FIRST H.E.L.P.
Honoring the Service of First Responders Who Died by Suicide
First H.E.L.P. reduces mental health stigma for first responders through education and awareness and assists first responders in their search for healing. We acknowledge the service and sacrifice of first responders lost to suicide and care for their families in the aftermath of a suicide loss.
SUBMIT A FIRST RESPONDER
It’s not how they died, it’s how they lived. Submit a first responder for inclusion to the database
TRAINING
Knowledge is power. Want to be a part of the solution rather than the problem? Click here.
DONATE
Honor Boxes, Blankets, Honor Dinners. Your assistance can make this all happen.
THE NUMBERS
Statistics are at the core of what we do. Check them here.
CALENDAR
View and register for an event that we have upcoming.
SHOP
Proud partners with
Freedom Fatigues to reduce the stigma of mental health.
Police and Corrections number represents number of suicides we have confirmed since we started collecting the data in 2016, this number dates back to 1978 but is not all deaths, only what has been reported. Collection of fire, EMS and dispatch began in 2021 and we expect the overall numbers will rise as we verify the deaths.
Why First H.E.L.P.?
It is the mission of First H.E.L.P. to reduce mental health stigma through education, advocate for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, acknowledge the service and sacrifice of first responders we lost to suicide, support families after a suicide and to bring awareness to suicide and mental health issues.First H.E.L.P. prides itself on taking action. Donations to the organization fund support for families that have lost a first responder to suicide, training for agencies seeking to prevent suicide, and work that leads to legislative and policy change across the country.
Watch Your 12
“I’ve got your six.”
“Watch your six.”
Six. Your back. Watch your back. I’ve got your back. We’re reminding you not to let someone sneak up on you, ambush you. We’ll back you up so you’re safe.
Six isn’t the only number on the clock. If your back is six, your front is twelve. Your heart, your face, your head. Your twelve.
Who is watching your twelve? Who’s got your twelve?
We’ve got your twelve. So do your friends, co-workers and family. More importantly, you’ve got your twelve.
Watch your head and heart. Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with your emotions. Ask for help when you need it. Believe that things will get better. We’re here to remind you that all is not lost and you can complete a first responder career with your heart and mind intact.
We’ve got your 12.
Submit a First Responder
While we honor and respect every first responder that has served our communities, our honor walls specifically honor those we lost to suicide. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of every first responder we lose to suicide.
Lifelines
National First Responder Suicide Awareness Days
September 24th – 27th – National Law Enforcement, Firefighter, 911 Telecommunications, Emergency Medical Services Suicide Awareness Days was created to recognize the service of first responders lost to suicide, raise awareness about suicide, and to remind responders and their families that they are not alone; help is available. This day will help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and, recognize that one moment in time does not define a life.
Family Support
A suicide loss is unique, it can be difficult for families to share their experience with others who have not suffered the same type of loss. With the loss of thousands of first responders to suicide, we can put you in touch with another family who has experienced first responder suicide and knows what you are going through. No judgement, no stigma; just compassion and understanding. Care packages which honor your loved ones are shipped to you and events customized to your needs are hosted for and by you.
Our Family
The world of first responders is challenging at best, and while many agencies and organizations have worked to make the job physically safer with new tactics, equipment, and policy, the same cannot be said for first responder mental health. First H.E.L.P seeks to change that by bringing together credible representatives from each first responder discipline to serve as a voice for those who work in the field and those families that stand behind them.
Check Out Our Podcast!
New Episodes Every Wednesday
A podcast that brings first responders, families, and mindset together for serious and humorous conversations on mental health.
Shop & Support
Whether it’s branded merchandise, spices, shoes or pottery, your purchase benefits First H.E.L.P.