Every day, first responders answer calls that most people hope they never experience. They respond to emergencies, comfort victims, protect communities, and make difficult decisions under extraordinary pressure. While they are trained to respond to crisis, repeated exposure to trauma can have lasting effects on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Recognizing these challenges, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) established the First Responder Wellness Program (FRWP) in 2024 to help agencies build healthier systems of support for the people who protect Washington communities.
In a recent interview with ARC Seattle and KOMO 4, First Responder Wellness Program Manager Toryono "Tory" Green discusses why wellness is an essential part of public safety and how WSCJTC is working with agencies across Washington to reduce the impacts of job-related post-traumatic stress and suicide.
A Statewide Commitment to First Responder Wellness
Created through House Bill 2311, the First Responder Wellness Program supports agencies throughout Washington by providing training, resources, and leadership focused on long-term wellness. The program's mission is straightforward: to assist first response agencies across Washington in fostering positive mental and physical well-being among their personnel, with the goal of eliminating occurrences of job-related post-traumatic stress and suicide.
Quick Facts: As of July 2026, WSCJTC has facilitated numerous classes, with 326 attendees across Washington State completing a total of 408 hours of training.
Building Stronger Support Systems
Supporting first responders requires more than responding after a crisis. It means creating organizations where wellness is built into the culture. The First Responder Wellness Program takes a comprehensive approach through education, peer support, leadership development, and partnerships with mental health professionals.
Program initiatives include:
-
Basic and Advanced Peer Support Training
-
Executive Peer Support Training for agency leaders
-
Family Member Training
-
Training for mental health and substance use disorder professionals
-
A directory of culturally competent clinicians trained to work with first responders
-
Leadership through the four-year First Responder Wellness Task Force
-
Development of a statewide peer support network
The program serves a broad range of first responders, including:
-
Law enforcement officers
-
Co-responders
-
Firefighters
-
Emergency medical personnel
-
Emergency communications dispatchers and recordkeepers
-
Coroners and medical examiners
-
Washington National Guard members serving in emergency response roles
-
Other professionals defined under RCW 5.60.060
Training That Reaches the Entire Support Network
One of the program's strengths is that it recognizes wellness is a shared responsibility.
Agency leaders learn how organizational culture influences wellness. Peer supporters receive specialized training to assist colleagues. Family members gain a better understanding of the unique challenges of first responder careers. Mental health professionals learn about first responder culture so they can provide more effective care.
By engaging everyone involved, the program helps create sustainable systems of support that extend beyond the workplace.
Supporting Those Who Protect Our Communities
Healthy first responders are better equipped to make sound decisions, serve their communities effectively, and sustain long, successful careers. The First Responder Wellness Program reflects WSCJTC's commitment to preparing public safety professionals with research-informed training while supporting their well-being throughout their careers.
As awareness of first responder mental health continues to grow, programs like this help agencies build resilience, strengthen peer connections, and ensure those who serve others know that support is available when they need it.
Learn More
To learn more about the Washington State First Responder Wellness Program, explore upcoming training opportunities, or find available resources, visit:
First Responder Wellness Program: https://cjtc.wa.gov/first-responder-wellness-program