First Responders 1st

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Charlotte, NC
First Responders 1st

Serving those who protect and serve our communities. Our Story:

First Responders 1st started in January of 2018 by Lonnie Clouse.

To come alongside our first responders in routine and in crisis response, in a way that enables them to continue giving the best of themselves to their coworkers, the community and their families. Lonnie previously served for 17 years as a chaplain to the NASCAR community with Motor Racing Outreach (MRO). As the 2017 season came to a close, MRO announced a significant downsizing due to lack of fun

ding, causing his chaplaincy role to be eliminated. Shocked and discouraged, Lonnie began to question his purpose and calling in ministry. Lonnie stumbled on a book by Craig Groeschel entitled “Chazown” that had a huge impact on his life. In his book Groeschel encourages his readers to do something for a living that they have a passion for and would do for free. That’s when the alarm bells went off in his mind. He had been serving with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department as a volunteer chaplain for the past 2 years, and he loved being involved in the lives of these officers. After much prayer and counsel from trusted advisors, the Lord confirmed to Lonnie that he needed to start his own ministry (non-profit) for first responders to provide emotional and support for those who are on the front lines serving and protecting our communities. Lonnie then reached out to his local Chief of Police for the Concord, NC Police Department. This department has nearly 200 officers with no functioning chaplaincy program. The Chief sent out a survey to 100 officers, and 97 of them welcomed a chaplaincy presence within the department. From there, other opportunities presented themselves within the first responder community. The need is great, but FR1 needs more sponsorship and a solid core group of volunteer chaplains to meet the needs of first responders. The goal is to provide support for other first responders also, not just exclusively law enforcement, as resources and manpower become available. Lonnie is also a volunteer chaplain with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. Recently he was deployed to Parkland, Florida to provide emotional and spiritual support for the community and first responders that were impacted by the Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School shooting where 17 innocent lives were taken. Thank you for your care and compassion for our first responders. Please take time to pray for them today. These men and women deal with many traumatic events, and are in need of our support. Would you please consider how you can come alongside FR1?

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service and stand alongside those who continue to serve. 🇺🇲

05/19/2026

Team FR1 finished second earlier this month in the JEDI BLUE dodgeball tournament! 🥈

The Joshua Eyer Development Institute (JEDI BLUE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening those who serve our communities by providing free, high-quality martial arts training to first responders, veterans, their families, and individuals with disabilities. To learn more visit their website: https://jedi-blue.com/

Lastly, check out our new T-shirts our team was wearing! 🤩 They will be available for you to order soon!

05/15/2026

4 days and 500 miles ✔️ Bike 2 DC 2026 was another incredible ride to remember our fallen heroes from across the nation. 🇺🇲

05/13/2026

During Police Week, we honor the officers who serve with courage and compassion while continuing our mission to care for and encourage them well. Thank you for allowing us to support the people behind the badge- it's truly a privledge. 👮🏻‍♂️🖤

05/12/2026

Please pray for our Executive Director, local officers, and all 30 members of the ride as they finish in D.C. today! 🚴‍♂️

04/30/2026

We believe real impact happens through connection. We are always grateful for time spent encouraging and supporting our law enforcement officers. 👮🏻‍♂️🖤 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Pictured: Bill Bartlett (Chaplain/Advisor to Executive Director) with two members of local Sheriffs Department

04/27/2026

Support looks different for everyone—pray, give, or show up. However you choose, you’re part of the mission. ❤️‍🔥

04/22/2026

A huge shout out to and Centershot Blue for an amazing event! Thank you for all you do for our first responders. 💙

We look forward to partnering with Pulse Renewal as we help provide spiritual guidance to our local first responders through their holistic health program. 🙌🏻

04/17/2026

What a privilege to honor our local dispatchers this week by dropping off an appreciation gift basket. The work you do each day is truly invaluable! 🙌🏼

04/15/2026

"...whether during critical incidents or simply by taking the time to check in on our staff. Their dedication makes a meaningful difference in the well-being of our team and the public safety community they serve." ❤️‍🔥📞

This week we honor our dispatchers for their steady strength, unseen sacrifice, and life-saving impact. Thank you for being the first, first responders❗

04/10/2026

What an incredible highlight of one of our amazing chaplains!🤩 Thank you Mike for your service to the HPD officers and our community!

Address

Charlotte, NC

Telephone

+1 704-906-6356

Website

https://linktr.ee/firstresponders1st

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