First responders regularly encounter traumatic events that can take a lasting toll on their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Yet many officers face barriers to seeking help, including stigma and a lack of resources designed specifically for first responder culture.
In this webinar, SoundThinking is partnering with First Responders’ Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting active and retired first responders and their families as they navigate the impact of trauma.
Panelists will discuss how the organization’s confidential three-day retreats provide first responders and their significant others with tools to process trauma, strengthen relationships, and access ongoing mental health support.
Participants will hear perspectives from nonprofit leadership, public safety professionals familiar with the program, and a first responder who has participated in the retreat. The discussion will explore how peer-supported programs can reduce stigma, build resilience, and help agencies better support the well-being of their personnel.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Understand how repeated exposure to trauma can affect first responders and their families.
- Learn how peer-supported wellness programs can help reduce stigma around seeking help.
- Hear perspectives from professionals familiar with the First Responders’ Bridge program.
- Identify ways agencies can better support officer wellness and connect personnel with specialized resources.
Expert Speakers
Mick Yinger, Executive Director - First Responder's Bridge
Mick Yinger is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of First Responders' Bridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to first responder suicide prevention. Mick has more than 21-years of law enforcement experience serving both the Clinton Township (OH) Police Department and the City of Columbus (OH) Division of Police (CPD). Mick has the combined experience of serving both the Patrol and Narcotics Bureaus and spent the majority of his career as a covert detective with the CPD Strategic Response Bureau.
Mick is a recipient of the Columbus City Council Officer of the Month and the Mayor's Award of Excellence. In 2021, he was recognized as the 'Volunteer of the Year' by the city of Westerville (OH) for his community impact and tireless work on behalf of First Responders' Bridge.
Sgt. Brandon Qualls, Crime Scene Investigator, Muncie Police Department
Sgt. Brandon Qualls is a 19-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Muncie Police Department, where he has worked since 2012. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a wide range of investigations while supporting efforts to strengthen professional standards and officer well-being.
A participant in a 2019 First Responders Bridge retreat, Sgt. Qualls now advocates for first responder wellness and peer support within the law enforcement community.
Maureen Kocot, Director of Development, First Responders' Bridge
Maureen Kocot is the Director of Development for First Responders' Bridge after serving as Media Relations Manager for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Columbus, OH. Prior to that, Maureen was an Emmy, Associated Press, and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist for WBNS-10TV.
Kocot co-produced Crime Tracker 10, a franchise that tracked crime patterns and trends, promoted safety, and aided law enforcement in identifying and capturing fugitives. As a crime reporter, she provided extensive coverage of the 9/11 tragedy at Ground Zero and the Pike County massacre in southern Ohio. She also covered the murders and services for Columbus Division of Police SWAT Officer, Steve Smith, and Westerville, OH Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering.
Today, Kocot deploys her skills as a storyteller to advocate for first responders and their families negatively impacted by job related trauma.
Richard Bash, Customer Success Director, SoundThinking
Richard Bash retired from the Columbus Division of Police after 33 years of service, including the last twelve as Deputy Chief of Police. During his career, he held assignments in Patrol, Investigations, Covert Operations, School Resource, Mounted, Training, Human Resources, Fiscal, Internal Affairs, and Professional Standards.
He currently serves as a Customer Success Director at SoundThinking, where he works with law enforcement agencies to support the effective implementation and use of public safety technology.