Description

First responders, veterans, and active-duty service members experience elevated levels of trauma exposure, placing them at increased risk for a range of mental health concerns. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury frequently present with overlapping yet distinct clinical features and are often accompanied by co-occurring disorders such as substance use, depression, and anxiety. Evolving treatment approaches emphasize trauma-focused care, enhanced engagement strategies, and culturally responsive interventions tailored to the unique experiences of these populations. Specialized programming, such as The Meadows’ Unbroken program, reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing the complex clinical needs of those who serve on the front lines.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to enhance clinicians’ understanding of trauma-related mental health concerns in first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel. Emphasis is placed on differentiation between PTSD and moral injury, recognition of common comorbidities, and application of trauma-focused approaches to improve engagement and treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify key mental health risks and stressors affecting first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel.

• Differentiate between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury, including their distinct clinical presentations and implications for treatment.

• Recognize common comorbid conditions, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety.

• Apply trauma-focused approaches to enhance client engagement and improve treatment outcomes.

Description

First responders, veterans, and active-duty service members experience elevated levels of trauma exposure, placing them at increased risk for a range of mental health concerns. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury frequently present with overlapping yet distinct clinical features and are often accompanied by co-occurring disorders such as substance use, depression, and anxiety. Evolving treatment approaches emphasize trauma-focused care, enhanced engagement strategies, and culturally responsive interventions tailored to the unique experiences of these populations. Specialized programming, such as The Meadows’ Unbroken program, reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing the complex clinical needs of those who serve on the front lines.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to enhance clinicians’ understanding of trauma-related mental health concerns in first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel. Emphasis is placed on differentiation between PTSD and moral injury, recognition of common comorbidities, and application of trauma-focused approaches to improve engagement and treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify key mental health risks and stressors affecting first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel.

• Differentiate between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury, including their distinct clinical presentations and implications for treatment.

• Recognize common comorbid conditions, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety.

• Apply trauma-focused approaches to enhance client engagement and improve treatment outcomes.

Description

First responders, veterans, and active-duty service members experience elevated levels of trauma exposure, placing them at increased risk for a range of mental health concerns. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury frequently present with overlapping yet distinct clinical features and are often accompanied by co-occurring disorders such as substance use, depression, and anxiety. Evolving treatment approaches emphasize trauma-focused care, enhanced engagement strategies, and culturally responsive interventions tailored to the unique experiences of these populations. Specialized programming, such as The Meadows’ Unbroken program, reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing the complex clinical needs of those who serve on the front lines.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to enhance clinicians’ understanding of trauma-related mental health concerns in first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel. Emphasis is placed on differentiation between PTSD and moral injury, recognition of common comorbidities, and application of trauma-focused approaches to improve engagement and treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify key mental health risks and stressors affecting first responders, veterans, and active-duty personnel.

• Differentiate between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury, including their distinct clinical presentations and implications for treatment.

• Recognize common comorbid conditions, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety.

• Apply trauma-focused approaches to enhance client engagement and improve treatment outcomes.

Research indicates interpersonal/relationship issues are the number one motivator of first responder suicide ahead of all other known contributing factors. Similar research reveals interpersonal relationships are the most significant threat to safety off duty. Divorce rates in this population are historically reported to be as high as 60–75% (far above national averages), and officers in divorce are five times more likely to die by suicide than adults of marital status within stable marriages. These ruptures are directly the product of cumulative occupational trauma, insecure attachment patterns (avoidance, emotional numbing, hypervigilance), and the secondary traumatic stress from partners and family members. The constant interruptions of shift work, lack of sleep, and erratic schedules erode a sense of safety, dynamics of attachment, and security at home, manifesting in the form of cycles of social isolation, conflict, withdrawal, and increasing disconnection.

Common Barriers to Healing

✅Cultural pressure to “suck it up” - vulnerability perceived as weakness

✅Fear of professional consequences (confidentiality, job security)

✅Limited access to trauma-informed couples familiar with responder culture

✅Secondary trauma in partners/families is often invisible and unsupported.

 How “Mending the Line” Will Help

✅Targets relational repair as direct suicide prevention

✅Brain-based, attachment-informed strategies tailored to first responders

✅Provides: understanding of trauma, attachment, and cycles in relationships

✅Tools to rebuild emotional safety, trust, and connection

✅Communication skills that honor both responder and partner experiences

✅Practical tools for understanding ruptures and how to repair

✅How to build on what is going well and areas to work on

✅“Never leave a partner behind” applies at home, too

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging Bible study session. Together, we'll explore scripture, share insights, and discuss how its teachings apply to daily life.

Registration is now closed

Advanced Chaplain Training

This one-day RMPFC Advanced Training offers several of our most popular and important courses for Chaplains to expand their knowledge, skills, and abilities to support responders.

ACT 406 - Chaplain Safety and De-Escalation (4 hr)
ACT 407 - Autism - Emergency Response Chaplain Training Requirements (1 hr)
ACT 502 - Critical Incident Debrief / OIS (2 hr)
ACT 504 - Chaplain Emotional Resilience & Spiritual Care (1 hr)

Location(s):
In Person or Online
Discovery Christian Church
2605 W 144th Ave
Broomfield, CO 80023

Date | Time:
April 23, 2026
8:00am - 5:00pm

Following the screening, Chief Oughton along with West Metro Fire Chief Jeremy Metz, South Metro Fire Chief John Curtis, retired AFR member Mark Ricard and Operation Equine's Michelle Kaye will join Danielle Lammon from the Foundation and the film’s director for a panel discussion focused on the topics raised in the film, along with their own personal experiences supporting colleagues through work-related mental stress and navigating the challenges of identity after the job.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office invites you to our Safety in Faith Training on Thursday, March 26.

This session will focus on “Conflict Resolution & Faith Groups”. Guest Speaker: Matjaz Bren, Educator and Corporate consultant.

Date: Thursday, March 26
Location: Jefferson County Courthouse, Hearing Room 1
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Don’t miss this free opportunity to learn, ask questions, and help make places of worship safer.

Facebook Event

Advancing Warriors Support Group

Littleton - Spring 26

Date: Tuesdays, beginning March 24th - May 19th
Time: 7-8:30pm
Location: Littleton Campus (9136 W Bowles Ave., Littleton 80123)
Duration: 8 week program following first week orientation
Cost: $50/per person (includes cost of materials and administration)
Group Limit: 12 people
Childcare: Not available

For more information and to register, click here.

Presented by Battalion Chief (Ret.) Bruce Bjorge, Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser and Chief (Ret.) Michael Ranalli

Public safety agencies are navigating a pivotal leadership challenge: guiding teams made up of individuals with widely varied experiences, communication styles, and expectations. While generational differences often surface as friction points, whether over policy interpretation, training methods, or work-life priorities, they can also be opportunities for building stronger, more resilient teams. The key lies in leading people as individuals, not stereotypes, and anchoring everyone in a shared mission.

In this Lexipol webinar, part of the Leadership Principles Webinar Series, seasoned leaders Chief (Ret.) Mike Ranalli, Battalion Chief (Ret.) Bruce Bjorge and Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser, discuss bridging leadership gaps across generational lines while exploring how to avoid common pitfalls, foster accountability, and build unity through purpose-driven leadership. Through real-world lessons, attendees will walk away with strategies for flexible leadership, stronger communication, and team alignment, no matter the age or background of their personnel.

You'll learn:

• Why failing to understand individual needs, not generational labels, is a key point of leadership failure.

• Practical strategies to reinforce accountability and mission alignment across diverse teams.

• Flexible leadership approaches that strengthen engagement and reduce friction.

• Common leadership missteps when navigating multi-generational dynamics—and how to avoid them.