First Responders Suicide Deterrence
Task Force
The First Responders Suicide Deterrence Task Force is charged with making recommendations on how to reduce the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide among employed or retired first responders in the state. The Task Force will identify and make recommendations on developing training programs and materials that would better enable first responders to cope with personal life stressors and stress related to their profession and foster a culture that:
- Promotes mutual support and solidarity among active and retired first responders
- Trains agency supervisors and managers to identify suicidal risk among active and retired first responders
- Improves the use and awareness of existing resources among active and retired first responders
- Educates active and retired first responders on suicide awareness and help-seeking
Annual Reports of the Task Force
First Responder Task Force 2021 Report
Meeting Information
The Task Force meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 2:00pm. Meetings are open to the public.
See events
calendar for meeting information.
Task Force Member List
| Representing | Appointed Official |
|---|---|
|
Florida Professional Firefighters’ Association* |
Mike Salzano, Chair |
|
Florida Police Benevolent Association* |
Michael “Mick” McHale |
|
Florida State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police* |
Rob Strout |
|
Florida Sheriffs Association* |
Matt Dunagan Allie McNair |
|
Florida Police Chiefs Association* |
Charles Vazquez |
|
Florida Fire Chiefs Association* |
Keith Cartwright |
|
Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention* |
Anna Gai |
|
Florida Department of Law Enforcement |
Matt Walsh |
|
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Derrick Rahming |
|
Retired Firefighter |
Ryan Gallik |
|
Miami Gardens Police Department |
Tim Adams Michael Dillon Sam Espinosa |
|
Miami Gardens Police Department Crime Scene Unit |
Willard Delancy |
|
St. Petersburg College |
Mary VanHaute, co-chair |
|
2nd Alarm Project |
Kellie O’Dare Lance Butler |
|
Florida Hero Helpline/Last to Ask for Help campaign (Crisis Center of Tampa Bay) |
Manny Guevara-Ruiz Eric Bledsoe |
|
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, |
Alisha Singh |
|
Lee County EMS |
Nicci Reed James Nunez |
