost, provides valuable data to better understand this issue, and allows us to offer support and resources to affected families and agencies.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges while providing practical tools, training, and resources that support officer wellness and resilience. Through this collaboration, both organizations will work to expand access to life-saving education and strengthen support networks for law enforcement professionals and their families.

Law Enforcement United remains dedicated to honoring the fallen, supporting the survivors, and safeguarding the well-being of those who continue to serve. This partnership with First H.E.L.P. represents another meaningful step toward advancing su***de prevention efforts and fostering a culture of wellness throughout the law enforcement community.

***deAwareness

On this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Garrick Herbert of the Seguin (TX) Fire Department, joins hosts Dan DeGryse an...
05/26/2026

On this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Garrick Herbert of the Seguin (TX) Fire Department, joins hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle to explain a simple but powerful practice: family dinner. Herbert details how they build the foundation of mental health for their rookies before they even start with the department. With a unique approach to setting rookies up for success, he explains that after a four‑week recruit orientation, his department hosts an off‑shift family dinner with instructors and a contracted mental health provider.

Garrick Herbert of the Seguin Fire Department discusses the importance of family-inclusive mental health orientations for new recruits, emphasizing trust, leadership modeling, and ongoing support.

While prevention is critical, one of the most important elements is care. Too often, officers report feeling abandoned, ...
05/12/2026

While prevention is critical, one of the most important elements is care. Too often, officers report feeling abandoned, marginalized or overly scrutinized when they seek help. A department’s failure to properly care for its employees — or its tendency to treat them like damaged goods once a mental wellness issue arises — can create legal exposure.

***deAwareness

Real cases show how departments can misread, mishandle or overlook mental health struggles — and what that means for officers and agencies alike

05/12/2026

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Auburn, MA

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