Highlights from the 2025 National First Responder Networking Conference
If you could have stood in that room — if you could have seen the tears, the laughter, the worship, and the hugs between people who had never met before — you would have known that God was there.
That’s what happened at the 2nd Annual Mission First Alliance National First Responder Networking Conference, held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 18–20, 2025. Because of your prayers, support, and encouragement, this gathering became more than just a conference — it became a movement of God’s people uniting to bring Real Hope to the Heroes who serve our communities every day.
“All I can say is WOW! The conference was awesome.” – Ben Brychta, First Responder Chaplain and FamilyLife Rep
We started the weekend with our Real Hope for Heroes – First Responder Family Appreciation Event, honoring local first responders and their families. It was a joy-filled night — free dinner, live worship, the national anthem sung beautifully, a life flight helicopter landing, pipes and drums, bouncy houses, and, most importantly, conversations that opened doors to faith. Families lingered long after it ended, talking, laughing, and connecting.
“Better than last year. Excellent! Worth attending and being a part of this vital ministry. Your heart will be blessed.” – Mike Baldwin, Retired Law Enforcement
This year we doubled the length of the conference, giving everyone more time to connect deeply. There were powerful testimonies, heartfelt prayers, breakout discussions, and spontaneous moments of ministry. Leaders from across the country — and even from other nations — shared openly about their challenges and victories.
“It was refreshing to hear stories and testimonies from across the country of others’ similar struggles and how they leaned on each other to persevere through the struggles to bring light to dark places… I’ve encouraged everyone in and around public safety who I’ve come in contact with to attend next year!” – Daniel Forrester, Firefighter in Alabama
Everywhere you turned, there was encouragement. There was unity. And there was Jesus.
“You will be refreshed and you will be encouraged. You will meet like-minded ministry leaders who are not only willing to share what they do, but they’re willing to pour into you and be a support to you and your ministry.” – Christi Hall, Chaplains & Heroes
We’re deeply grateful to Ridgedale Baptist Church and Pastor Doug Plumlee for hosting, and to our amazing volunteers and sponsors who made it possible for this event to remain completely free for the attendees. Because of your generosity, no one had to worry about cost — they could simply come, be loved, get connected and be refreshed.
“Come and you will be amazed and encouraged and you will leave even more connected to like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ that can help strengthen you in your resolve to reach our first responders for Christ. Love, love, love the humility of everyone and how Jesus was the exalted ONE.” – Marcus Allred, Alliance Coordinator for Mission First Alliance
Did you know you are part of this story? Your support is helping build a movement that reaches one of the most unseen mission fields in our nation — the hearts of first responders.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for praying, giving, and standing with us. Because of you, God is uniting His people across the world — and lives are being changed. We can’t wait for you to see what He’ll do next year.
With heartfelt gratitude, The Mission First Alliance Team
Don’t miss our 2026 National First Responder Networking Event! Register here.
Did you attend this event? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.
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Real Hope for Heroes Kick-off Event
2025 National First responder networking conference
Don’t miss our 2026 National First Responder Networking Event! Register here.
Did you attend this event? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.
Jeremy Wade is the Executive Director of Mission First Alliance. He served for the Seattle Police Department for 13 years, but struggled with his identity in Christ vs his identity in the badge early in his career. After a few years on the department he fully surrendered his life to the Lord, which started an amazing journey that the Lord has been blessing along the way. While not free from challenges like the Seattle riots, and many critical incidents, Jeremy could see God’s hand in directing his paths.
On the Seattle PD, Jeremy was awarded Officer of the Year, and Medal of Valor. He worked in patrol, in the training unit, as a peer support coordinator, and assisted in developing the department’s first wellness unit. He co-founded the SPD Beds for Kids Program with Ryan Gallagher, which continues on today. Jeremy also served as the executive director of the Seattle Police Chaplains Association and came alongside many other local and national first responder ministries.
In 2021, Jeremy, his wife Ketryna, and four kids felt God calling them to move to Tennessee and step out in faith to do full-time ministry, supporting first responders nationwide. This led to serving as the Training & Development Coordinator for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers- USA until God started directing his path and opening doors to start Mission First Alliance.
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