First Responder Center for Excellence

🚨 Hot off the press! 🚨 We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the 2023 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant to enhance first responder health and safety training! This grant will enable us to further elevate the health and wellness of our firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers through innovative training initiatives. Together, we are stronger and more prepared to serve our communities. Let’s keep making a difference! 💪 #FirstResponders #HealthAndSafety #StrongerTogether

🌟 Exciting morning in Ohio! Our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, kicked off the 7th Annual Brothers Helping Brothers Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference with an inspiring keynote address. We're grateful to be part of an event dedicated to supporting our brave firefighters and their well-being. Here’s to a great conference filled with knowledge, connection, and growth! 💪🔥 #FirefighterWellness #BrothersHelpingBrothers

🚨 Exciting News for Firefighters and EMS Personnel! 🚨 Although our 3 year partnership with Movember has ended, we are proud to offer an online course on Enhanced Stress First Aid specifically designed for first responders. This course is a valuable resource for supporting mental health in our brave firefighting and EMS communities. To access the course, visit: [First Responder Center Training](https://lnkd.in/eUf4UAp8) A big thank you to Firehouse.com for helping us promote this important initiative! To learn more about our efforts to enhance mental health support in fire and EMS organizations, check out the article here: [Firehouse Article](https://lnkd.in/d6VqDGut) Let’s work together to prioritize the well-being of our heroes!

📣 Attention female first responders! Join your fellow female first responders on Friday, November 8th, from 8 AM to 4 PM for the First Responder Women's Health Seminar at the Fairfax County Public Safety Wellness Center. This FREE event is designed to support and empower you with valuable health information. For more details, check out the flyers, and to register, simply scan the QR code or visit: [Eventbrite Registration](https://lnkd.in/eGpbCuWi). *Please note: This is not a FRCE event.*

🌟 It’s been an incredibly busy week of advocacy and education for the FRCE and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). We had impactful stops at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, and in Washington, DC. From the "Science to the Station" symposium powered by FRCE to the US Fire Administrator's summit and the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), we’re pushing for positive change in fire service and safety. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many dedicated professionals. Together, we’re making a difference! 🔥 #FireSafety #Advocacy #FRCE #NFFF

🌟 Exciting week at the US Fire Administrator Summit! 🌟 Our FRCE board members, Ernest Mitchell and Barry Billiett, joined Managing Director Frank Leeb and FRCE & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) CEO Victor Stagnaro for important discussions on fire safety and prevention. Together, we’re committed to making a difference in our communities! #FireSafety #Leadership #FRCE

🌟 Today, we unite to raise awareness and advocate for mental health. Let’s break the stigma and foster a supportive environment where everyone can prioritize their mental wellness. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay—seeking help is a sign of strength. Did you know that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health disorder at any given time? As First Responders, we face unique stressors like disrupted sleep, family challenges, trauma exposure, and the impact of poor leadership. Mental health isn’t just about illness; it’s also about recognizing the importance of mental wellness. We can all improve our well-being through self-care practices like spending time with loved ones, prioritizing sleep, engaging in hobbies, and setting healthy boundaries. Take a moment today to check in on a friend, practice self-care, or simply take a deep breath. How are you maintaining your mental wellness? 💬

🔥 This week is Fire Prevention Week! 🔥 This year's campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™,” emphasizes the critical role of functioning smoke alarms in keeping our homes safe. Don't wait until it's too late—check your alarms and ensure they're working properly. For more information and tips, visit https://lnkd.in/gq5PMxaD. Let's keep our homes safe together! 📷: NFPA

🌟 October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month! 🌟 This month, let's shine a light on an important issue affecting many, especially in high-risk professions like firefighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association NFPA, sudden cardiac deaths have been a leading cause of fatalities, with 36 deaths reported in 2023, matching 2022. It's a reminder that we can all take steps to protect our heart health. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are key! Let’s commit to healthier lifestyles and support each other in reducing these numbers. Together, we can make a difference! 💪❤️ #SCAAwareness #HeartHealth #HealthyLiving Note: "the increase in cardiac deaths in 2022 and 2023 was influenced by the expanded inclusion of cardiac deaths within 24 hours of duty." 📷: NFPA

🚨 Yesterday, Battalion Chief Dena Ali from Raleigh, NC, made a powerful impact at the Science to the Station event hosted by the First Responder Center for Excellence at the National Fire Academy. As the program manager for behavioral health programs, she addressed the critical topic of organizational impact on mental health within our first responder community. Her insights are vital for fostering a supportive environment for those who serve on the front lines. Thank you, Chief Ali, for your leadership and dedication! #MentalHealthMatters #FirstResponders #Leadership