Presented by 1st Responder Conferences in Partnership with First H.E.L.P.

Endorsed by the Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association, Windermere Police Department, Clermont Police Department and Mount Dora Police Department

Venue: The Florida Hotel & Conference Center 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809

This training is for all 1st responders, police, fire, military/veterans, corrections, dispatchers, chaplains, retired 1st responders, spouses, professional staff, clinicians, spouses and all who work in the public safety field. 1st Responder Conferences presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of our first responders. By discussing the real 21st Century issues that are consistently facing our first responders and their families, our conference will provide awareness, resources and action items to combat PTSD/PTSI, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health. 1st Responder Conferences proudly introduces a line-up of credible nationally recognized speakers who will address matters that impact the personal and professional lives of first responders and their family members through dynamic and engaging presentations for the entire first responder community. This two-day seminar is unique in that your spouses or significant others who support you are invited to come learn with you. With a progressive and forward message of optimism and sustainability, 1st Responder Conferences goal is pushing past traditional silence and bringing first responder wellness to our Everyday Heroes. Register now, seating is limited.

Speakers and Topics

“Building Financial Strength in First Responder Families”- Sgt. Nicholas Daugherty, (Retired) FinancialCop- Building Financial Strength in First Responder families is the premier financial wellness class designed for first responders, taught by first responders. We will cover the importance of financial wellness for your personal and professional lives. Topics include budgeting, how to avoid debt and pay off debt, the importance of will & estate planning, and how to build a plan to begin to win with money. Taught by instructors that have the heart of teachers to over thousands of first responders from over 2,000 agencies nationwide. Nick Daugherty began his career with the Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) in 2003 before semi-retiring in 2017 as a Sergeant. He continues to serve as reserve officer for GPPD. Nick operates FinancialCop, the largest financial wellness training provider for first responders nationally as well as providing comprehensive fiduciary only financial planning for first responders. FinancialCops have coached hundreds of first responder families through almost every type of financial crisis and scenario possible. He also works with several first responder nonprofit organizations, focusing on financial wellness for those suffering from PTSD and suicidal thoughts.

"Peer Support Teams - Leading from Your Strengths"- Noel Meador, Stronger Families President & CEO, and Tim Sears, Director of First Responders for Stronger Families- You were created with unique strengths. These strengths were meant to be leveraged together on your team to create unity, better outcomes, and overall increased performance. Without a proper understanding of this concept, many leaders build a team of people most like themselves and miss out on a larger vision. Leading From Your Strengths empowers team leaders and teams to discover their unique strengths and the power of differences that leads to building close knit teams. This builds a culture of leadership excellence where relationships thrive. In this session we will be covering how to… -Better understand yourself through a uniquely generated report -Help yourself and your team appreciate the strengths each of you bring to the team -Learn how different people communicate and how to leverage these differences -Define areas of tension and learn to resolve conflict without “winners and losers”. Noel Meador serves as President & CEO for Stronger Families in Seattle, Washington. In this role, he is dedicated to strengthening families and marriages and ultimately, affecting the community at large. Noel is the lead author of the Oxygen for Your Relationship seminar, which provides couples with tools and resources that help them promote authenticity and renewed vitality in their relationship. Over the past 5 years, 14,000 couples have gone through OXYGEN program and 300 + facilitators have been certified to teach the program. Noel received his Master’s Degree in Education and is trained in many relationship enrichment and counseling tools and part of the John Maxwell Leadership Team. Tim Sears joins Stronger Families with 45+ years in the fire service, having served in 4 different fire departments. Tim was actively involved in water rescue, tillered ladder truck ops, safety committee, fire investigator, hazmat, PEER support, board member on KFFBA Benevolent Fund and active in his IAFF Union Local 2545. Tim retired in 2021 from the Kirkland Fire Department in Washington State with many department accommodations for his 30 years of service.

"Sometimes Heroes Need Help" Sgt. John Kelly, (Retired) Law Enforcement Life Coach LLC- This program addresses the personal, professional, financial, physical and mental health of our first responders. While using a series of life events I look to normalize difficult conversations. The difficulties in dealing with relationships, PTSD, and thoughts of harming oneself are discussed at length. The importance of you making yourself a priority is stressed throughout the program. I also incorporate the importance of caring and acknowledging the moral responsibility we have to be there for each other. John is a thirty year veteran of Broward County Sheriff's Office. Throughout his career he struggled with alcoholism, addiction, adultery, PTSD and thoughts of suicide. John has taken his life experiences, both the good and the bad, to develop a wellness / leadership program for those still fighting the good fight. His program is a three hour motivational seminar that addresses the whole of the person. Personal, professional, financial, physical, and mental health are the focus. This is a proactive initiative that looks to start the conversation and remove the stigmas associated with asking for help. Difficult topics are examined at a level that becomes relatable and actionable. Relationships, PTSD, and suicide are addressed and resources are explored. If not me then who? If not you then who? In an environment that has abandoned the law enforcement profession at every level, now more than ever we need to be there for each other. There exists a moral responsibility for us to care for our brothers and sisters.

"Getting off the X: Staying ahead of occupational stress."- Steve Hough, First H.E.L.P. Steven Hough, a 25 year veteran of law enforcement, will discuss his shooting and the skills he acquired to maintain a level of awareness that saved his career and his family. Steven Hough is a 20-year veteran of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and a 5-year-veteran of the Walton County Sheriff's Office. During his time with the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office Steven also spent seven years assigned as a Task Force Officer for the US Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force based in Pensacola, FL. While serving a warrant with the task force Steven was shot numerous times, including once in the face. As a result of his actions, Steven was awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery, United States Marshal’s Purple Heart, and the Medal of Valor from Santa Rosa County. Steven has since retired and is enjoying life on his farm. Steve Hough, First H.E.L.P.

"Marriage Survival for First Responders"- Dr. Jeremiah Gile, Florida Bureau of Fire Arson and Explosives Investigations- This presentation will help educate first responders on how to have stronger marriages. Topics will include identifying the unique challenges first responder marriages face. It will also discuss strategies to mitigate the negative effects that the profession has on a marriage, as well as developing a stronger and happier marriage. Dr. Jeremiah Gile's specialty is law enforcement wellness. He's been in law enforcement for 20 years and is transitioning into a new role as the Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator and Chaplain for the Bureau of Fire Arson and Explosives Investigations. He currently teaches mental wellness and PTSD training to new Detectives at the Department of Financial Services and to various volunteer fire departments. His doctorate is in Pastoral Counseling and the topic of his doctoral project was on improving law enforcement marriages through the combination of effective stress management and positive marriage tactics. Other degrees include a MS in Justice Administration, MA in Pastoral Counseling, MDIV in Chaplaincy, and a BS in Public Administration. He is also the host of the Thin Blue Marriage podcast, which is a podcast dedicated to improving law enforcement marriage.

"Self-Awareness: Save your Career/ Save Your Life"- Lt. Frederick Jones, Lake County Sheriff's Office- Self- Awareness is the ability to accurately pay attention to ourselves. It allows us to see where we are emotionally and the impact we have on citizens we make contact with on a regular basis. Learning how to develop self-awareness is essential to our emotional health. A lack of It can abruptly interrupt our emotional and physical health as well as our careers. As an Internal Affairs Supervisor I've watched as careers have ended due to decision making based on a lack of self -awareness. First Responders encounter trauma throughout their careers , self-awareness helps manage that trauma. Lt. Fred Jones is a native Floridian. He was born in Bunnell, Florida and grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He has been with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office since 1997. He has served in the capacity of Correctional Officer, Road Patrol Deputy/Supervisor, School Resource Deputy, Detective, Dare Deputy and Currently works in Professional Standards as one of the Public Information Officers and Internal Affairs Supervisor. Lt. Jones is a graduate of the 137th Administrative Officers Course of The Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, He is also graduate of Flagler College where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Public Administration. Lt. Jones is a subject matter expert and Mentor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a trainer/instructor for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Schools. Lt. Jones is an advocate for officer mental health training and self-care. Lt. Jones believes in transparency as a tool to connect and stay connected to the community.

"Surviving Critical Incidents"- Meredith Moran, LMHC, CCTP, Front Line Wellness- This presentation is designed to teach first responders how trauma and critical incidents affect their brains and survival response and then give them tips on how to manage and mitigate their response. At the age of 15 I decided, against my father’s wishes, that I wanted to be a police officer. I joined the Police Explorer program in high school and later got a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. In 1993 I graduated the police academy and started work at Largo PD. While there I saw what every officer sees, both good and bad. In 1999 two things happened that changed the course of my life. I developed severe test anxiety and could not pass my firearms qualification, causing me to leave the department. That same year a friend and colleague died by suicide. I ended up working at the police academy and while there I joined the CISM team and started my Doctorate in Counseling. I decided I wanted to help other first responders deal with the things they experience at work. For the past 13 years I have been working in the field of mental health and substance abuse and became a licensed mental health counselor in August 2019. My background in law enforcement and mental health counseling makes me uniquely qualified to assist first responders with the traumatic events they experience at work. Like all first responders, I am steadfast and can handle the traumatic events, but the reality is that there is a need to offload the things we see and hear and do in a healthy manner.

“The Relationship between Sleep and the First Responder”- Kimberly Ingram, LMHC, Wellspring NSB- First Responders have unique sleep patterns due to the nature of shift work and the stressors of the job. Many responders report trouble with both falling asleep and staying asleep and will turn to unhealthy remedies for relief. This presentation will address factors such as anxiety, stress, trauma, and poor sleep hygiene and provide solutions to create a healthy sleep environment. Kimberly Ingram is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified First Responder Counselor and co-owner of The Wellspring NSB, a private practice mental health group in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with a personal caseload of 90% first responders. Kimberly also serves as the Florida State Liaison for How 2 Love Our Cops and is on staff at the School of Emergency Services for Daytona State College teaching the mental health curriculum to all fire/EMS and law enforcement academy students. Kimberly has been a public safety professional’s wife for 26 years. Her husband spent five years as an EMT before beginning his career in law enforcement and he is currently employed by Port Orange Police Department. Kimberly also has a son who has been a law enforcement officer for four years and currently works for Edgewater Police Department.

"The most important training you can provide - How to effectively implement a comprehensive Proactive Resilience Training Program within your department."- Dr. Seth R. Hickerson, CEO/Founder MySteadyMind -The last 2 years have been the most stressful time in 50 years for professionals in law enforcement. And currently there is no end in sight. There are a multitude of variables: Covid, Societal Unrest, The Great Resignation, and the duration of these events. People in the industry are exhausted, tired, stressed...burnout is rampant. Proactive resilience training should be the #1 priority for departments. Leaders understand that, they just aren't sure HOW to do it. When it comes to the mental health and wellness of your people, organizations should provide treatment and TRAINING options. Dr. Hickerson will discuss the differences of each. Dr. Hickerson will share proven methods and strategies to implement a comprehensive and effective training program for any size department, anywhere in the country so leaders don't have to scramble to "figure out" how to do it. We will discuss simple and effective solutions that provide amazing results. Learn how to make your organization a leader in the industry and provide training that helps with recruitment, retention, performance and overall wellness. Dr. Seth Hickerson has been training law enforcement and elite performers and organizations on mental wellness, mindfulness & resiliency for over 20 years all around the world. He is an innovative entrepreneur, veteran, educator, and mental performance training coach. He is passionate about providing individuals, organizations, and teams with real solutions to reduce stress and improve performance through cognitive fitness training. He is also active in podcasting, writing, public speaking, and leadership development.

“Organizational Health / Wellness”- Chief David Ogden, Windermere Police Chief- This presentation will cover overall first responder wellness, using my "Wellness Wheel" discussion and defining terms of mental, physical, spiritual, and relational paradigms designed for all. We will discuss dysfunctional teams using the Lencioni model and the concept of building trust, conflict skills, commitment, avoiding accountability, and inattention to results. The presentation will finish with what is living by our value-based principles and building trust in life. Chief David A. Ogden has been a successful law enforcement executive with over 36 years in policing and a BA degree in criminal justice. He is the current Chief of Police in the Town of Windermere, where he has led a successful transformation in the agency. He was the former Director of the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange and a Captain for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Unit. He retired after 27 years of outstanding service to the agency. He served in the following notable areas: High-Risk Incident Commander, Training Division Captain, Traffic/Motors/DUI Divisions, Undercover Narcotics, Tactical Operations, and 14 years on the SWAT team. Chief Ogden firmly believes in the team concept and the importance of good leadership. Chief Dave Ogden has developed a deep appreciation for the spirit of volunteerism in our local community and its importance to the law enforcement profession. He currently sits on several local nonprofit charities, including the West Orange Dream Center, the Roper YMCA Board, the Michael Callin Scholarship Fund, and the Windermere Police Department Foundation, Inc., Which was established in honor of Windermere Police Officer Robert German, who was killed in the line of duty on March 22, 2014. Dave Ogden is married with four children. His family is the founder of a local charity in honor of one of his children who lost a battle from a rare neurological disease. The Ogden family is active with local charities and nonprofits and began their ministry, helping First Responders develop an overall balanced life.

Certificates of Attendance Available- All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the conference evaluation that can be used for self-submittal.

Registration is $300.00 (plus Humanitix platform fees) and includes the following:

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days. The venue has limited food choices so if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please be advised. There will be a Networking Social on January 19th from 4:00-6:00 pm @ the venue. This is a great opportunity to get to know others, ask questions and share your ideas and thoughts with other like-minded professionals. Appetizers will be provided and beverages will be available for purchase.

You must register to attend. Seats are limited for this conference. A limited amount of scholarships are available for those with financial hardships. Please contact Amanda at amanda@1stresponderconferences.org for more information.

Please note Everyone will receive a registration confirmation email from our registration platform Humanitix. There is a possibility your agency's email security system may block those emails or send them to your junk folder. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registration or an email two weeks prior to the conference, please contact Shawn at shawnt@1stresponderconferences.org

Please note our 30 Day Refund Policy:

There are a lot of costs involved in organizing a conference. The reason we list our 30-day nonrefundable statement on the registration website when an attendee registers, is due to having to purchase everything in advance. We will allow registrations to be transferable, so food and other items don't go to waste. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

Accommodations: Conference specials/discounted hotel rates available: Group block/discounted hotel rates available: We have a group block at the Florida Hotel for January 17-20th at $149.00 a night. Attendees will make their own reservations by contacting the hotel directly. They may do so by calling the Reservations Department at 800-588-4656. Guests should identify themselves as attendees of 1st Responder Conferences. Individual reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card at time of booking. A deposit of one night's room and tax will be charged to the credit card five (5) days prior to arrival. Individual reservations may be cancelled without penalty outside of 72 hours prior to arrival. If cancelled within 72 hours of arrival the Hotel will charge for the 1st night's room and tax. A no-show reservation will be charged 1st night's room and tax. Please book before the cut-off date Tuesday, December 20, 2022. At that time all unreserved rooms will revert back to the Hotel for general sale.

*Disclaimers*

Photograph/Video Disclaimer Statement

1st Responder Conferences (1RC) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by 1RC, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. 1RC may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by 1RC including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. No video recording by attendees permitted.

Waiver of Liability

Some of the material presented at this event may cause emotional triggers. We will have onsite assistance if needed. There will also be additional resources available if needed. This conference is not intended to provide counseling services, whether medical, psychological or of any other kind, nor to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any disease, disorder or injury. This conference is certainly not intended to replace the advice of a physician. If you need expert advice, please consult a competent professional. This conference is only intended for “educational” use and it should only be used as a guide.

RECORDING OF CONFERENCE AND SPEAKERS IS PROHIBITED

Written consent may be given by speakers, but 1st RC staff will need to be informed prior.

COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION

Currently there are no mandated restrictions related to COVID-19. 1st Responder Conferences suggests following the CDC in the area at the time of the event.

At registration we will have a waiver of liability and a photo release form that must be signed. If you have any questions regarding the waiver please contact us, so we may assist you.

To download a flyer please visit Click Here or contact us for flyers, basic info letters, and sponsor/industry partner/vendor forms for your organizations to share.

Please note, sometimes we have last minute speaker changes due to unforeseen reasons.