Denver, CO October 7-8, 2021

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Hosted by 1st Responder Conferences and Blue H.E.L.P.

Co-hosted by Operation True North Colorado

This training is for all 1st responders, police, fire, military/veterans, corrections, dispatchers, chaplains, retired 1st responders, spouses, professional staff, clinicians, spouses and all who work in the public safety field. 

1st Responder Conferences presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of our first responders. By discussing the real 21st Century issues that are consistently facing our first responders and their families, our conference will provide awareness, resources and action items to combat PTSD, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health.

1st Responder Conferences proudly introduces a line-up of credible nationally recognized speakers who will address matters that impact the personal and professional lives of first responders and their family members through dynamic and engaging presentations for the entire first responder community. This two-day seminar is unique in that your spouses or significant others who support you are invited to come learn with you. 

With a progressive and forward message of optimism and sustainability, 1st Responder Conferences goal is pushing past traditional silence and bringing first responder wellness to our Everyday Heroes.

Register now for $50 off! Early bird pricing until September 15, 2021.

Speakers and Topics:

"Financially Fit"- Marco Parzych (Lt Col, USAF Ret.), Founder & Executive Director of Mission Ready Finances - This presentation is aimed at restoring financial hope and encouraging all why they should, and how they can, do better with their personal finances. His goal is to serve as a catalyst, inspiring audiences to take action by presenting information in a new way that gets them to start thinking differently, believing that wealth building is possible for all and then taking the steps to get on a brighter financial path forward. Mission Ready Finances is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a vision of financial hope, peace and success for all who bravely serve our nation as military members or first responders. Marco is an accredited financial coach and published author of the book, Mission Ready Finances, of which all sale proceeds go back into the nonprofit to further their mission and reach. Marco is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, having had the distinct honor and privilege of leading forces into combat both in the air and on the ground.

"Processing Stress, Enhancing Performance & Introduction to YFFR"- Olivia Mead, Founder of Yoga for First Responders -Olivia will be introducing the original intent behind the practice of yoga, why it’s beneficial specifically to public safety professionals as well as addressing the misconceptions about yoga and how these misconceptions have isolated the first responder culture from this useful tool. Olivia will touch on the “why” and “what” of yoga. She will familiarize on how the nervous system functions and is affected by this line work. She will explain how these effects can either be debilitating, or, by changing the experience of stress enhance abilities and longevity of one’s career as well as fulfillment in life as a whole. Olivia is a life-long yoga practitioner and has been teaching yoga since 2003 having studied with many master teachers around the country as well as in Rishikesh, India. Her education for teaching segments of the population that are at-risk for Post Traumatic Stress and Vicarious Traumatization began by becoming certified in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga under Yoga Warriors International. She started working with veterans who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress and active military specifically before bringing this work to first responders. While living in Los Angeles, Olivia adapted her offering of yoga to veterans to fit the first responder population by working directly with the Los Angeles Fire Department and department psychologist, Dr. Robert Scott. From there she taught weekly yoga classes at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Training Center, as well as presenting training on yoga and the neurological system for LAFD’s Peer Support Team, and special workshops for high-ranking command staff of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). She continues to work with LAPD’s Behavioral Sciences Services by partnering for special training events including The Smart Detective for International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Numbing & Triggers: How Coping Strategies For Military & First Responders Can Negatively Impact Their Life- Joshua T. Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer of Operation True North Colorado, LLC- Do you find that the better you get at your job, the worse you get at life? Are you experiencing some "numbing"? Maybe things you used to like, you've recently lost interest? If any of these concepts sound familiar, then this webinar is for you!

Josh Goodwin, a retired counterespionage case officer and special agent, will discuss numbing and triggers during the webinar. He will talk about how they keep us safe at work but negatively impact our personal lives. Josh will talk about what they are, how to recognize them, and provide some tips to overcome them to help you continue to be great in your job but also happy in your personal life. He also shares a few war stories along the way.

Fuel Your Tank: Strategies to Avoid Running on Empty-Jonathan D Dickerson, Facilitator - High stress environments and high-stakes calls require responders to spin multiple plates, often at the same time. The demanding work environment regularly leaves us running on fumes. Help prevent burnout, and fuel yourself with skills for living with a full tank. You will learn tools that will help minimize conflict and maximize your relational health.

Born an Air Force Brat, educated with a focus on serving responders and trained and certified to provide healthy relationship development skills to civilian, corporate, military and emergency responder populations around the country, Jonathan looks forward to delivering science-based and research-backed tools to make the most of your relationships. When you meet him, ask him about performing on Broadway, playing professional football or his thesis “Bottle It: Depression in the Law Enforcement Community.” Jonathan and his wife, Stacy, are avid travelers and delight in sharing experiences with their daughter, Aliyah.

"Not On My Watch"- Ret. Detective Richard Wistock- This is an up close and personal Conference session as well as an in-service Training for Fire, Police, Dispatchers, Telecommunicators, Probation, Corrections and Military. This training showcases how First Responders Suffer in Silence and are afraid to ask for help from their employers. This session will guide and direct the first responder how to ask for help as well as the employees' rights to the Federal Medical Leave Act and how it pertains to public service. This will be an in depth look at what First Responder therapy looks like and how to acquire it to lead a successful life. All over the country First Responders are suffering and taking their lives by suicide. This training will not only show the first responder who may be struggling how to ask for help, but also for their partners and supervisors who recognize there may be an issue with PTSS, Mental Health, Gambling, Alcoholism or Drug Abuse.

"Maintaining Healthy Family Dynamics During Unhealthy Times"-Dr. Sara Metz and Chief Operating Officer Nick Metz, Code-4 Counseling- 

Through facilitated discussion this presentation will cover:

• How to address the challenges to responder families in a post-George Floyd era

• Strategies for agencies on how best to support the employee families

• Strategies for spouses / partners, children, and parents on how best to support their responder

• Strategies for responders to better understand the stressors members of their families may face because of their chosen profession

• Strategies on how employee families can best support one another during times of calm and crisis

• ...and more

Dr. Sara Metz, Psy.D. is a 12+ plus year public safety psychologist who is deeply passionate in working with emergency responders and their families. A licensed clinical psychologist, Sara specializes in crisis intervention, wellness program development, and peer support supervision. Dr. Metz’s dedication for helping clients and agencies find healthy ways to manage mental health comes from her direct experience as a responder at many critical incidents. Embedded in the emergency responder culture, she understands the intricacies of work/life balance and the unique sense of humor that accompanies the work. She’ll “call it as she sees it” without judgment, in a laid-back, low stakes environment. Nick, a 36-year law enforcement professional who recently retired after serving two major-city police agencies: five years as Chief of the Aurora Police Department, and 31 years with the Seattle Police Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief. He created full time wellness units for both the Seattle and Aurora Police Departments where countless programs and trainings were developed to promote wellness for First Responders and their families. He is also a founding member for both Washington State’s Behind the Badge Line of Duty Death Response Team and the Colorado Fallen Heroes Line of Duty Response Team. Prior and active memberships with Major Cities Chiefs Association, FBI-NA, PERF, FBI-NEI, IACP, NOBLE, just to name a few.

"Tragedy to Triumph"-Sgt. Christie Brite and Dan Brite, Peer Support/Wellness Coordinator, Douglas County Sheriff's Office-Detective Dan Brite responded to a suicidal call on Sept. 2, 2016. Upon his arrival, he was immediately engaged in a gunfight with the suspect. Detective Brite was shot in the chest with an AK-47. He died twice at the hospital and the surgeons gave him less than 1% chance of survival. His wife, Christine, was a negotiator and enroute to the call when the shooting happened. Detective Brite is paralyzed due to the shooting. The amount of physical pain from surgeries isn't comparable to the amount of mental pain Dan and Christy would face over the coming years. Detective Brite was on the brink of dying a third time due to suicidal ideation. They both had to learn how to overcome the mental anguish and thrive again as a family and as police officers. We share our journey with others in hopes that it influences change within our law enforcement culture. Christine Brite is in her 20th year in law enforcement. She is currently the Sergeant over major crimes and has worked in various positions. Dan is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and 20 year law enforcement officer. He has been assigned to detentions, patrol, SRO, investigations, SWAT and I was a Sergeant at a previous agency. His new purpose in life is to change the law enforcement culture and how it views mental health in officers. The stigma is destroying our ranks and our profession needs to invest in mental health more than ever! 

Rhonda Kelly, All Clear Foundation, Executive Director-Information coming soon!

Continental Breakfast and lunches are provided on both days. 

*Networking Social on October 7th from 4:00-6:00 pm @ the venue. This is a great opportunity to get to know others, ask questions and share your ideas and thoughts with other like-minded professionals. Appetizers will be provided and  beverages will be available for purchase.

*Accommodations: DoubleTree Denver Cherry Creek 455 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80246

Each individual will be responsible for making his/her own reservation with the hotel by 09/08/2021. Callers should identify themselves as being part of 1st Responder Conferences group to receive the group rate. Guests can call 303-388-5561 to make their reservation or use the following link. https://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/D/DENCPDT-1ST-20211005/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

To download a flyer please visit www.1stresponderconferences.org or contact us for flyers, basic info letters, and sponsor/industry partner/vendor forms for your organizations to share. 

*You must register to attend. Seats are limited for this conference. Early Bird registration is open until September 15th and is $249.00. Registration after September 15th will be $299.00 (Plus Eventbrite charges) 

A limited amount of scholarships are availble for those with financial hardships. Please contact Amanda at amanda@1stresponderconferences.org for more information.

*Disclaimers*

Photograph/Video Disclaimer Statement

1st Responder Conferences (1RC) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by 1RC , without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. 1RC may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by 1RC including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. No video recording by attendees permitted. 

Waiver of Liability 

Some of the material presented at this event may cause emotional triggers. We will have onsite assistance if needed. There will also be additional resources available if needed. This conference is not intended to provide counselling services, whether medical, psychological or of any other kind, nor to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any disease, diorder or injury. This conference is certainly not intended to replace the advice of a physician. If you need expert advice, please consult a competent professional. This conference is only intended for “educational” use and it should only be used as a guide.

At registration we will have a waiver of liability and a photo release form that must be signed. If you have any questions regarding the waiver please contact us, so we can be of assistance.