A Call to Action for #1stresponders...

By Safe Call Now® Vice President - Ron Jones

Calling all first responders. We hear it all the time; take care of yourself, be safe, stay alert. Generally speaking we are reactive in our professions. Responding to calls for service, disasters, critical incidents, active shooter, the list is endless. But who takes care of us; the ones on the front lines, those who are retired, the ones who have life altering disabilities, and even worse, the forgotten? We should look after each other, don’t wait on the department, or the municipal, county, state, or federal government. You will certainly be disappointed if you do. So you may ask, what then?   

Safe Call Now® always has room for motivated volunteers who have a background in the public safety arena and a passion for helping. In all of our professions we are expected to serve and we should but who better to look after a brother or sister than someone who has been there, who gets it, who has the same shared life experience. At Safe Call Now® that is exactly what you will find. We exist to help you and your family, BUT, we can’t do it alone. 

What does it cost to be a part of this life saving organization, what are we asking you to donate; yourself, your time, your ability to calm others and offer assistance when needed as only another peer can do. We provide the training, we expect nothing monetarily in return, we need you! 

As one of our peer advocates recently said, “I realized I wanted to give back to the men and women that are still out there: cops, firemen, corrections officers, and our dispatchers… I know that going forward I may get a call from anywhere in the country, any agency, and at any time of the day or night. The call may be from a first responder that just wants to talk a bit, or maybe from someone that is having a hard time with substance abuse…There is always the chance that you will get the call from a first responder that feels this is his or her last call, the call that if you can’t convince them that their life is worth living well then that may very well be their last call…” From Eddie, a retired first responder.

A testimonial, "Calling Safe Call Now six months ago saved my life. After dealing with PTSD for 20 years, I had another nightmare and frankly, was too tired to go on. I searched on my computer at 0300 hrs. for "help for disabled police officers" which I have been doing for 15 years and came across their site. I made the phone call and spoke to a very nice lady who was an ex-cop and she made an appointment for me that Friday. I went and two hours later my PTSD symptoms were gone using Rapid Resolutions Therapy." --Gary Bush, retired South Charleston Police Officer.

The ability to be emphatic and utilize the common bond you share with other first responders will be the strongest asset you possess. Listening skills and helping calm a person in distress or crisis are paramount for the peer advocate; this allows you to assess the caller’s needs and provide the appropriate referrals when needed.

In the current atmosphere of negativity, helping your brothers and sisters will reignite your passion to serve. Law enforcement is being hammered now, if you’re in a different public service career and you have been around awhile or stay long enough, you too will be put to the test. 

Call Ron Jones, Peer Advocate Coordinator, 843-267-6355 or email rjones@safecallnow.org for more information. If you’re needing help call our confidential crisis line 206-459-3020. Your peers need you now more than ever.