First Responders' Bridge Retreat
The next retreat held by First Responders' Bridge will begin on Friday, March 1st, 2024 and end on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 at:
Marriott Hotel
5605 Blazer Pkwy
Dublin, OH 43017
Friday
11:00A-1:00P:
Registration
Registration with the hotel & First Responders' Bridge
We also ask that you please complete your Concern Checklist if you have not yet. If you did not receive the link to the Checklist in your email, please let us know at the registration desk and we will re-send your link to you. This information allows us to apply for grants and funding, and is not tied to your personal identity and is completely confidential.
1:30P-2:00P:
Retreat Opening
Presentation of Colors/Pledge of Allegiance - Westerville Police and Fire Department Honor Guard
National Anthem - Matt Tibbs - Columbus Fire Department
Opening Prayer - Joe Lorenz - Columbus Fire Department - Wellness Bureau / Chaplain - First Responders' Bridge
Our Story
Mick Yinger - Executive Director - First Responders' Bridge
2:00P-3:00P:
Speaker
Brian Pierson - Vice President of Community Health & Wellbeing, Mount Carmel Health
Brian has tertiary care nursing clinical experience in cardiac intensive care, mobile intensive care, emergency and prison settings. He served in the United States Army and Ohio Army National Guard for 12 years as a flight medic and forward area surgical team specialist. Brian received his master's degree in business psychology accompanied by undergraduate degrees in nursing and organizational leadership. He is an experienced leader with over 20 years in the healthcare industry.
3:15P-4:15P:
Keynote Speakers
Patrick J. Kenny
Patrick Kenny has been a member of the fire service for over 38 years, and before retiring in January 2021 served as the Fire Chief in Hinsdale and Western Springs, Illinois. He has been a Chief Officer for over 25 years and a speaker in multiple countries on Mayday for Mental Health® for more than a decade. He is the international best-selling author of TAKING THE CAPE OFF: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss and has articles published in the areas of mental health, leadership, fire safety, and fire code challenges. He was awarded the Fire Chief of the Year in 2004 by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and in 2021 he was awarded Fire Chief Emeritus status by the Executive Board of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. He was awarded the Fire Engineering/International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award for 2020-2021.
4:25P-4:30P:
Singer
Grace Vaughn - "When the Badge Comes Off"
4:30P-5:30P:
Speaker
Jo Terry
Jo Terry is a recently retired licensed physical therapist who owned her own outpatient physical therapy clinic for over 20 years. She was married to Assistant Chief Alan "Chip" Terry,(ret) from the City of Covington Fire Department for 31 years who completed suicide in 2017 after being misdiagnosed. Since his death in 2017, Jo has spent her time working with first responders and their families affected by PTS and teaching the class she developed called Trauma and its Effect on First Responders and their Family, telling Chip's story and the effects of suicide on those left behind. Jo is the president of The Chip Terry Fund for First Responders which she and her children established to provide first responders and their families with educational, financial, and emotional support. The Chip Terry Fund has assisted over 100 individuals with access to inpatient and outpatient services locally and nationally. In 2022, she was hired by the City of Covington Fire Department to become their Wellness Coordinator, to address the multitude of factors influencing mental and physical wellness for the department members. Jo is the mother of 6 children and in her spare time she enjoys working on her farm, hiking, exercising, and traveling with her family.
5:30P-6:45P:
Dinner
6:45P-7:45P:
Speaker
Scott Geiselhart - Frazee, MN Fire Department
Scott served as the Asst. Fire Chief of the Frazee, MN Fire Department where he retired after 24 years of service. He is a certified Peer Support Specialist and a national speaker on topics such as Post Traumatic Stress and First Responder trauma. Scott is a post traumatic stress, meth and suicide attempt survivor.
8:00P-9:00P:
Speaker
Adam Davis - Author, Motivational Speaker & former Law Enforcement Officer "Unconquered Sheepdog"
Adam is an unrelenting force of inspiration. He believes we all have a unique purpose and we must be good stewards of the time we are given in this life.
Described as "a dynamic and powerful writer and speaker," Adam has devoted his life to inspire others to take positive action in their professional and personal lives. His writing and speaking are not only inspirational, but thought-provoking and challenging.
He inspires, challenges, and motivates others through his books. Most popular books by Adam include:
Unconquered: Ten Principles to Overcome Adversity and Live Above Defeat
Behind the Badge: 365 Daily Devotions for Law Enforcement (recommended and read by law enforcement leaders nationally, and a perennial bestseller)
Bulletproof Marriage: a 90-Day Devotional (2020 Christian Book Awards Finalist, and a perennial bestseller with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman)
On Spiritual Combat: 30 Missions for Victorious Warfare (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman)
A former law enforcement officer and FBI trained hostage negotiator, Adam knows the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and their relationships. Since leaving his career in law enforcement in 2015, he has devoted his time to delivering proven tools and resources for the mind and soul. He has devoted his life to serving others and sharing his words, in writing and speaking, to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives.
Adam has an uncanny ability to speak "grunt" and to the heart of warriors. His raw, unfiltered story of overcoming the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, experiences from law enforcement, and battle with suicidal thoughts and substance abuse position him as a powerful force of hope for millions of people today. His work has attracted the attention of many influencers and he is best known for his work to deliver faith, hope, and love to those who serve.
From major universities to government entities, Adam has presented his story of conquering some of life's most smothering battles and how these principles can be applied in every life to achieve optimal performance and fulfillment.
Adam's work has been featured on Entrepreneur Magazine, Fox News, The Huffington Post, PoliceOne.com, and Law Enforcement Today. As a speaker, he has presented for the University of Alabama, Auburn University Department of Economic Development, TEDx Troy University, law enforcement agencies, military bases, and many seminars with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Taya Kyle, and other American patriots. His media appearances have included The Rick & Bubba Show, The Blaze Radio Network, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, The Glenn Beck Program, Team Never Quit Podcast with Marcus Luttrell, and many others.
Adam is the spokesperson for REBOOT Recovery First Responders, a non-profit organization which focuses on providing faith-based trauma healing for first responders and service members. He is supported by his wife, Amber, of 20 years, and three children.
Saturday
7:15A-8:00A:
Voluntary Chapel in Ballroom
8:00A-9:00A:
Breakfast
9:00A-12:00P:
Self Care & Well Being Discussion Groups
Law Enforcement / Corrections Officers
Group #1 - Lisa Callander (lisac@columbus.gov) Dublin III & IV Rooms
Group #2 - Ra'Shawd Davis (redavis@columbus.gov) Dublin V & VI Rooms
Firefighters / EMS
Group #1 - Helen Hill (helenhilllisw@gmail.com) Franklin Room
Group #2 - Amy Bock (amy@resiliencecounselingohio.com) Westerville Room
Spouses / Significant Others ONLY
Group #1 - Alison Fienning (alison@pinpointbhs.com) Dublin I & II
Group #2 - Mary Beth Gannon (mgannonpcc@gmail.com) & Brian Pierson (bpierson@mchs.com) Worthington Room
12:00P-1:00P:
Lunch
1:00P-2:00P:
Speaker
Lisa Callander - Director, City of Columbus EAP
Lisa has been with the City of Columbus EAP since 1989, providing program administration, clinical services, consultations, trainings and administering the City EAP. She has extensive experience in working with First Responder's, and in the area of critical incident stress response. She serves as a member of the Mid-Ohio and Columbus Fire CISM teams, and is the Mental Health Advisor for the Columbus Police Peer Assistance Team(PAT)
2:00P-3:00P:
Time to Connect with Each Other and Others
Use this time to connect with your significant other and your fellow attendees.
3:00P-5:30P:
Panel Discussion - "Strengthening First Responder Relationships & Parenting Strategies"
The first part of the panel will be focused on first responder relationships, both single relationships and those who are married.
The second part of the panel Ra'Shawd Davis will conduct a panel discussion with first responder children where the attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
5:30P-6:30P:
Dinner
6:30P-8:00P:
Speaker
*Michael McSellers - Virginia State Police- "Spiritual Survival for First Responders" *
Michael J. McSellers has served our country as a United States Marine Corps veteran and has served the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Law Enforcement Officer for over 18 years and is currently serving in the Northern Virginia area. Michael has served for over 15 years as a Field Training Officer and a member of the Honor Guard. Michael has also served over 5 years as a Chaplain, and has been a coordinator for the annual Rise Christian Police Conference and speaker during National Police Week the past 8 years. Michael is also the host of a podcast titled Faith on the Force and is a speaker for Billy Graham's National Law Enforcement Retreat in the United States and Canada. He's also on an advisor to Blue Help, which is a non profit organization that bring awareness to PTSD in law enforcement, law enforcement suicide while also providing assistance to families of Law Enforcement suicide.
8:30P-9:30P:
Entertainment
Jimmy Dunn
Jimmy Dunn is an actor and comedian who is most recognized from the CBS sitcom The McCarthys, where he co-starred as Sean McCarthy. He got his start in the comedy world performing stand-up at a bar in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he was paid in beer and fried clams. Since then, Jimmy has gone on to perform on some of the comedy worlds biggest stages, including Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, The Late Show with David Letterman, CONAN, and Comics Come Home with Denis Leary. He currently plays firefighter Moose on the tv show Frasier.
Food and drinks provided.
Sunday
8:00A-8:30A:
Voluntary Meditation and Stretching in Ballroom
No mats or special clothing needed
8:00A-9:00A:
Breakfast
9:00A-10:15A:
Panel Discussion - "Ask a Clinician"
Attendees will hear from a panel of clinicians that all have experience working with First Responders and their families on topics such as:
- What is the process to getting into counseling?
- Finding the right "fit"
- The different therapeutic interventions that are available
Attendees will then have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel of clinicians.
10:30A-11:30A:
Speaker
Stan Partlow - Retired Commander Columbus Police Dept. Special Agent FBI & Vice President & Chief Security Officer - American Electric Power
Stan Partlow joined AEP in October 2005. Stan recently retired as the Vice President and Chief Security Officer and had responsibility for Cyber Security, Physical Security and Aviation. During his AEP career, Stan has also had responsibility for the AEP motor vehicle fleet, the enterprise procurement function and business continuity.
Prior to joining AEP, Stan served the Law Enforcement community for over 25 years. Stan served the Columbus Division of Police for over 21 years and retired as the Commander of the Detective Bureau. Prior to that Stan served in numerous roles in Patrol, Narcotics, Professional Standards and Training during his tenure as an Officer, Sergeant and Lieutenant.
Stan served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1984-1988 where he was responsible for conducting a variety of criminal investigations. In his law enforcement career, Stan has supervised dignitary protection details, and has been a member of the protection staff of two Columbus Mayors. He has been a SWAT team member for the Charlotte Division FBI Team, and a member of the Columbus Division of Police Underwater Search and Recovery Team. Stan also served as a Hostage Negotiator for the Columbus Division of Police.
Stan is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership College. Stan holds the designation of Certified Law Enforcement Executive from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Stan completed the FBI Domestic Security Executive Academy. Stan earned the Certified Protection Professional certification from ASIS, a worldwide security organization. Stan completed the AEP/OSU Leadership Program and the Executive Level Targeted Development program.
Stan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Capital University School of Law (1995), a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University (1990), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University (1980).
Stan is a member of the Board of Trustees of Franklin University and he serves on the Board of Directors of The Center for Family Safety and Healing. Stan is a founder of the Columbus Police Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for First Responders' Bridge an organization dedicated to mental healing for first responders.
11:30A-12:00P:
Retreat Closing
Mick Yinger - Closing remarks
Chaplain Noah - Closing prayer
We also ask that you please complete your Concern Checklist if you have not yet. If you did not receive the link to the Checklist in your email, please contact mick@firstrespondersbridge.org and we will re-send your link to you. This information allows us to apply for grants and funding, and is not tied to your personal identity and is completely confidential.
* Denotes religious message by speaker