First Responder Trauma Services

01/29/2026

Nick Nudell

I’m currently taking a 40-Hour Peer Support Academy, and this experience has been deeply meaningful.
I’ve lost coworkers to su***de.
That kind of loss never really leaves you.
As a leader in this profession, prevention has always mattered to me. Now—with daughters entering medical and paramedical careers—it’s deeply personal.
What makes this program special is that it’s built and taught by First Responder Trauma Services—clinicians who truly understand our culture, our schedules, and our exposures—all badges, uniforms, and scrubs.
They use evidence-based treatments adapted specifically for first responders, and they don’t just focus on crisis—they focus on prevention:
• Sleep hygiene that actually works for shift work
• 30 minutes of daily movement to shorten recovery time and reset the nervous system
• Recognizing stress injuries early, before they become emergencies
Too often, generic EAP programs don’t fit us. We’re good at hiding our struggles. We know what not to say. And sometimes our experiences unintentionally traumatize helpers who weren’t trained for our reality.
Taking this class with colleagues from across the rural Eastern Plains of Colorado—many with little or no local resources—has been heart-warming and hopeful.
This model works—and it needs to be shared far beyond our borders.
If this reaches even one person sooner, or saves even one life, it matters.

01/29/2026

01/27/2026

So proud to be of service to first responders and frontline worker agencies in Rural Colorado!
www.FRTS911.Com

01/16/2026

When someone asks, “How many years have you all been caring for First Responders?” and then you tell them… this happens 😂
Thank you, friends 😍


911Overwatch.org
FRTS911.com

01/15/2026

In Memory of Chief John D. Mulligan ~ Rest in peace, Chief.

Shawnie Mulligan is with John Mulligan and Kit Mulligan.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to First Responder Trauma Services (https://www.frts911.com). During the final weeks of my dad's life, the difficult scenes he encountered throughout his career returned to him in ways we never fully anticipated. We hope that gifts made in his honor will provide other first responders with the specialized support and healing they need to navigate the heavy burdens of their service."

Www.FRTS911.com

01/09/2026

https://911overwatch.org/attend-academy/ola/services/40-hour-peer-support-academy-april-2026

www.FRTS911.com
www.911Overwatch.org

01/04/2026

Play. Reset. Everyday.

www.frts911.com

12/30/2025

Jim Klug

Today’s post is a little different. Instead of highlighting one of our members, I want to recognize two people who are incredibly important to our organization and to me personally. Ed and Joanne Rupert, the founders of First Responder Trauma Services
Ed and Joanne take care of our firefighters. They take care of first responders and frontline workers. And they have taken care of me.
Their motto says it best: Caring for the few who care for the many… All Badges, All Uniforms, All Scrubs, All Together. What they provide is unmatched. When a first responder is in a dark place, in the middle of the night, when things feel overwhelming and unsafe, Ed and Joanne do not hesitate. They show up. They will come to your door. They will sit with you. They will help save you. That kind of commitment, compassion, and courage is rare.
First Responder Trauma Services exists because Ed and Joanne saw a need that was not being met. They envision a future where every emergency responder has immediate access to mental health support. A future where asking for help is seen as wisdom, not weakness. A future where no responder carries trauma alone. Their work is grounded in trust, lived experience, and an understanding of what this job truly does to people. They are building a culture where support is proactive, accessible, and woven into the fabric of emergency services, not treated as an afterthought.
As a Fire Chief, I can say this with complete confidence: our organization is stronger, healthier, and safer because of Ed and Joanne and the work they do. Knowing that our people have someone like them to call matters more than I can put into words.
Ed and Joanne do this work as a nonprofit, and they rely on the support of others to keep showing up when first responders need them most. In the photo with this post, you’ll see a QR code that takes you directly to their donation page. If you or your business feel called to support what they do, I encourage you to check it out. And support doesn’t always have to be financial. If you have other ways you’d like to help, I know Ed and Joanne would truly appreciate the conversation. Visit www.frts911.com
Ed and Joanne, thank you for what you do, for who you are, and for the lives you continue to impact. Platte Valley Fire is deeply grateful for you. I am grateful for you.

12/19/2025

A GIANT THANK YOU to Platte Valley Fire Protection District and Chief Klug, for providing FRTS’ ARMOR program a surplus vehicle! This asset will continue to serve the First Responder and Frontline Workers in NOCO. Your commitment to the behavioral health and safety of these population groups has a direct benefit to the communities that they serve!
Www.FRTS911.com
Www.911Overwatch.org


From Chief Klug

This one felt easy and it felt right.
When we realized this vehicle could continue its service in a way that directly supports the people who serve others every day, there was no hesitation. First Responder Trauma Counselors truly live their motto, “caring for the few who care for the many.”
Our firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers, nurses, and frontline professionals carry a lot that the public never sees. Knowing this vehicle will now be used to respond to mental health emergencies for those who spend their careers showing up for everyone else makes me incredibly proud.
Grateful for the work FRTS does for our people, and honored that something from Platte Valley Fire gets to keep serving in such a meaningful way.