Northwest Michigan Peer Network

01/31/2026

Good morning. On Feb 27th 1230-2pm EST, Frontline Strong Together will be joined by Jeff Dill from the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance in a FREE webinar with EMS CE’s.
We will be taking a deep dive into the raw data of first responder su***des, the resources offer, and tips from our peers.

To help with this data, myself and Jeff have created a survey for any family member who experienced a first responder su***de.

We already know we have a huge issue with supporting the family after the su***de of a first responder.
We want to collect this data to help educate others and bring awareness to this issue to better support you.

If you know of someone who loss a family member to su***de who was a first responder please let us know. Active or retired.

The survey can be hard to go through and we will help support you if you need assistance after the survey.

Please be advised that some of the questions can be emotional to answer. This survey is designed to gather information and data on the support that family received after the su***de of their first responder. This data will be used to educate others and offer better support to those family members. I...

01/30/2026

🚨 FREE CISM TRAINING — MICHIGAN FIRST RESPONDERS 🚨

Crisis intervention is emotional first aid — not therapy.
This 3-day virtual training equips first responders with practical tools to support themselves and their peers after critical incidents.

Who: Police, Fire, EMS, Dispatch, Corrections & Mental Health Professionals
Format: Virtual
Cost: Free

Learn core CISM principles, group interventions, and peer-support skills used nationwide.

👇 Click the Register button to join 👇 (Link in the comments below)
Please share with others who may benefit.

_
FST5 program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
Visit your FST5 Website at fst5.org
In 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 or in need of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 call
1-833-34-STRONG
1-833-347-8766

01/22/2026

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

📢 Friendly reminder: We’d love for you to join us—register to make sure you don’t miss this important session.

We’re launching the 2026 FST5 Webinar Series with an important session you’ll benefit from. "Understanding the FST5 Resources Available to You and Your Family."

📅 January 23, 2026
🕧 12:30–2:00 PM
🎓 1.5 EMS Preparatory CE Credits

This webinar offers a clear, practical overview of Frontline Strong Together (FST5) — created specifically to support Michigan first responders and their immediate family members.
This session is designed to make sure support is easy to understand, easy to access, and available before a crisis — for first responders and the people who support them at home.
👉 REGISTER by the link in the comments or scan the QR code.

FST5 program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
Visit your FST5 Website at fst5.org
In 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 or in need of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 call
1-833-34-STRONG
1-833-347-8766

01/12/2026

Cold weather brings out these awesome new beanies we just got in.

We only have one of each color for now with a rosewood color coming in for the women beanies.

$25 each.

01/10/2026

What do you see when you look at this image???
Take the Golden Gate Bridge out of it, take the uniform out of it, take the helicopters out of it and you’re left with two people just talking and listening to each other.

On March 11th, 2005, CHP Officer Kevin Briggs talked to Kevin Berthia for 92 minutes.
Let me say that again. Officer Briggs talked and listened to Berthia for 92 minutes!!!! In Berthia’s darkest moments.

More times than not, people just want to be heard, they don’t want to be judged for what they say, and they just want you to listen to them.

You don’t have to have a masters degree, you don’t have to be a doctor or therapist. All you need is the ability to listen with zero judgment.

01/07/2026

Your Mental Health Matters!!!

Unfiltered and blunt words from Former Firefighter/ Paramedic Kenny Davis:

“Tell them that they are gonna see some s**t that will not be easily dealt with. Place as much emphasis on mental health as you do for physical fitness, both the mind and body need to be cared for. Far too many brothers have left the fire service and even the planet due to lack of mental health awareness. Try to separate mind from body; the body has to do the work on each call while not allowing the mind become too damaged. It’s ok to not be ok. They are tasked with changing the culture from one of excessive machismo to acceptance and understanding for the traumas our psyches endure each shift. We each have shells to protect us from the tragedies we encounter on the job. Shells crack to the point it can no longer protect, which cracks the mind. Said cracks can be lessened by understanding the effects of trauma and seeking the help needed to alleviate some of the damage. First responders have a covenant with their communities to provide protection and life safety. Those services cannot be provided effectively by broken minds and souls. Take care of yourself and your brothers. Be mindful of damaging changes and offer a nonjudgmental ear.“

12/24/2025

We want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.
Please know that resources are there for you 24/7.

The holidays can be heavy.
Empty chairs. Names we carry. Calls that don’t fade.

It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to remember.
Just don’t carry it alone.

This season, take care of yourself. 🤍
_
FST5 program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
Visit your FST5 Website at fst5.org
In 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 or in need of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 call
1-833-34-STRONG
1-833-347-8766

12/11/2025

Breaks my heart to see one agency experienced so many in the timeframe they did.

12/09/2025

We are so proud of OG peer member Kathryn. This is an in depth discussion with the struggles she faced. This is what makes our team so amazing.

Podcast Episode · Minds on the Frontline Podcast · 12/08/2025 · 34m

12/08/2025

Attention all agencies and chief officers. I am working with Dr. Griffin to schedule some in person classes for 2026.

If you haven’t had this class you are missing out.
Dr. Griffin was one of the engineers on the Sofa Super Store in Charleston SC. That day Charleston Fire Dept loss 9 members.

He is looking for locations to host the class and some dates for 2026.

Note: This class typically brings in a large group. So, please make sure the location would be large enough.

His class is a registered Q course. So, please check with your county to see if you will have the funds.

Please email me if you are interested. Thank you.
ctaylor@peninsulafire.org.

Share and like. Thank you and stay safe.