May is National First Responder Month; a time to recognize and honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others. From law enforcement officers and firefighters to dispatchers, paramedics, EMTs, correctional officers, and all emergency personnel, first responders show up every day during some of life’s most difficult moments. Their commitment, sacrifice, […]
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Doug Monda, Raul Rivas, and Karen Monda recently traveled to Princeton, NJ, where Doug and Karen had the incredible honor of speaking at the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (MA-LEEDS) at Princeton University. Doug shared his powerful story about his career in law enforcement, the mental health struggles he faced, and how those struggles
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Florida’s fourth PCIS for command-level staff was an inspiring success, thanks to the incredible collaboration of peers, clinicians, speakers, and FDLE administrators. This dedicated team worked together to provide command-level leaders with valuable tools to support resilience and mental health. Our team was, once again, truly honored to be there, delivering an impactful presentation and
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Our 7th Annual Run for Responders 5K was a huge success! On January 4, 2025, we hosted a sold-out event with 500 runners hitting the pavement to raise awareness for first responder mental health and suicide prevention. Our runners proved that strength isn’t just measured in miles – it’s measured in heart! Participants stood strong
In a heartwarming moment that highlighted the importance of mental health advocacy within law enforcement, Doug and Karen Monda were honored with the prestigious President’s Award by the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA). This honor was presented at the Annual Installation and Awards Banquet during the 72nd Annual Summer Training Conference, recognizing their dedication and
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and serves as an important reminder of a time to prioritize discussions and actions surrounding mental well-being. This observance not only sheds light on the significance of acknowledging and addressing mental health concerns but also emphasizes the necessity of support systems, particularly for first responders. For those in the
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WHAT A NIGHT! On April 6, we hosted our 2nd Annual “A Night With the Stars” First Responder Gala and it was nothing short of amazing! Guests came together from around the country to honor our first responders, spread awareness, and normalize the conversation surrounding mental health in the first responder community. From the exciting
Survive First’s 2nd Annual “A Night With the Stars” First Responder Gala Is a Wrap! Read More »
In the demanding world of first responders, physical and mental well-being are paramount. Yet, the toll of the job can often lead to stress, fatigue, and even injury. Recognizing this challenge, PYVOT, a pioneering fitness apparel company, has forged a partnership with Survive First, to bring a holistic tool to the wellness toolbox. Weighted apparel,
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On January 6th, nearly 600 runners, with the inspiring participation of almost 200 first responders, took to the streets of the beautiful Historic Cocoa Village to run in our 6th Annual Run for Responders 5k. It was a breathtaking sight as our community came together to support this very important cause. This year, the run
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In a remarkable display of dedication and compassion, St. Cloud Police Officer Justin Ziegler recently undertook a profound journey across the state of Florida. Covering an impressive 200 miles on foot, Officer Ziegler’s mission went beyond the physical challenge; it was a heartfelt effort to raise awareness about mental health within the first responder community.
