First responder conference focuses on wellness for public safety professionals
Registration now open for event to be held in San Luis Obispo
– Registration is now open for the 1st Responder Mental Health and Wellness Conference, co-hosted by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the San Luis Obispo County Sworn Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The conference will be held April 24-25, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a networking social scheduled for April 24th from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Alex Madonna Expo Center, 102 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Endorsed by several agencies, including San Luis Ambulance, San Luis Obispo Police Department, Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, San Luis Obispo City Firefighters IAFF L3523, San Luis Obispo Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association, Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services, and Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Association, the conference offers a comprehensive training experience for first responders, police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, military/veterans, corrections officers, coroners, chaplains, retired first responders, spouses, professional staff, clinicians, and all others in or around the public safety field.
The conference focuses on the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of public safety professionals, offering education, mental health tools, and resources for individuals, agencies, and family members. The event aims to raise awareness of the difficulties first responders face, reduce stigma, and foster conversations around wellness and resiliency in the profession.
The conference also features a lineup of speakers, including:
- Chief Jason Corthell, Founder of Ironclad Wellness, presenting “Mental Wellness Programs for First Responders…That Work!”
- Shawn Barnes, Director of First Responders Stronger Families, and Scott Welch, M.Div., MA, BCPC, presenting “Breaking the Barrier to Great Communication.”
- Dana Jackson, First H.E.L.P. Volunteer, presenting “Navigating Darkness: Allowing Others to Hand You a Flashlight.”
- Brandon Griffith, CEO and Founder of Griffith Blue Heart, presenting “Dying to Save Lives.”
- Deana Kahle, M.S., LMFT, Aboveboard Consulting, presenting “Why Wellness? The Antidote to Compassion Fatigue & Burnout.”
- Battalion Chief Matt Miranda, Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services, presenting “Great Service Always Comes with Great Sacrifice.”
- Travis George, Creative Planning LLC, presenting “Pathway to Financial Wellness and Retirement Planning.”
- Bonnie Eckman, Sensory Specialist COTA/L, Aftercare, presenting “Tactical Sensory Training for First Responders.”
- Steve Odom, CEO of Spartan Tactical Solutions, presenting “Resiliency Training and Keys to a Successful Transition to Retirement.”
The conference noted that speakers are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Early bird registration is available for $360 per person (plus fees) until April 2, 2025. After that, the registration fee will increase to $400 per person. The registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, appetizers, and access to the networking social. Additionally, there will be swag, raffle prizes, and door prizes.
To attend, individuals must register as seats are limited. For more details, sponsorship options, or to register, click here.
