Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha is a full-service residential and commercial emergency cleanup and restoration for disasters of all sizes. If your property is damaged, Paul Davis of Omaha will respond to the call and provide instant cleanup services 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Their goal is to answer calls within 30 minutes and arrive at the scene prepared to take care of damage in less than four hours.

They know that fast action is the key in emergency situations. They are household and commercial business disaster “first responders” who work closely with local law enforcement and fire departments to provide cleanup and restoration services. Paul Davis Restoration also provides property damage cleanup and emergency relief services no matter what the disaster or the size including storm, water, and fire damage restoration, mold removal, and constant cleaning. 

Paul Davis Restoration Of Omaha Gives Back to First Responders

For over 37 years, Paul Davis of Omaha has earned the reputation as the best in the business. As part of a national franchise network since 1966, there are more than 350 locations across North America and they are the leading insurance restoration franchise in North America.

Since its inception, Paul Davis of Omaha has restored over 30,000 lives through knowledge, ongoing training, and dedication to their Core Mission Statement; ‘To provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.’ The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your home, business, or property is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis of Omaha returns people back to their property as soon as possible.

The team leader and General Manager, Mike Buckley has been with the company for 15 years and GM since 2020. His many roles and involvement in large jobs have resulted in the creation of valuable company-wide processes, safety, and many divisional changes allowing for continued growth. Mike’s goal is to have a team of individuals who enjoy working together and are focused on the company’s mission, vision, and core values. From what we at the Foundation see and experience he is doing just that. An outstanding group of professionals who get the job done and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Accepting the award along with Mike is Business Development Manager, Cindy Gessert. Cindy has been in the emergency services and restoration industry for 20 years. She is a Certified Continuing Education instructor and has completed IICRC Fire and Water Damage courses and holds Emergency Recovery Service and Lead Certifications.

Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha shared

“We believe in giving back to our community and especially those that we work with, our First Responders. We have a deep appreciation for the service they provide to our community on a daily basis. Because of that, we have partnered with the First Responders Foundation.”

The Paul Davis Team has shown tremendous support for first responders and the Foundation.

For many years as a corporate sponsor of our Guns & Hoses events and the 9/11 Luncheon, they have donated thousands of dollars to the Foundation. They have also held golf tournaments that raised awareness of the Foundation and funded over 70 individual students with a $500 Awards of Excellence scholarship for high school seniors who are children of first responders totaling $33,000. Paul Davis Team members often attend events when other organizations support us as well. Their dedication and commitment to the Foundation in so many ways is exceedingly appreciated. 

Over the years Paul Davis of Omaha has supported many other organizations including:

Nebraska Humane Society, Town & Country Humane Society, USMC Toys for Tots, American Red Cross Blood Mobile, Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family, Diaper Drive, School Supply Drive for Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Foodbank for the Heartland, and The Furniture Project.

For more information on Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha click here.

For tips on what to do in the event of a disaster and disaster preparation click here.

More about the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

For more about the Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

The post Paul Davis Restoration Of Omaha Gives Back to First Responders appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

The post JAVELAN Service Dogs Give A New Outlook On Life. appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Cari is so thankful to the JAVELAN Program and says that “Daisy gave her, her life back”! Cari and 2-year-old Labradoodle, Daisy, are the 100th Team that has graduated from the JAVELAN Program.

“We knew there was a need, but we had no idea how great a need”.

Tim McAlpine, former JAVELAN Director and one of the program founders said, “We knew there was a need, but we had no idea how great a need”. Cari didn’t realize she needed Daisy. She was used to her life and the way she was living. She said she was almost agoraphobic, anxious about being in a place or 

situation where escape is difficult. All of this was due to injuries sustained while serving in the military.

Cari joined the U.S. Air Force on May 30, 2000.  Cari, an Air Force Staff Sgt., was injured on the border of Iraq and Kuwait. Her injuries caused permanent damage to both of her knees, her spinal column, and her wrist and also caused hearing loss along with migraine headaches. Cari was medically retired in June of 2007 due to PTSD from the incident and she has been declared 100% permanently disabled.

Pictured here from left to right is Danielle Markins, trainer, with her dog ZZ, Cari and Daisy, Mike Kraus, Dir. of the JAVELAN Program, Tim McAlpine, former Dir. of the JAVELAN Program with his dog, General Patton & his wife Mary McAlpine.

After retiring, Cari didn’t go many places. When she did venture outside she took her oldest son, Alex, with her.  They would go to the store and Cari would sit in the car and tell her son what to buy. She didn’t realize how limiting her situation was to her life or her son’s life as she had become accustomed to it. Alex, whom Cari describes as a “great kid” did not mind helping with whatever his mom needed.

After retiring, Cari became part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. They initially helped her transition from active duty to retired life, along with giving her resources to help her navigate veterans and other service-related benefits she would be eligible for moving forward. 

Rob Hufford called to see if Cari would like a service dog.

In March of 2020, retired Air Force Captain and ambassador for the AF Wounded Warrior Program, Rob Hufford called to see if Cari would like a service dog. Cari had a dog at home that she loved so she told Rob she was not interested but thanked him for the offer. When Daisy’s litter was born, Rob sent pictures of the puppies and again offered Cari a chance at getting a service dog. She discussed it with her family, and they thought it would be a good idea and she shouldn’t rule it out. 

“She is your service dog – she “picked” you”! 

Cari met with Rob to discuss the idea and to meet some of the dogs. Rob told Cari once she decided to proceed with the service dog they would have to wait for a dog to select or “pick” Cari. Cari didn’t believe that dogs pick humans until she experienced it. On the fourth visit to Rob’s, Daisy kept coming up to Cari and Rob said, “She is your service dog – she “picked” you”! 

Rob and his family raise Labradoodle puppies specifically to gift to veterans and their families to be trained as service or therapy dogs. Their non-profit organization is called Pulling Guard Kennels, Inc. and they do not charge for any of the puppies. They also help set up free or low cost training for the recipients. Rob connected Cari to the JAVELAN Program for training for her and Daisy. Rob is an advocate for JAVELAN because the dogs are trained while with the veteran or first responder, so they can continue working on skills away from the trainer and the dogs are trained specifically for the needs of the veteran they are serving. 

Cari takes Daisy home and she never leaves her side.

The day that Cari picked up Daisy to take her home was special. Cari stopped by to see Daisy and while she was talking upstairs, Daisy was beside herself downstairs hearing her voice. Once she was let free she ran up the stairs and around the backyard to find Cari. She then peed all over Cari and wouldn’t leave her side. They decided that was the day that Cari could take Daisy home. Cari said that has been so comforting that Daisy chose her and they are a true team. Daisy has changed Cari’s life for the better and has given her independence again. Daisy never leaves her side.

Cari said that without Daisy she wouldn’t be out in public like she is now. She would still be staying home and relying on Alex. She knows she put a lot of fear into Alex and didn’t want him to do the things teenagers do like spend the night with friends or drive alone. She was afraid for herself and for him. Now that she has Daisy, Alex has his independence and Cari has relaxed as well.

Sleeping has changed for Cari with Daisy by her side. Due to constant leg movement and dreams, Cari always slept alone. Now Daisy sleeps with her and has one part of her body touching Cari all night. Now, usually, Cari is able to sleep peacefully at night instead of napping off and on all day and she gets up at a “normal” time.

Taking trips with Daisy.

Cari has even been taking trips with Daisy. Her favorite hockey team is the Nashville Predators. Each year they have veteran events and they always invite Cari. Last year she took two trips to Nashville for several days and she loved every minute of it. Cari said her biggest issue was everyone wanting to pet Daisy and asking her a lot of questions. She even feels comfortable with all this attention most of the time.

Daisy wears an E-collar and a vest when she is “working”. She knows when she is working and will not even eat treats while “on the job”. She is very protective of Cari and senses what she needs. When Cari is having a rough day she will just sit by her all day.  When the vest comes off Daisy becomes a puppy. She loves to play ball. Daisy and Cari’s neighbor has a routine of playing ball most days when her neighbor gets home from work. It is a great help for Cari and wonderful exercise for Daisy. Daisy almost seems to be able to tell time knowing each day when playtime is about to begin. 

Training with JAVELAN.

All of the JAVELAN Training was held at Cari’s home. Cari and Daisy felt very comfortable with Danielle, their trainer and quickly learned to trust her and follow her teaching. Cari had to learn to be consistent with her commands and direction with Daisy. Cari also had to learn to trust and depend on Daisy. With each day Cari and Daisy learned to trust each other more. The JAVELAN trainers are always available by phone or text to answer questions or give suggestions right when needed. Cari said the access to the trainers when needed was invaluable.

Cari and her husband Joe live with their two sons, Alex and John. They have two other dogs, Loki and Waylon. Daisy and Waylon are best friends and Waylon sleeps with her and Cari too. 

Cari thanks the JAVELAN Program for everything. She sends special thanks to Danielle, her main trainer. Danielle not only trained Daisy she also gave Cari the confidence she needed to do things that have been life-changing. Cari will forever be grateful.

Congratulations to Cari and Daisy, JAVELAN’S 100th graduating team!

For more information on the JAVELAN Program click here.

If you are a veteran or a retired first responder in need of a service dog please contact Mike Kraus the Dir. of the JAVELAN Program at mike.javelan@firstrespondersfoundation.org.

To watch a video and hear Cari’s story in her own words click here.

The post Meet Cari and Daisy – JAVELAN’S 100th Team! appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Jason Workman, Director of Behavioral Health shared, “Really enjoyed training with the First Responders and spouses in Spencer IA this week. It was a great time with Fire, police, and Sheriff’s Offices from surrounding communities attending resiliency training and Spouses benefited from their own workshop.”

Enjoy this article from The Spencer Reporter.

The post Teaching Mental & Physical Wellness in Spencer, IA appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to be a firefighter.

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to be a firefighter. His grandfather was a volunteer firefighter for Papillion while his father was younger and now his father is an Omaha Firefighter. Mason used his Award of Excellence to continue his pursuit of the Fire Services.

Just this past spring Mason completed his Firefighter 1 Certification and he is also now officially an EMT after completing his course this past fall. He is taking classes at Metro Community College on three of the campuses in the metro area. Along with fire classes, he is taking his general eds. He got a jump start on the process by taking classes in high school at Bellevue West for college credit. He is about halfway through the classes he can take at Metro before transferring to a 4-year college.  Mason anticipates he will attend UNO in the future where he will pursue a degree in Emergency Management or Fire Protection.

Mason participated in the Tri-County Fire Explorers program that the First Responders Foundation supports.

He is thoroughly enjoying his classes and getting closer to fulfilling his dream. Mason participated in the Tri-County Fire Explorers program that the First Responders Foundation supports. The Tri-County Fire Explorers is a program for youth from 16-19 years who are interested in fire services. The program runs for 11 weeks on Saturday mornings and meets at different fire stations in the metro area. Mason tells us the program really gives you a feel for what it is like to be a firefighter. The students have an opportunity to use all the gear including SCBA (Self-contained breathing apparatus). Mason enjoyed meeting people from all backgrounds in the class and also meeting all the fire-fighting professionals that participate and help facilitate the program.

During the Tri-County program, Mason especially enjoyed learning all of the histories of each department. Some departments started as volunteer and turned to paid programs and some are still volunteer departments. He has a lot of respect for all firefighters and an extra layer of appreciation for those who are volunteers as they have to balance being a volunteer with a full-time job. He also enjoyed all of the stories that were shared during the program about fires that were fought and lessons that were learned.

Fire Services runs in the blood of Mason’s family

Mason is working while he is attending school. He is employed at a family business, Associated Fire Protection. Keeping it all in the family the business is owned by his uncle. Mason is working on fire extinguishers doing the hydrostatic tests, refilling the extinguishers, pressurizing them, and also learning to inspect hood systems. He is even doing some traveling for the company. The company also installs fire alarms systems, sprinkler systems, and hood systems for companies, industries, and schools around the Midwest. 

Mason’s father, Toby, has been with OFD for over 22 years. He started with the Papillion Fire Department when they were a volunteer department. He worked as a paid firefighter with Papillion as well before moving to OFD. Mason said it was challenging sometimes having a dad as a firefighter and having him away from home so often. He said that he and his dad have become closer with Mason taking these classes. Mason is learning to relate to some of what his father is experiencing. He says his father is someone he has always looked up to. They have a lot to talk about and he respects the advice that he receives from his dad. Toby has always had a part-time job while being a firefighter. Mason describes him as a hard worker who is always there for the family. He is a good example as he desires to help people and give back to others.

Mason is following in his father’s footsteps to be there for others and to serve them on some of their toughest days. Mason’s passion is being there for other people and helping them. He wants to support and encourage people letting them know that they will be okay, that they are not alone, and that first responders are there to help. Mason says he believes his calling is having a purpose to serve others and the community as a whole. At the First Responders Foundation, we see this as coming full circle. First Responders who are there for the right reasons. They serve and give because they want to make a difference in society, and they do. 

Testing to become an Omaha Firefighter

Now that he has completed his EMT class Mason is eligible to test to become a firefighter. Recently Mason took the written test to be hired as an Omaha Firefighter. Once he passes the written test he will move to the CPAT – Candidate Physical Ability Test. This is a national physical ability test for firefighters. After passing the CPAT it will be on to oral boards.

Whether or not he is hired now Mason will continue with his schooling. His mom and dad have been insistent about him finishing his degree. He is self-motivated and a hard worker and if given the chance to be a firefighter he will continue taking classes during his off time. He is very much looking forward to being hired as a firefighter and attending the academy.

Awards of Excellence

The Awards of Excellence are awarded to students like Mason who make a difference in their communities, in their schools, and in their families. Mason has volunteered with Buddy Baseball at Werner Park, an annual event for children with Down syndrome. The children have a chance to experience an at-bat at home plate while their name is announced and projected on the big screen. Mason also volunteers at the Victory Apartments, a homeless shelter for Veterans, and at other Veterans’ services and homeless shelters. He is extremely thankful for the men and women who serve our country and sacrifice for the sake of others. 

Mason thanks the Awards of Excellence Committee for selecting him for the Awards of Excellence 2021. He is very grateful for the assistance that helped him get started toward his dream job and following in his father’s footsteps. We are honored and proud to support Mason and other students like him. We wish Mason all the best in his pursuit of Fire Services and we are thankful that people like Mason want to serve our communities. 

Mason is now a Firefighter with the Ralson Volunteer Fire Department

There has been a new development since we first spoke to Mason in the middle of December. Mason has been brought on as a member of the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department. He is very excited to start gaining experience within the fire and EMS services and he is looking forward to gaining relationships with other individuals that share the same passion and goals. Congratulations, Mason!

Application for the 2022 Awards of Excellence will be available soon. All graduating seniors who have a parent who is a first responder in Sarpy, Douglas, or Pottawattamie Counties are eligible to apply.

For more information on the Awards of Excellence click here.

For more information on the TriCounty Fire Explorers Program click here.

The post Mason Ingram, 2021 Awards of Excellence Recipient, Becoming A Firefighter. appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Mike has a deep, visceral and untamed love for his country and for those who defend her on a daily basis.

September 11, 2001 impacted every American in a unique, different way, and the same can be said for Mike Kraus. Just in 5^th grade, the live videos, images and comments he heard that day wouldn’t be felt until years later until he learned why billions of people around the world love the United States of America, and why billions of other people hate the U.S.A. – because of the freedoms we have been given by God and secured by the men and women of our armed forces. It is because of this reason Mike has felt a deep, visceral and untamed love for his country and for those who defend her on a daily basis.

Jack Assisting Veterans Enjoy Life AgaiN (JAVELAN) is a niche program, founded by passionate Veterans and civilians alike, whose mission is to “enrich the lives of lives of first responders and Veterans, by enabling independence and life-changing support” and because of this commitment to our Nation’s Heroes, Mike appreciates this program.

Mike strives daily for excellence

Mike has spent his entire career in the healthcare industry: at the bedside, in the board rooms and as his workplace representative in the communities he partners with, and it is because of these diverse experiences he excels at strengthening relationships with everyone he meets. Driven by a deep desire for achievement, Mike strives daily for excellence in every project, meeting and nonprofit board of directors he is a part of.

Mike personally guarantees he will do everything he can to further the mission of the Foundation and the goals for the JAVELAN Program.

Graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2013 with honors, Mike completed his Masters of Business Administration in May of 2020 with a 4.0 GPA– at a time when the future of in-person learning was essentially eliminated. Because of his continual push for success, Mike sets the bar for his personal, work and relationship goals very high, and those who know him best would concur. Representing one of the region’s largest health systems, Mike has increased its community impact to nearly $100 million pre-pandemic, demonstrating the significant efforts he undertakes to ensure the communities’ needs are being meet and solved. It is because of this commitment to his community, and love for his country and her defenders, Mike has been voted as the new Director of JAVELAN, a position he takes extremely seriously with a humble perspective, and personal guarantee he will do everything he can to further its mission.

Read below a letter from Mike Kraus:

Good afternoon, JAVELAN program members, First Responders Foundation Staff and Board Members, and our Nation’s Heroes,

First, I want to thank each of you for the partnership, support and vote of confidence you have given me to lead JAVELAN into the next phase of its very bright future. Your unanimous vote of approval, trust and vocal support mean more than words can describe, especially for an outsider like myself.

Second, I want to thank Tim McAlpine, Bob Dean and Danielle Owens for their unwavering commitment to JAVELAN’s operational growth, and the successful, impactful differences we have made in so many Veteran’s and First Responder’s lives.

As we embark on the next phase of growth, I wanted to share my vision for the future, as well as my leadership philosophies that I believe will make us a regional powerhouse and gold standard in the service dog industry:

• Transparency: central to our mission, we will be as transparent as possible amongst ourselves and our partners in the communities we serve
  • Throughout the decision-making, financial reporting, and strategic planning processes
  • In meeting agendas, minutes and conversation
• Accountability: we will hold ourselves and each other accountable
  • Efficiency and timeliness of deliverables and specific tasks are expected in all occasions
  • When we commit, we will deliver
• Delegation & Collaboration: we will share the workload in a fair manner
  • Collaborative spirit amongst ourselves, our colleagues throughout the FRF, and out in our diverse, wide-ranging network of communities
  • Communicate all anticipated needs, whether realized or not, related to implementing our efforts to program members – we are in this together
• Vision for JAVELAN:
  • Expand market presence & service area
  • Offer JAVELAN/FRF-branded equipment and educational materials to program participants at orientation and throughout the training process
  • Continue to update, revise and implement our policies and procedures to reflect the industry’s best practices as appropriate to our program
  • Reinforce beneficial historical partnerships as well as initiate new collaborative efforts across diverse communities, geographic areas and business focuses
  • Recruit new program members to spread accountability and to ensure we are inclusive of fresh perspectives and expertise
  • Enhance social and local media presence in collaboration with FRF
  • And most importantly, continue to serve our nation’s heroes with dedicated, professional and customized training to give them a second chance to live their best, most successful lives, each and every day

We have come quite a long way in our short 5 years, but we have expertly positioned ourselves for nothing but accelerated growth for the next 5 years and beyond, and with your commitment, enthusiasm and partnership, I believe we can elevate our efforts to the next level.

One thing I ask of you is to push me, and one another, to achieve what we set-out to do, each and every day: our work may be difficult at times and oftentimes stressful, but we can accomplish even the loftiest goals by simply relying on each other. Know that as JAVELAN’s Director, the single focus I will have is to serve you, and our Heroes, with gratitude, compassion and grit – just as they serve all of us every day.

Again, thank you for your vote of confidence. Now let’s get to work!

Mike Kraus
JAVELAN Director

Click here for more information on the JAVELAN Program.

The post New Director of JAVELAN, Welcoming Mike Kraus appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

I am so very thankful for the First Responder Foundation and the platform they gave me to tell my story. Helping First Responders By Being Open About Trials & Troubles was the first blog post written by Police Officer Stephen.

After that article was posted, my wife and I were given the opportunity to go on two separate podcasts, and the number of messages I received was astounding. The number one question I got, however, was “How can I help”? So that got me thinking. What can we do to help our brothers and sisters to be open about mental health issues?

Being Open About Mental Health Issues

I know after coming to terms with my own mental health and having to face the stigma in the first responder world, I fought it for so long because I was afraid of a few things in particular. One of those worries is that I was going to lose the respect and trust of my coworkers. This job is life and death. There are no two ways about it. Every day we put on this uniform and walk out the door, we know it could be our last. It is imperative that we are able to trust the men and women around us. It’s important that our spouses trust those around us. If we lose that trust, we are worthless to our brothers and sisters.

So for a long time, I feared that if my brothers and sisters knew what was going on inside my head, they wouldn’t trust my ability to make the right decisions. To be able to be there for them when they needed it. Well… I was wrong. After that first article was posted, I received so many messages thanking me for being so upfront and honest about mental health and law enforcement.

I got messages from guys that had just a year on the street to guys that are near retirement. People told me that my message made them feel less crazy, less weak, and normal, for feeling the way they did. So back to the question, how can we help?

If you have done this job for any length of time, you know the calls that are going to leave an impression.

The suicides, infant deaths, the bad accidents, the child abuse calls. So when you hear them come out on the radio, and you hear your brothers going to it, even if it’s not your call, just make a mental note. Know that officer is going to see things he probably won’t ever forget. Give him a few days to process the call and then check on him (her).

I have discovered that if I try and talk to one of the guys immediately after a call like that, they often aren’t receptive. They still have that wall up. You know the one we put up to get through and do our job? But if I give them a day or two to process what just happened, they are more likely to open up.

So… meeting up with a coworker and sitting door to door in an empty parking lot can be more helpful than I think a lot of us ever realize. Let’s go back to that whole stigma thing again. If the Sergeant or the Lieutenant calls you into the office to debrief after one of those calls, what is the average cop going to do? He’s going to clam up. He’s going to tell them that everything is alright, and it’s just part of the job. There is a sense of intimidation there.

No one ever wants to be in the sergeant’s office.

It always makes you feel like you are in trouble. On top of that, you have a supervisor as the one asking you the questions. You can’t help but think, “If I tell them this call bothered me what are they going to do?” Now I am not saying that everyone feels this way, but I can speak from experience and say that I did.

So the way we help with this is to look out for each other.

Keeping that stigma in mind, if you meet up with a buddy and ask him if he’s ok, there are a couple of things at play. First, you are coming to him, he isn’t going to you. So that takes the pressure off of someone having a hard time with a situation. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help. I will be honest, I didn’t have that courage for a long time, but things may have been different if someone had come to me. Second, you are on level ground. You are his beat partner, his buddy, his friend. You aren’t a supervisor who he is afraid might take away his gun or send him home. The chances of someone who is struggling to be open and honest with someone in this situation are a lot higher than being called into the sergeant’s office. This feels more like a friend checking in than an agency trying to cover liability.

The post Being Open About Mental Health Issues appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Each year the First Responders Foundation selects community members and/or organizations to induct into the Ancient Order of Saint Florian and Saint Michael. This honor is reserved for those who have provided long-term and exceptional service to first responders, veterans, and their families through their enduring and exceptional acts of financial giving or acts of selfless volunteerism. 

The American Legion Riders Post 374 Supports JAVELAN in Significant Ways

This year we are honored to induct The American Legion Riders Post 374 Millard NE, due to their long and continued support of our JAVELAN Program. JAVELAN provides funding for service dogs for veterans and retired first responders. Over the last 4 years, the Millard riders have raised and donated over $18,000 in direct support of JAVELAN. They have given countless hours helping with fundraising and assisting with events. With no hesitation, they funded, almost entirely, a $1200 hypoallergenic puppy for a retired FBI officer requesting help gaining a service dog. This team of riders has unselfishly championed support in all aspects of what JAVELAN stands for and what it means. This group has shown great compassion for all veterans and first responders alike. 

Their charity knows no end as they are also ardent supporters of the community.

They donate an annual stipend to the Nebraska State Patrol to assist in purchasing working dogs. They furnished much-needed supplies to the Millard West High School ROTC. Through the Moving Veterans Forward Organization, they organized a furniture drive to help get homeless veterans off the streets. The First Responders Foundation cannot thank them enough for all the assistance to JAVELAN and the community.

American Legion Riders

The American Legion Riders are comprised of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving currently, or are spouses of family members of veterans. Over 110,000 American Legion Riders meet in over 2,000 chapters in the United States and in three foreign countries. Riders in all states have escorted military units returning home from combat tours overseas, conducted massive cross-country fundraising events for wounded warriors from all services, and have raised millions of dollars for countless local, state, and national charities. True to the Legion’s grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post (local) level, where each post knows what is best for their community. 

The Original Charter of The American Legion Riders, Millard Chapter 374 was granted by The American Legion, Department of the State of Nebraska, on 18 April 2012. Since the start, this small group of brothers and sisters, which currently numbers less than 50 riders, has raised and donated over $78,000 to community and charitable Veteran causes.

Representing the American Legion Riders Post 374, and all Omaha area riders, at the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor, will be Post 374 ALR Director Steven Lahrs and Assistant Director Robert Rooney

First Responders Foundation in Omaha

Again, the First Responders Foundation and the JAVELAN Program sincerely thank the American Legion Riders Post 374 for their steadfast and continued support.

For more information or to purchase tickets/tables to the First Responders Foundation 5th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor click here.

For more information on the JAVELAN Program click here.

For more information on the Ancient Society of St. Florian and St. Michael click here.

The post The American Legion Riders Post 374 Supports JAVELAN in Significant Ways appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

And I thought to myself that if any of those people had been open about their trials and troubles, it would have made this journey so much easier for me….

When I was a small child I looked at police officers as heroes. Strong men and women that were always there when we needed them. I remember living in an apartment as a small child, and this one officer used to run radar right by my building. Spent countless days talking to him, bringing him some of my Halloween candy, asking a million and one questions. I was that annoying kid. But God, they were superheroes. 

Helping First Responders By Being Open About Trials and Troubles

Now that I have been a cop for 13 years myself, I realize things from the other side of the coin. We are only human. We hurt, we bleed, and we can also struggle with mental health issues. My childhood was not the best. My father was an alcoholic that, when he was on a binge, would hit my mother. Mother had her own problems and mental health issues, but as we see so much in our profession, she used and abused that mental health issue to get what she wanted. So very earlier on I developed a stigma to mental health. It was hard to realize who was struggling, and who was using it to their advantage. 

As I continued to get older, I suffered some pretty extreme losses.

When I was 16 my best friend shot himself. When I was 20 and deployed to Iraq, my closest cousin shot himself. A year later his sister intentionally overdosed, killing herself. But even through all of these losses, I refused to admit that I needed help. I was the big bad tough Marine. I was there to help others; didn’t need help myself.

When I came home from Iraq, I immediately started applying to police agencies.

I knew from a very young age this was what I wanted to do. I think a lot of that had to do with my childhood and had no stability, we constantly moved around, and I had no control over what was going on around me. So, what better job than to be a cop, right? Right? I mean they have all the answers, and power, and they are the poster children for professionalism. 

I finally got the job as a Police Officer in a city that was only 22 square miles, but also one of the most violent places in the area. In 7 years I can’t tell you how many shootings, murders, rapes, and robberies I responded to. One call that hit me the most was the death of a 6-month old child. My partner and I got the call and we rushed to the residence. There we found a black female 6-month old infant in purple polka-dot pajamas. Her mother had co-slept on the couch with her and had rolled over on the baby sometime during the night.

We did everything we could, but she was gone. Something inside me broke that day.

It didn’t help that I had a small child of my own. Looking back I can see the toll it took on me. Each day I would come home from work and just stare at my son in his crib, waiting to see him breathe. And if he didn’t do it fast enough, I would wake him up. After he was awake I would go on to sleep and leave my wife to deal with the baby. Not husband of the year, I know, but even then, I refused to admit that I needed help. I had no idea what cumulative stress was, but I was stacking it up left and right.

My mother had passed a few years earlier from cancer, and then my dad died. That left me with a one-and-a-half-year-old son, my wife was pregnant with our second son, and my 12-year-old brother was dropped in my lap. In just a few short months I went from having one baby to two in diapers and another on the brink of teenage years. To say that I was stressed is an understatement. But I wasn’t going to show it. I was going to be solid as a rock.

Second Son

After the birth of my second son, I left my first agency and went on to the department where I am currently working. While it is a lot slower pace, I carried the images and burdens of the Marines and my last agency with me to my new job. Now I wasn’t having nightmares. I wasn’t waking up in cold sweats and having flashbacks. I was good, didn’t need help. But what I didn’t see was what everyone else saw around me. I became more irritable. My patience both on and off duty was shot. I started getting more and more attitude-type complaints at work. My tank was empty. Little by little I was adding more and more of that cumulative stress, and I never saw it coming. I refused to ask for help. But why? I knew I was struggling; I knew I wasn’t the person that I used to be. So why fight the help?

Police Officer

As a cop, there is such a stigma to us seeking help with our own mental health. We are afraid that if we seek help we could lose the faith and confidence of our co-workers, and in a job like this, that is huge. I think that we are afraid of being labeled as weak and unable to deal with the stress. That’s a mark that no one wants to bear. But there are other reasons too.

I think every one of us is afraid that if we seek help, there is the chance we are going to lose our gun and badge. What happens when the protector becomes the one that needs the help? Is the agency going to say that we are unfit for duty? Am I going to end up riding a desk for the rest of my career, or worse will they fire me? This question has gone through every one of our heads at some point in time or another.

So with that stigma in mind, I just pushed through. Despite everything that was going on, I continued to put the uniform on and go to work. I continued to add to that cumulative stress that was building. Then one day it happened. It wasn’t a panic attack. I didn’t lose my mind, didn’t have a nervous breakdown, but I broke. Completely and utterly broken as a man. I would find myself staring at the walls for hours, didn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want to play with my kids. I just… lost the will to live.

It wasn’t long after that I told my wife I wanted a separation.

We had been having some marital issues, but nothing that normal couples don’t deal with. I found myself running. Running from the responsibility of my family and work. I didn’t see myself as strong anymore. I felt weak and worthless. So to mitigate that feeling, I ended up getting into a relationship with a dispatcher. When things were good they were great, but when things were bad they were the worst they had ever been. This relationship was the most toxic and horrible relationship I have ever been in. I liken it to a heroin user and knew the relationship was bad and unhealthy, but every time it ended, I needed to get her back. I needed to get my fix. And this went on for four years. Four long drawn out painful years.

It wasn’t until I reached my lowest point that I realized I needed help. I was constantly depressed, and the anxiety was killing me every day. My Sergeant would call me and tell me to meet him and I would go into a full-blown panic thinking I was in trouble. I got to the point that I couldn’t sleep and began to drink heavily. I realized that if I didn’t reach out, I was going to become another stat. So I reached out to a coworker who referred me to a therapist. And over the next year, I experienced some of the worst highs and lows ever.

The dispatcher and I must have broken up and gotten back together 100 times in the four years we were together. When things were bad with us, I was in therapy like I was supposed to be, but when we got back together and I was on cloud 9 I would miss appointments. Over and over this vicious cycle would repeat itself. But each time it got bad, it would be a little worse than the last time. I’d get deeper and deeper into that darkness. Eventually, it got to the point that my therapist decided it was time for medication. Now given my history and the issues with my mother, I was absolutely against any type of medication. But I realized at this point that I had gone as far as I was willing to go. I threw my hands up in desperation and agreed to do whatever she felt was necessary.

So this was the point in which I had to face that stigma.

I went to the doctor and they prescribed me a daily dose of Lexapro. So I got the prescription filled, then drove back to my apartment. I sat there in the parking lot for what seemed like forever. I knew that I had to call the agency and make them aware of the whole medication thing. So as I sat there with my pills in one hand, and my phone in the other, I vividly remember starting to shake. I was about to come face to face with that stigma of first responders and mental health.

I called the Lieutenant in personnel to make him aware of my situation. He must have heard the fear in my voice because immediately he asked if I was ok. I went on to explain that I had been in therapy for some time, and the anxiety had gotten bad enough that my therapist thought it best that I go on meds. He asked me some general questions about what I was taking and the dosage. Then came the question… “When do you return to work?” I knew where this was going. I was going to get put on desk duty, they were going to take my gun and badge, and I was going to get branded as a mental case. So I told him that I was supposed to go back the next night. Without hesitation, he said, “Ok you’re good to go.”

And recalling it now I find it funny. I remember saying to myself, what? That’s it? I am taking this anxiety medication and I’m good to go back to work? And I will never forget his response to that question. He said, “Yeah you and about twenty other people. It’s no big deal. Take care of yourself.”

I was dumbfounded.

Absolutely and completely shocked. I had worked myself up and already concluded what was going to happen. All of which was based on this worthless stigma that we put on ourselves as first responders. That day absolutely changed my life. I decided at that moment that I was not going to hide the fact that I was in therapy or that I was taking medication. If others wanted to listen, I was going to tell the story. There were at least 20 other people in my agency that were just like me. Taking meds, just like me. And I thought to myself that if any of those people had been open about their trials and troubles, it would have made this journey so much easier for me. I wouldn’t have been so terrified to reach out for help. So since that moment, I have decided to be that person for others.

I want my coworkers to know that it’s ok to seek help, that the stigma isn’t true, and that others have gone before them, walked through the fire, and lived to tell about it. How many of the officers that have committed suicide would have been stopped if they knew someone else had gone through the same thing? If someone else had made themselves accessible.

We can say all we want that if you ever need me I am here to listen. And while that may help some, others will still be afraid of being shamed. But, if I have walked in your shoes, and dealt with the mental health issues myself, then that officer can feel more confident that I won’t stand in judgment of them. That’s why I am here. That’s why I’m writing this. I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that it’s ok to need help.

We deal with some of the most messed-up things that a person can see. It’s not a matter of if you need help, but when. Someone once told me, and I’m paraphrasing here, that trying to do this job and not suffer mentally, is like trying to walk through water and not get wet. We have absolutely got to end this stigma of seeking help. We are literally killing ourselves over this.

So please, I am on my knees begging you, if you need help, reach out. I have been there.

I have walked in your shoes and know the pain and depression, the anxiety and the hurt. You don’t have to do this alone.

I was born and raised in the Richmond, VA area. Joined the USMC reserve out of high school and served 6 years with a combat deployment to Iraq. I am still married to my beautiful wife since 2011 and we have 3 children. I have been a police officer since 2009.

The First Responders Support Team (FRST) thanks Stephen for sharing his story, for his willingness to be vulnerable, and for showing how things can and do get better.  The FRST Behavioral Health Therapists are here for any first responder needing assistance.  Contact Director Jason Workman at jason@firstresponersfoundation.org or call 402-218-1234, option 1 #2. 

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Our newest addition to the First Responders Foundation, Brian Bonifas, brings a unique approach to fulfilling our mission, “To serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans, and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work and enhance public safety.” Brian is teaching Law Enforcement Jiu-Jitsu Training with the goal of keeping officers safe and providing non-violent control options during arrest situations in the greater Omaha area.

Law Enforcement Jiu-Jitsu Training

Brian has been a metro area Police Officer since 2009 and currently serves at the Metro Community College Police Department. He has instructor certifications from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, ALICE (Active Shooter Response Training), 88 Tactical, and Gracie University. Gracie University teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) a form of martial arts that started in 1925 in Brazil and has origins in Japanese Jiujitsu and Judo.

Brian and his department have hosted two instructor-level courses of Gracie Survival Tactics, a BJJ-based arrest, and a survival system for Police Officers. A third is coming up in December, through a relationship with Gracie University in Torrance, CA. Over 120 Police Instructors have attended the two Omaha GST Instructor courses.

Brian shares, “One of the biggest challenges facing the street officer right now is lack of access to regular effective arrest, control, and survival training. Most Police Departments only offer 4-8 hours annually of hand-to-hand arrest training. To be effective and in control while using force, it would be ideal if Police Officers could be trained for 1 hour each week. BJJ offers a unique de-escalators set of skills; in stark contrast to the “plus 1” theory of force where strikes and intermediary weapons are often taught as a response to resistance first. In the context of BJJ, an officer can gain control and tire out the suspect while waiting for backup. Worst-case scenario strikes and other weapons are still on the table. It’s a true de-escalation tool for officers.”

Even with Departments that have adopted Gracie Survival Tactics or similar programs, the problem of training time and limited budgets still exist.

The cost to supply each officer with an hour of training a week, plus the instructor cadre necessary is often too high to be realistic for Departments with already strained budgets. This is where the First Responders Foundation is here to step in and help out local area Law Enforcement. Brian has been trained by Gracie University and this pilot program offers 3 days a week of Police specific BJJ training at no cost to the officer.

The lesson plan is certified in several states, and several local law enforcement command staff have approved the training for their departments. Officers can track their progress with a set curriculum that can be reported back to their training department for continuing education credit. All classes are taught in a safe and controlled manner so police administrations and officers do not need to worry about the risk of injury that can sometimes happen during defensive tactics training and in combat sports.

A similar partnership was established in Marietta Georgia, with the outstanding results as follows:

On April 1, 2019, Marietta, GA Police Department (MPD) instituted a training program that made weekly BJJ training mandatory for all new hires during the five months they were in the police academy. The training took place at a carefully vetted civilian-owned/operated BJJ academy within the community. The program was so successful that on July 1, 2020, Marietta PD extended the department-sponsored BJJ training opportunity to all in-service officers.

Marietta Police Department BJJ Program Data

• To date, 95 of the 145 sworn MPD officers have opted into the BJJ program and 50 officers have not. The officers who averaged at least (1) BJJ class per week, are referred to as “BJJ officers.” Here is a summary of the data collected thus far:

Training Injuries:

• MPD has had 95 officers attend over 2,600 civilian-operated BJJ classes with one (1) reported training injury.

Taser Deployments:

• Since the inception of the program, non-BJJ officers used their Taser in 77% of Use of Force (UOF) incidents.
• BJJ officers used their Taser in 54% of UOF incidents (85% of which were used to stop a foot pursuit – not to end the physical altercation)
• 23% reduction in Taser deployments in the BJJ officer group.

UOF (Use of Force) Injuries to Officers:

• In the 18 months prior to instituting mandatory BJJ training, 29 officers were injured while carrying out arrests.
• In the 18 months after instituting mandatory BJJ training for new hires, 15 officers were injured while carrying out arrests.
• 48% reduction in officer injuries department-wide.
• None of the injured officers were BJJ officers.

UOF Injuries to Suspects:

• In 2020, there were 33 UOF incidents involving Marietta PD officers: 20 incidents involving non-BJJ officers, and 13 incidents involving BJJ officers.
• In the 20 incidents involving non-BJJ officers, the suspect sustained injuries requiring hospitalization 65% of the time (13 incidents of suspect hospitalization).
• The 13 incidents involving BJJ officers, the suspect sustained injuries requiring hospitalization 31% of the time (4 incidents of suspect hospitalization).
• Serious injuries to a suspect are 53% less likely when interacting with BJJ officers.
• BJJ officers are 59% less likely to engage in UOF than non-BJJ officers.

Financial Implications:

• Based on an average workers’ comp claim of $4,768, the total estimated savings from the reduction in officers’ injuries is estimated at $66,752.
• Training Investment: $26,000 (2600 department-sponsored classes charged at $10 per class).
• Net Savings for MPD: $40,752

First Responders Foundation in Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA

The First Responders Foundation is proud to offer these classes with a goal to have an outcome as successful as Marietta’s Police Department. To contact Brian email brian@firstrespondersfoundation.org or call 402-319-1101.

Brian offers classes:
Monday’s at 5:00-6:00am
Wednesday’s from 7:15-8:15pm
Every Other Saturday from 12:00 Noon – 1:00pm

For more information on the schedule and other Physical Health classes offered click here:

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