💚 Support the First Responder Center for Excellence Your support helps us continue our mission to Prepare, Prevent, and Protect first responders through education, training, research, and resources. Every contribution helps us build a stronger, healthier future for those who serve. 👉 firstrespondercenter.org/don… Together we are Stronger 💪

🚒 Did You Know? Firefighter presumptive cancer legislation varies from state to state, but do you know what protections are available in yours? The First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) has a document available on our website outlining firefighter presumptive cancer legislation in all 50 states! This resource can help firefighters better understand the laws and benefits that may apply to them based on their state. 📄 View the document here: firstrespondercenter.org/wp-… ⚠️ Please Note: This document was last updated on September 1, 2022. Legislation may have changed since then, so we encourage you to verify the most current laws and benefits in your state. Together we are Stronger 💪

Our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, happened to cross paths with our Program Specialist, Mat Riback, at Jamaica Station in Queens, NY! Mat was working his other job as an LIRR conductor, while Chief Leeb was getting off another train on his way to the airport. 🚆✈️ Now, was this just a coincidence? Or did Chief Leeb conveniently need to hand off a car key he accidentally left in his pocket so Mat could get it home for him? 🤔🔑😂 Apparently, Mat’s job description now includes social media, program support, train conductor, AND emergency key delivery service! Together we are Stronger 💪

🚢🔥 Fire Service Training…with an Ocean View! 🔥🚢 Looking for a training experience that’s a little different? Join firefighters, officers, chiefs, and instructors from across the country aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, March 4–9, 2028, for five unforgettable nights benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). We’re excited to share that FRCE Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, will be among the nationally recognized fire service leaders speaking during the cruise! 🌊 Two days of fire service training at sea 🔥 Leadership, tactics & fireground decision-making 💪 Personal growth & resilience 🤝 Networking with firefighters from across the country 🏝️ Stops in Belize City & Puerto Costa Maya 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plenty of time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a family-friendly vacation This unique experience combines world-class fire service education with the opportunity to connect with fellow firefighters, enjoy some well-deserved downtime, and support the important mission of the NFFF. 🚢 March 4–9, 2028 | Freedom of the Seas 🔗 Learn more and book your cabin: travefy.com/website/ValorVoy… Come for the training. Stay for the experience. Sail knowing you’re supporting the fire service community and the mission of the NFFF. Together we are Stronger 💪

🚨 We Need YOUR Help! 🚨 The First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) is proud to be recognized as a National Firefighter Registry (NFR) Champion for the SECOND year in a row! 🏆🚒 But we can’t do it alone! 🔥 We’re calling on ALL firefighters to sign up for the NIOSH National Firefighter Registry for Cancer! Whether you’re a volunteer, career, wildland, industrial, airport, or any other type of firefighter, active or retired, we need YOU! ✅ With or WITHOUT a cancer diagnosis ✅ FREE and easy to join ✅ Every firefighter’s participation matters! By joining, you’re helping researchers better understand the connection between firefighting and cancer, supporting research that could help protect current and future generations of firefighters. 🚒 Don’t wait! Sign up today and encourage your fellow firefighters to do the same! 🔗 cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/r… Together we are Stronger 💪 #FRCE #NFR #NIOSH #FirefighterCancerAwareness #FirefighterHealth

🚨 NEW FREE ONLINE CARDIAC HEALTH COURSES! ❤️🚒 Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps toward better heart health can make a difference. The First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) is excited to announce TWO new FREE online courses! ❤️ Cardiovascular Health in the Fire Service – Learn how improving cardiovascular health can enhance endurance, operational readiness, recovery, and long-term health. ❤️ Cardiovascular Risks – Understand the cardiovascular risks firefighters face, identify key risk factors, and learn why recognizing these risks is so important. 👏 A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make these courses possible: ⭐ @CrackylM ⭐ PNW Fire Conference ⭐ @firestationfurn ⭐ @NFFF_News ⭐ In Memory of John Miclot, sponsored by Cathy Rinchetti Your support helps us continue providing valuable, FREE health and wellness education to firefighters and first responders across the country! 📲 Access these courses and many more through our FREE Learning Management System: firstrespondercenter.org/tra… Invest in your heart health today. Your health matters both on and off the job! Together we are Stronger 💪

😂 “NO WAY! THAT’S GREAT!” When you find out the First Responder Center for Excellence is heading to the West Coast for our next symposium! 🌴🚒 🚨 SAVE THE DATE! 🚨 📅 October 5–7, 2027 📍 Los Angeles, California Join us for the 2027 Health, Wellness & Resilience Symposium, hosted by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD)! We’re looking forward to 2½ days of education, networking, and bringing the first responder community together! 📢 More details and registration information coming soon! 🔗 firstrespondercenter.org/eve… Together we are Stronger 💪

🎙️ New Podcast Alert! Episode 7 is Here! Episode 7 of Unseen Exposures the Podcast is now available, featuring Dr. Sara Jahnke, a valued member of the First Responder Center for Excellence Cardiac Committee! Dr. Jahnke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in firefighter health and wellness, helping advance research and conversations that can make a real difference in the lives of first responders. 🔥 This is an episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧 Listen now: youtu.be/LzmDwX3__do?is=483p… Thank you to the Unseen Exposures team for continuing to bring these important conversations to the first responder community. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share! Together we are Stronger 💪

🚒 FRCE in Colorado! 🏔️ Our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, is in Keystone, Colorado, attending the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Fire Leadership Challenge! While there, Chief Leeb had the opportunity to connect with the Colorado advocates from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (@NFFF_News). It’s always great to connect with those who share our commitment to supporting the fire service and strengthening firefighter health, wellness, and safety! Together we are Stronger 💪

🚨 Health & Wellness Seminar – Monticello, NY! 🚨 We’re excited to bring another FRCE Health & Wellness Seminar to New York! Join us for a powerful one-day seminar built specifically for firefighters and first responders, featuring practical, real-world strategies you can use both on and off the job. 📅 November 13, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 📍 Monticello Fire Department | Monticello, NY 🔥 Featured Sessions: 💪 Size Up Your Workouts: Functional Training for Firefighter Performance & Longevity — Lt. Aaron Zamzow 🥗 Healthy-ish Eating for First Responders — Megan Lautz 🔬 Firefighter Look into Research — Captain John Gulotta (ret.) From functional fitness and practical nutrition to firefighter health research, this seminar is focused on helping first responders build healthier, safer, and longer careers. Invest in your health today to protect your tomorrow. Register today! 🔗 Register Here⁠ secure.qgiv.com/for/firstres… Together we are Stronger 💪

🚨 SAVE THE DATE! 2027 Health, Wellness & Resilience Symposium! 🚨 🌴 We’re heading to the West Coast! 🌴 Following the success of our 2026 symposium at the University of Iowa, we’re excited to announce that the 2027 First Responder Center for Excellence Health, Wellness & Resilience Symposium will take place in Los Angeles, California! 📅 October 5–7, 2027 📍 Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center (FHMTC) 1700 Stadium Way Los Angeles, CA 90012 🚒 Hosted by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) @LAFDtalk Supporting first responders goes beyond addressing challenges after they arise. It’s about recognizing stress early, taking proactive steps, and building the tools and resources needed for long-term success. Join us for 2 1/2 days of engaging education, practical strategies, and valuable opportunities to connect with first responders, healthcare professionals, peer support teams, and leaders from across the country. This year’s symposium will focus on moving beyond awareness to action, empowering individuals, families, and agencies to prioritize prevention, strengthen support systems, and create a healthier, more resilient emergency services community. 📢 More details, including registration information, speakers, and the agenda, coming soon! 🔗 Stay tuned and visit: firstrespondercenter.org/eve… Together we are Stronger 💪 #FRCE #FirstResponderHealth #FirstResponderWellness #BuildingResilience #SaveTheDate

Normally, being the person behind our social media pages, I wouldn’t post about my own birthday, but our Program Manager for Behavioral Health, Chief Dena Ali, had other plans! 😂 She even created this AI image of me to go along with her birthday message! Thanks, Dena, for the kind words and for making sure my birthday didn’t go unnoticed! 😂🎉 From Chief Dena Ali: “Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our amazing Social Media Manager, Mat! Whether he’s keeping our feeds running, keeping Long Island moving with the LIRR, serving the community with the East Farmingdale FD, or cheering loud for the Islanders with his amazing wife Maggie, he does it all. Hope you have a great one, Mat! 🥳🏒🚒🚆”

🚨 Have You Taken Our Newest Online Training Course Yet? 🚨 Our newest FREE online training course, “Cultural Awareness for First Responder Mental Wellness: A Clinician’s Guide,” is now available! First responders face unique, cumulative stressors that can impact their mental health, relationships, and sense of self—often in ways that may be invisible to outsiders. This course is designed to help clinicians, wellness professionals, and support teams: 🔹 Understand the hidden costs of service 🔹 Recognize signs of burnout and occupational stress 🔹 Better understand the unique culture of first responders 🔹 Respond with strategies that honor the challenges of each responder group 🔹 Build meaningful cultural fluency that can make a difference for first responders and their families 💻 Haven’t taken it yet? Now is a great time to check it out! Access this course, along with many more FREE online training opportunities: firstrespondercenter.org/tra… Together we are Stronger 💪

📋 NIOSH Wants Your Feedback! We’re helping spread the word about a survey from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). @NIOSH is looking for feedback to better understand the occupational safety and health information needs of workers, employers, and other stakeholders. Your input can help NIOSH better understand what information and resources are most useful. We encourage our first responder community to take a few minutes to participate! 🔗 Take the survey here: airc.cdc.gov/surveys/?s=7NCY… Together we are Stronger 💪

👋 Meet One of Our Board Members: Cathy Rinchetti Cathy Rinchetti brings more than 18 years of experience in real estate development and property management to the First Responder Center for Excellence Board of Directors. Cathy is a successful business owner who specializes in purchasing, renovating, and reselling homes, while also owning and managing rental properties. Before starting her own business, Cathy worked with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, where she helped first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership and oversaw funding for real estate development projects. She later served as the Affordable Housing Program Manager at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, helping provide grant funding for affordable housing initiatives. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cathy has a passion for philanthropy and giving back to causes that are important to her. We’re grateful to have Cathy’s business experience, leadership, and commitment to giving back helping guide the mission of the FRCE! 💚 Together we are Stronger 💪

🚒🔥 Hands-On Training at the PNW Fire Conference! This morning, our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, stopped by the quarters of @SeattleFire Rescue 1, where firefighters were participating in forcible entry hands-on training as part of the PNW Fire Conference! It was great to see firefighters coming together to sharpen their skills, share knowledge, and gain valuable hands-on experience. We were also excited to see some of our signature green FRCE gear bags being put to good use by attendees who received them at last year’s conference! Thank you to Seattle Rescue 1 for hosting this training and to the PNW Fire Conference for another great event! Together we are Stronger 💪

🔥 Thank You, PNW Fire Conference! 🔥 We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone at the PNW Fire Conference! On Monday night, the conference held an auction that raised more than $5,000 to support the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE)! We are incredibly grateful to the conference organizers, everyone who donated items, and those who participated in the auction. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of improving the health, wellness, and safety of our nation’s first responders. Thank you again to the PNW Fire Conference for your continued support! Together we are Stronger 💪

💚 Our FRCE Gear Bags Are Still Going Strong! 💚 Last year, we were proud to provide our signature green FRCE gear bags to attendees at the PNW Fire Conference! This year, the conference had a few leftover bags that were given away on Monday. Even better, we spotted several attendees still using their bags from last year during preparations for the upcoming Hands-On Training (HOT) sessions! It’s great to see our gear bags continuing to be put to good use a year later! Together we are Stronger 💪

🚨 New Training Tip Alert! 🚨 We’re proud to continue sharing valuable Training Tips focused on Health, Wellness, Safety, and Resiliency. 🔥 This edition: Prostate Cancer and Firefighters We were proud to help develop this Training Tip in collaboration with the @FDNY, highlighting the importance of prostate cancer awareness, early detection, and understanding the unique occupational risks firefighters face. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the United States, and research has found that firefighters may face an increased risk due to occupational exposures. Here are a few important reminders: 🩺 Know Your Risk: Firefighters have been found to have approximately a 28% increased risk of developing prostate cancer compared to the general population. 🔍 Early Detection Matters: Prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before discussing screening with your healthcare provider. 👨‍👩‍👦 Understand Your Family History: Having a father, brother, or other close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer may increase your risk. 🧪 Discuss PSA Testing: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help detect potential prostate problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and limitations of screening. ⚠️ Recognize Possible Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in the urine or semen, and persistent back, hip, or pelvic pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Early detection can save lives! Take responsibility for your health, understand your risk factors, and make regular medical evaluations a priority. We thank the FDNY for their continued partnership and commitment to improving firefighter health, wellness, and safety. 📚 Access, reference, share, or print all FRCE Training Tips here: 👉 firstrespondercenter.org/tra… Together we are Stronger 💪

🚨 LAST CALL TO REGISTER! 🚨 If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?! The 9th Annual @BHB_org Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference kicks off tomorrow in Fairborn, Ohio! 🚒 📅 October 14–16, 2026 📍 DoubleTree Dayton/Fairborn – Fairborn, Ohio We’re proud to be a supporting partner of this outstanding conference, bringing together firefighters, first responders, and wellness professionals for three days of education, networking, and conversations focused on health and wellness. 🎒 BONUS: Every attendee will receive a FREE FRCE gear bag, while supplies last! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to invest in your health and wellness! 👉 Register today: ExoticBeavercreek.com Together we are Stronger 💪

🔥 FRCE at the PNW Fire Conference! 🔥 Yesterday, our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, and our Program Manager for Behavioral Health, Chief Dena Ali, had the opportunity to present at the PNW Fire Conference! 🚒 Chief Frank Leeb presented “Cornerstones of Leadership,” highlighting the importance of strong leadership within the fire service. 🧠 Chief Dena Ali presented “Organizational Leadership & Mental Wellness,” focusing on the important connection between leadership, organizational culture, and the mental well-being of our first responders. We are proud to have both Chief Leeb and Chief Ali representing the First Responder Center for Excellence and sharing their knowledge and experience with firefighters and fire service leaders from across the country. Thank you to the PNW Fire Conference for the opportunity to be part of this great event! Together we are Stronger 💪