NWI First Responder Peer Support Group

10/10/2026

Members of the NWI First Responders Peer Support Group are grateful for those who competed, supported, organized and hosted the Bench Battalion 2026.

Twenty-five lifters put their strength to the test during the competition at Anytime Fitness in Winfield on Saturday, Oct. 10. Lifters completed back squats, deadlifts and bench presses in three rounds of each lift.

The event began 6 years ago and is sponsored by Anytime Fitness in Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer North, Dyer South, Hobart, Lowell, Schererville, and Winfield.

All proceeds benefit the NWI First Responder Peer Support Group. The support from all those involved in the event allows the peer support group to continue the mission to provide confidential, peer-based emotional and practical support to first responders through education, on-scene and post-incident support, demobilization, and ongoing wellness resources.

Since March 2023, the peer support group has provided confidential, peer-based emotional and practical support to first responders throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond.

09/28/2026

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: NORTHWEST INDIANA FIRST RESPONDERS PEER SUPPORT GROUP

We are looking for dedicated, compassionate individuals interested in becoming members of the Northwest Indiana First Responders Peer Support Group.

First responders spend their careers showing up for others on their worst days. Our mission is to ensure they have someone to turn to when they need support themselves.

Since March 2023, our group has provided confidential, peer-based emotional and practical support to first responders and their families throughout Northwest Indiana. Our multidisciplinary team includes members from fire, police, EMS, dispatch, healthcare, religious organizations, and mental health professions.

Our Mission

To provide confidential, peer-based emotional and practical support to first responders and their families through education, on-scene and post-incident support, demobilization, and ongoing wellness resources.

Our Services Include:

• Critical incident stress support and post-incident assistance
• One-on-one peer support
• On-scene support and demobilization
• Education and resources focused on occupational stress, resilience, and emotional wellness
• Connections and referrals to mental health professionals
• Support for first responders and their families

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate compassion, professionalism, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Applicants should be willing to participate in training, continued education, and the ongoing work of supporting our first responder community.

You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is listen, be present, and remind someone they are not alone.

Interested in joining our team?

Complete the membership application at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IzaFo8x7keGl3dsPkxWVlde2qRWwpCRolsAhzA-I6Rc/viewform?pli=1&edit_requested=true

For questions or additional information, contact us at [email protected].

09/03/2026

We are grateful for the support. Register now to flex your strength and have a great time.

Lift for a purpose! 💪🏻

Join us on October 10 for the 6th Annual Bench Battalion! All proceeds benefit the NWI First Responder Peer Support Group.

Register today in club! 🇺🇸🚒

05/30/2026

Congrats to our peer support member Manny and the Griffith officers. Manny has a compassionate, caring heart for his brothers and sisters and God. We are thankful for your service as an officer and in supporting those who are struggling with their mental health.

05/07/2026

🚨 REGISTER NOW – Don’t Miss This Event 🚨

Join us for the First Responders Mental Health Ball—an evening dedicated to honoring those who serve while bringing awareness to the importance of mental health in our first responder community.

📅 May 28, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Indiana Roof Ballroom

This powerful evening will bring together law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and community partners for a night of:

✨ Recognition & Appreciation
🧠 Mental Health Awareness
🤝 Connection & Community
🎉 Dinner & Celebration

💬 We show up for everyone else—this night is about showing up for YOU.

🎟️ Register now:
👉 icjaindiana.com

04/20/2026

Attention female veterans, female first responders and family members…

02/20/2026

Today, members of our Peer Support Team had the privilege of attending the Resource Fair celebrating the graduation of the newest members of the Lake County Crisis Intervention Team.

It was an incredible opportunity to extend our reach across public safety and connect with dedicated professionals who are committed to serving our community with compassion and professionalism. By being present, we continue building meaningful relationships and strengthening our network with mental and behavioral health providers throughout our region.

Partnerships like these matter. When first responders and behavioral health professionals stand shoulder to shoulder, we create a stronger safety net, not just for the community we serve, but for the responders who serve it.

Congratulations to the newest CIT graduates. We look forward to working alongside you as we continue supporting public safety with connection, collaboration, and care.

02/14/2026

Congratulations to the first responders who earned a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) certification through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), this week. The training was facilitated by Jerry Baker, who has dedicated his life protecting others as a police officer and veteran. Several NWI peer support members completed the course in hopes of helping their fellow brothers and sisters to mitigate the psychological impact of traumatic events. Thank you, Jerry, for sharing your wisdom regarding first responder mental health with us. Your passion and dedication to the first responder community is inspiring. Thank you, Lake County Crisis Intervention Team, for sponsoring the training and to the Highland Police Department for hosting the event.

01/28/2025

01/13/2025

Motivation Monday......What does it mean to be human? As a first responder, we see humanity at its best and worst. We strive to improve things but in doing so we carry a burden that can become too heavy to bear. It's OK to be human and it takes courage to ask for help. We understand the burden and we have your back. We are here to listen and help. Contact us.