Supporting first responder wellness isn鈥檛 a one-size-fits-all approach 鈥� it鈥檚 a daily commitment. From March 24-28, agencies across the country in celebrating First Responder Wellness Week, sharing how they prioritize the physical, mental and emotional health of their teams.
From upgraded gym spaces and therapy dogs to peer support networks and leadership-led wellness conversations, departments showcased the creative, intentional ways they鈥檙e taking care of those who serve.
Here鈥檚 a look at how departments highlighted each day of 2025鈥檚.
Day 1: Tactical fitness
Pierce County Sheriff鈥檚 Office鈥檚 wellness coordinator highlighted their physical and tactical fitness program to celebrate Day 1 of First Responder Wellness Week.
First Responder Wellness Week
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff)
This week, agencies around the nation will be celebrating and supporting awareness for First Responder Wellness.
Tampa Police Department (Fla.) highlighted their upgraded gym equipment for Day 1, emphasizing that their wellness program provides 鈥渆ssential resources for physical, mental, emotional, financial and spiritual health because taking care of those who serve is one of our top priorities.鈥�
Virginia Office of EMS highlighted the importance of physical and mental wellness and shared a proclamation from Gov. Glen Youngkin recognizing First Responder Wellness Week.
First Responder Wellness Week (FRWW) is dedicated to providing resources and support to help first responders better understand the mental and physical health risks that come with the job. Check out Virginia鈥檚 proclamation for :
— Va Office of EMS (@virginiaems)
The St. Louis Fire Department highlighted the week and the department鈥檚 wellness program .
鈥淲ellness isn鈥檛 just about fitness 鈥� it鈥檚 about fostering a culture where our people feel seen, supported and valued,鈥� Deputy Chief Derrick Phillips told FOX 2 Now. 鈥淥ur responders give their all to this city every day. 鈥淭his week is about reminding them that taking care of themselves is OK, too.鈥�
Day 2: Mental and emotional support
The Parkhester (N.Y.) Police Department had an important discussion during roll call on mental and emotional support to celebrate Day 2 of First Responder Wellness Week.
Day 2 of First Responder Wellness Week!
— Parkchester Police Department (PPD) (@ParkchesterPD)
Today at roll call, Lt. Haddock and Captain Pizarro led an important discussion on mental and emotional support in our profession. Lt. Haddock brought in her loyal companion, who helps her manage the stresses of the job and personal life,鈥�
Henry County Fire Rescue (Ga.) celebrated Day 2 by showcasing the department鈥檚 therapy dogs.
Day 3: Peer support networks
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department highlighted their Wellness and Chaplain Units for Day 3 of First Responder Wellness Week. The units, part of the department鈥檚 Behavioral Health Services Division, provide free services for employees and their families, including access to Lexipol鈥檚 for additional resources and support.
Day 4: Leading through wellness
Tim Graves, Fire Protection Specialist at the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, spoke about why sleep is important for overall wellness.
Learn to prioritize sleep 鈥� it impacts your mental & physical health. It鈥檚 also good for your mind and heart and decreases illness.
— NYS Div. of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (@NYSDHSES)
Here鈥檚 a public safety message from OFPC Fire Protection Specialist Tim Graves on the importance of sleep, especially for first responders.
The San Francisco Sheriff鈥檚 Office gave tips for helping public safety personnel build and sustain physical strength, mental toughness and emotional balance.
FIRST RESPONDERS WELLNESS WEEK 2025馃弮鈥嶁檧锔� Physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional balance are the foundation for serving others.聽Fit For Duty Fit For Life is this year's theme; Dep. Rivas has some tips for helping public safety professionals build and sustain鈥�
— SF Sheriff's Office (@SheriffSF)
The Wichita (Kan.) Police Department highlighted the department鈥檚 therapy dog who helps support officers and staff.
It is Day 4 of First Responder Wellness Week-
— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice)
Meet Stewie, our dedicated therapy dog at the Wichita Police Department!
Being a law enforcement officer is demanding, often taking a toll on mental health.
That's why Stewie is here鈥攖o support our officers and professional staff鈥�
Day 5: Community and connection
The Orange County (Calif.) Probation Department highlighted the importance of peer support, noting that the journey to mental wellness is not one we take alone.
Quinnipiac University EMS (Conn.) highlighted saving time for self-care to prevent burnout and mental health struggles among first responders.
