05/18/2026
EVERYONE COMES HOME...NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE
Please read!! I know it's a long one, but it's an important reminder.
As we transition from National Law Enforcement Officers Week to National EMS Week, it reminds me of a saying that we have in public safety that "No one fights alone". It's so true, we depend on one another to get the job done and to support each other in times of triumph and times of tragedy. The losses of the past couple of weeks have touched all of our services throughout the country and throughout our state. It can be tough sometimes to articulate the feelings of loss that we feel when any of our services are hurting to anyone who hasn't experienced the bond that we all carry with one another. Once in a while it all becomes too much and we need someone to listen, not judge, and to share our pain so that we can carry on with the job of helping others. Who do the "helpers" turn to when they need help? There are resources available to any first responders that may be experiencing mental health challenges, struggles or crisis. Please don't let another one of our ranks succumb to the darkness that can plague our ranks and end their lives prematurely. Ask for help. I am attaching a list of resources that are tailored especially for the first responder community and the unique needs that we may require. Reach out if you are struggling and we will get you the help you need. We can't afford to lose a single more life.
Note: If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 or contact the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for immediate, confidential assistance.
Immediate Crisis & Support HotlinesFire/EMS Helpline: Call 1-888-731-3473 for confidential, 24/7 support for firefighters, EMTs, and rescue personnel.
COPLINE: Call 1-800-267-5463 for a 24/7 confidential hotline manned by retired law enforcement officers trained to help officers and their families.
Frontline Helpline: Call 1-866-676-7500 to speak with former first responders and support staff.
Safe Call Now: Call 206-459-3020 for a 24/7 crisis line and support service for emergency personnel and their loved ones.
Emergency Responder Crisis Text Line: Text “BADGE” to 741741 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support.
Targeted Organizations & CounselingResponderStrong: An initiative offering educational resources, professional help, and self-help tools specifically for public safety employees.First Responders Foundation: Provides trauma-informed counseling, support groups, and workshops tailored to frontline workers and their spouses. Visit the First Responders Foundation Behavioral Health page to find a specialist.IAFF Center of Excellence: Behavioral health support dedicated to IAFF members dealing with PTSD, addiction, and related concerns. Call 855-900-8437 to reach their line.Advocacy & Education
The Code Green Campaign: A mental health advocacy organization for all emergency responders that focuses on peer support and mental health awareness. Learn more through Code Green Campaign.
SAMHSA Disaster Responders: The U.S. government resource portal offering targeted online behavioral health tools and guides. Visit the SAMHSA Disaster Responders Portal to access specialized training and tip sheets.
First Responder Behavioral Health ResourcesEMS/Fire Helpline: 888-731-3473 Fire/EMS Helpline, also known as Share the Load, is a program run by the National Volunteer Fire C...Texas Health and Human Services (.gov)
RESPONDERSTRONG - ResponderStrongSafe Call Now: (206) 459-3020.
988 National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. This confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral ...ResponderStrongFirst Responders and Disaster Responders Resource PortalDec 24, 2025 — This 1.5-hour online course helps first responders use safe, positive approaches to assist individuals in crises related to mental...SAMHSA (.gov)
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