Tennessee First Responders Foundation

08/27/2026

❤️💙We can’t wait to see you all at the 5th Annual Answering the Call Conference in Murfreesboro, TN! Save your seat to come hangout with us and earn your ceus for POST and CAPCE.
We are a few short weeks away. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! ❤️💙

08/21/2026

Tennessee First Responders Foundation

08/21/2026

Are you a first responder or a family member of a first responder? If so, this conference is for you! You are trained on how to do your job, but what about staying mentally fit when it comes to your family, your career and your retirement.

Registration is now open for the 5th Annual Answering the Call Conference, hosted by the Tennessee First Responders Foundation’s Su***de Prevention Task Force!

Join us for this vital, in-person event dedicated to sharing practical strategies and real-world experiences to support the mental health and well-being of those who serve our communities.

🗓 When: October 19–20, 2026
📍 Where: Williamson Family Farms, Murfreesboro, TN
⏰ Start Time: 7:00 AM

This is a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside peers who truly understand the mission. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.

🔗 Register here:  https://www.tnfirstrespondersfoundation.com/answeringthecall

Buy 5 tickets and get the 6th for free!!

Space is limited—secure your spot today and help us continue "Answering the Call."

***dePrevention

08/16/2026

Have you wanted to find a way to give back but unsure how? We are looking for sponsors and exhibitors for our conference. When you become a sponsor or exhibitor, you will find that relationships are a core piece of what we do.

Conference Details
➡️Williamson Family Farms, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

➡️October 19 and October 20

➡️Contact us: [email protected]

08/03/2026

‼️Don’t forget to sign up for the early bird conference rate! ‼️

The 5th Annual Answering the Call Conference, hosted by the Tennessee First Responders Foundation Su***de Prevention Task Force, is a premier regional event focusing on first responder mental health, su***de prevention, and peer support.

Date: October 19–20

Location: Murfreesboro, TN

Purpose: The two-day event equips EMS, fire, law enforcement, dispatch, and corrections with actionable strategies to decrease su***de among first responders. Some topics include ways to handle trauma, break mental health stigmas, equip first responder families with effective resources, and build departmental resilience.

Registration: You can sign up by visiting www.TNFirstRespondersFoundation.com to secure your spot.

➡️ This conference offers POST and CAPCE continuing education hours.

Tennessee First Responders Foundation (TFRF) was founded with a vision to enrich, educate, and advocate for first responders, their families, and their agencies. This foundation is dedicated to those who sacrifice daily while promoting health and wellness.

07/28/2026

“The Power of a handshake” presentation that Mr. Dale brought to our conference resonated with many first responders. His passion for helping others and building resources in the farming community ignited a mission that will be passed on for generations. He was one of the best and will be missed!

07/16/2026

On September 11, 2001, during rescue efforts immediately following planes crashing into the twin towers, hundreds of members of the FDNY ran into the buildings to attempt to rescue and locate victims and help those injured. Some climbed as high as the top of the towers, 110 stories.

When the towers collapsed, hundreds of citizens lost their lives. Unfortunately, 343 firefighters also lost their lives. We in the fire service will always consider them heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Every year since 2001, firefighters around the United States have gathered to remember and commemorate this sacrifice by doing stair climbs. They wear firefighting gear and climb the equivalent of 110 stories of stairs, the same amount of stairs many of the FDNY firefighters climbed on 9/11. Each person that participates wears the name and picture of a firefighter that died that day. They do this to simulate the amazing physical feat of endurance and strength that those firefighters endured to help those in the towers and to remember their sacrifice.

This year is the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Memphis is hosting a Memorial Stair Climb at the Liberty Bowl on September 26. Firefighters from around the country, including several of our own Olive Branch firefighters, will be taking part.

It is open to the public to attend. If you are a firefighter in the area and would like to climb, the registration fee is $40.

If you would like to donate or help financially sponsor the event, all the information can be found on the attached flyer or you can call Misteria DeRung at (901)356-2048 with any questions.

We hope to see you there! 🚒 🇺🇲

Ken Adams, Olive Branch Mayor
City of Olive Branch - Government

07/16/2026

Chronic Stress changes more than your mind. It changes your body.

As police officers, we're trained to run toward danger while everyone else runs away. We pride ourselves on staying calm under pressure, making split-second decisions, and pushing through difficult situations, but the reality is that our bodies keep score, even when we convince ourselves and tell everyone we're "fine."

Years of responding to crashes, violent crimes, child abuse, su***des, fatal accidents, and countless other traumatic events place our nervous system under constant stress. Stress doesn't simply disappear when the shift ends. Over time, it can begin to change how our brain and body function.

Chronic stress can affect our memory, concentration, and decision-making. It can interfere with quality sleep, leaving us exhausted even after a full night's rest. Elevated cortisol levels can increase heart rate and blood pressure, weaken our immune system, disrupt digestion, reduce motivation, and leave us feeling physically and emotionally drained.

Many of us dismiss these symptoms as "just part of the job." I know I did for many years after my critical incident and ignored positive and healthy ways to cope and what my body was telling me, but ignoring them doesn't make them go away. Recognizing the signs early and taking action isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of professionalism. We wouldn't ignore warning lights on our squad car, so we shouldn't ignore the warning signs our own bodies are giving us.

Your physical health and mental health are inseparable. Taking care of one means taking care of the other. Whether that means talking to a trusted friend, peer support officer, therapist, or your healthcare provider, asking for help is one of the strongest decisions you can make.

Take care of yourself the same way you take care of your community. Your family needs you. Your partners need you. Most importantly, you deserve to be healthy.

By Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma Founder and Wisconsin Police Captain Adam Meyers, CPS - www.stopthethreatstopthestigma.org

07/16/2026

Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. Anxiety is your mind and body trying to protect you. In law enforcement, repeated exposure to danger, trauma, and uncertainty can keep your nervous system on high alert long after the call has ended. Learning healthy coping skills can help you regain control, improve decision-making, and protect both your mental and physical health.

1. Ground Yourself (5-4-3-2-1)

When anxiety begins to rise, reconnect with the present moment:

5 things you can see

4 things you can touch

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste

Grounding helps interrupt racing thoughts and reminds your brain that you are safe.

2. Tactical Breathing (4-4-6)

Slow your breathing to calm your nervous system:

Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds

Hold for 4 seconds

Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds

Repeat 3-5 times

Controlled breathing lowers your heart rate and helps restore clear thinking.

3. 5-5-5 Reset

If you are feeling overwhelmed:

Find 5 things you can see

Touch 5 different objects

Listen for 5 different sounds

This simple exercise helps shift your attention away from anxious thoughts and back to your surroundings.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Tension often builds without you noticing. Tighten one muscle group for five seconds, then slowly release it. Work from your feet to your head. This reduces physical stress and promotes relaxation.

5. Challenge Anxious Thoughts

Ask yourself:

What am I thinking right now?

Is this thought based on facts or fear?

What evidence supports or challenges it?

What would I tell another officer in this situation?

Replacing catastrophic thinking with balanced thinking reduces anxiety.

6. Calm Your Nervous System

Simple comforts can help regulate your body:

Listen to calming music.

Spend a few minutes outside.

Drink water or a warm beverage.

Hold something comforting or meaningful.

Take a brief break away from overstimulation when possible.

7. Move Your Body

Physical activity burns off stress hormones and improves mood. Even a short walk, stretching, or workout can make a significant difference after a difficult shift.

8. Practice Self-Compassion

You routinely show compassion to victims, coworkers, and strangers. Offer yourself that same kindness. One difficult call or one difficult day does not define who you are.

9. Visualize a Safe Place

Close your eyes and picture a place where you feel calm and secure. Focus on the sights, sounds, and sensations. Visualization can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

10. Limit Overstimulation

After a high-stress incident, give your brain time to recover. Reduce unnecessary exposure to social media, news, and constant notifications when possible.

11. Reach Out

You do not have to carry the weight alone. Talk with a trusted partner, peer support member, therapist, family member, or friend. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Remember

You are not alone. Your reactions are human. Healing is possible.

Taking care of your mental health makes you a stronger officer, partner, parent, and leader.

Just as you maintain your equipment, your mind deserves regular maintenance too.

Protect your badge by protecting your mind.

By Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma Founder and Wisconsin Police Captain Adam Meyers, CPS - www.stopthethreatstopthestigma.org

07/15/2026

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