F.A.Q.

The Safety Forces Support Center provides confidential mental health, crisis intervention services, and training to active and retired first responders and their families. Its purpose is to: 1) improve their physical and mental health; 2) to have well trained, supported first responder departments; and 3) improve the effectiveness of safety forces personnel and agencies overall. SFSC provides services primarily in Summit County, but also serves Portage, Stark, Medina, Cuyahoga and Wayne Counties when requested. Its training programs are also offered to mental health professionals and chaplains.

The Safety Forces Support Center provides specialized support focusing on the unique job stressors that law enforcement, fire, EMS and dispatch personnel experience, which can have significant impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health. The highly specialized roster of services and interventions are provided, at no cost, to active and retired first responders and their families, and to safety forces departments includes:

  • Confidential individual and couples mental health counseling;
  • Substance abuse intervention;
  • Professional education for department academies and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy;
  • Emergency response and intervention for critical incidents (e.g. an active shooting incident, a police shooting, or multiple deaths as a result of a fire);
  • Material assistance;
  • Chaplaincy services; and
  • Year-end Holiday activities.

Safety personnel are the only professionals who put on a bullet proof vest before they go to work. They directly face violence and danger in the performance of roles we are not equipped to perform. They do so at severe costs which are well beyond the impact of
civilian professions. The traditional safety and health threats to officers are quickly growing within the fire and EMS professionals.

Due to the unique nature of the profession officers have:

  • 3 times the domestic problems
  • 30% more health problems
  • 5 times the alcohol abuse
  • 6 times of the anxiety levels
  • 10 times the depression
  • 60 thousand officers are assaulted each year
  • 16 thousand require hospitalization

Our services are only a down payment on our debt for our safety and freedom.

  • The EAP program has been largely eliminated and/or outsourced
  • Civil liability in subsequent legal actions
  • Stigma: both personal and interpersonal at department and community levels
  • Complications from civilians who know and use the information which interfere in the course of responding to calls or as they participate in group interventions with persons they have arrested.
  • Costs which exceed whatever insurance coverage is provided
  • Information can be used indirectly as pretense to influence evaluations, etc

It began with the provision of service to five deputies and their families in the aftermath of tragedy.

The Bluecoats organization was the first to assist in response to the proposal presented by disabled in the line of duty officer Russ Long, Akron Police Chief Gus Hall, Akron Police Detective Frank Martucci and his wife Diane, and Dr. Denton.  GPD Architects, Summa, Medical Mutual, Akron General, United Way, and the Tri-county Building Trades Association.

It is foremost the product of volunteerism – including officers and fire personnel who have been involved every step of the way.
It enjoys the support of law enforcement and fire safety leadership.

From an Officer Considering Suicide:
“Oh and U need to know that U have saved me when I was lost and I am forever grateful that you gave me my life back.

From the Chief of a Prominent Police Department:
“Public safety professionals are very good at putting the needs of others before their own needs, sometimes to their own personal detriment. Often, police officers, firefighters and dispatchers allow the stresses of their jobs to build up because they feel there is nowhere to turn for help and support. The Safety Forces Chaplaincy Center provides members of the public safety profession with a place and with services that allow them to question, to cope, to grieve, and to heal with others in their profession. We are fortunate to have such a place in Summit County.”

From an Officer and Wife:
“We can’t thank you enough. It saved our marriage.”

From an FOP Leader:
“Talking with medical staff and mental health staff are often difficult for officers and fire fighters. I have heard from several that have sought help in dealing with sensitive issues that they have felt like they first have to justify their actions or explain rules and tactics to the person they are talking with. This puts a larger burden on those that seek an ear or advice. Officers that have used the services at the Center have commented on how much easier it is to zero in on what’s troubling them when they can talk to someone without feeling like the proverbial, “dog in the window.””

From a Police Mental Health Professional, Nassau County Police Dept.:
“You’re doing a lot of good service for our emergency personnel. Thanks for all you do to keep them and their families healthy and working”

From a Benefits Officer:
“I want to thank you, having been a police officer now for more than two decades, I can fully appreciate the work and effort that you have given over the years. As Benefits Officer for the PD, I have dealt with many officers who need support but are afraid or don’t know where to turn to for help. The work you and so many others have  done with the Center has been a blessing and a comfort.”

From a Nationally Recognized Law Enforcement Training Officer:
“A great program that touches most, if not all, of the Akron Police Department.”

From a Police Sgt. Who Lost His Spouse:
“Thanks again for your support & for listening during hard times, you’re the best! I am doing wonderful

  •  A committed base of financial support from individuals, businesses, and foundations to sustain and expand its services
  • An expanded network base with agents who wish to support and assist those who respond to traumatic events
  • A specific number/type of volunteers to assist with projects and individual assistance

Letters of Support

Akron Police Department – Letter of Support

Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department – Letter of Support

Twinsburg Police Department – Letter of Support

The University of Akron – Letter of Support