This article first appeared in Law Enforcement Today, August 13, 2025

Why are we not seeing the statistics improving in suicides, mental health, addictions, and divorces among our nation’s 4.6 million first responders, and their families? Why are more and more referring to the efforts and programs as “wellness noise,” driven by money, or only used to check the box? Is there something we are missing?

Obviously, genuine programs, solid leadership, culturally competent support, and proactive solutions are necessary, but beyond these is there something we are still missing?  

The Missing Piece: Finding “Real Hope”

I would argue, Yes… The missing piece is Real Hope. 

While it is great to see an increase in awareness, programs, and resources, most are only offering a band aid to address a gushing wound. The first responder wellness movement is struggling to keep up, still leaving the situation far worse than most can imagine, and not offering Real Hope.

The “House of Cards” Reality

Most first responders, after getting hired, quickly embrace a “new normal,” just to survive.  They build their careers on a “house of cards,” with an unstable foundation and just one personal or professional crisis away from crumbling.  

Unfortunately, they don’t see the warning signs, believe it could happen to them, or talk about it until it is too late and they have lost control and hope.

First responders have mastered the ability to suppress the internal issues publicly, and still perform exceptionally and heroically on a daily basis. So, what is the missing piece being ignored? 

Integrating Faith and Spirituality

Spirituality (and here is where I will lose most readers).

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come… For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” – 1 Timothy 4:8,10 

When I served as an officer for the Seattle Police Department, I struggled in my faith. I realized I was unable to do it on my own and recognized my faith in Christ was the missing piece. When I trained resilience and wellness and led our department’s peer support team, this was the missing piece.

When I oversaw the chaplaincy program and partnered with outside support organizations, this was the missing piece. When I spoke with church leadership, I noticed they didn’t understand the first responder culture or know how to support them either.

Bridging the Gap: The Role of the Church and Leadership

So, my question became, how do first responders and their families receive spiritual support and guidance through these difficult careers? What was my role and what should your role be? What can the church do? How can we all point them towards Real Hope in Christ?

The first step is seeing the need individually and organizationally. The second is taking action to do something about it.

Within agencies, Christian first responders should be courageous to step up, and lead by example. Even if they are the only one, which was how I felt.

Chaplains, trainers, and support organizations should boldly and respectfully point first responders towards Real Hope, without fear or pressure from the culture dictating how they provide that support.

The Church should learn to come alongside these brave men and women and their families. They have an opportunity to humbly learn the culture, build supportive relationships, and offer necessary Hope, that cannot be found elsewhere.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

A Call to Action: The 2026 National First Responder Networking Conference

We have an unprecedented opportunity at this time in history, to come together for a purpose. Mission First Alliance is bringing Real Hope to our nation’s first responders and their families, by uniting and equipping all who have a heart to reach them for Christ. You are not alone. 

We are calling all first responders and spouses, ministry leaders, church leaders, business leaders, and chaplains who are willing to step into the gap. God is calling, will you respond? 

We invite you to get involved: Join the Alliance. Attend our third annual National First Responder Networking Conference, September 2026, in Chattanooga, TN. Registration is free.

Join us as we gather leaders together for the purpose of networking, collaboration, and encouragement so more first responders and their families can be reached with Real Hope in Christ. Together, we can have a greater Kingdom Impact. You won’t want to miss it. 

“When we are no longer able to change a situation…… we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Victor Frankl.  

While we cannot change the nature of the work and the impact it will have on us and our families, we can change how we lead ourselves and others, towards Real Hope.

If this story stirred something in you, you’re not alone. If you need prayer, support, or someone to connect with, we’re here to help you take the next step toward hope. Please reach out to us through our Contact Us page, or leave a comment below.