First Responders Symposium of Philadelphia

Immaculata University

September 26 2025

Join First Responders across the greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey counties for a free one-day conference focused on suicide prevention and mental health.

Register

“First Responders face constant exposure to trauma, danger, and high-stress —putting them at greater risk for PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Now there is a symposium that focuses on understanding, preventing, and supporting recovery from these challenges.”

The Conference

One Day of Powerful Talks

September 26 2025

9:30 am - 1:00 pm

The First Responder's Symposium of Philadelphia is a One-Day event at Immaculata University to raise awareness and provide informational resources on suicide prevention & the challenges surrounding mental health as a First-line Responder.

Members of law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS providers, communication dispatchers, active military personnel, and veterans in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey are invited to attend this event. Attendance at the Symposium will be free with lunch & parking provided.

Why Attend?

The Conference

One Day of Powerful Talks

September 26 2025

9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Immaculata University

The First Responder's Symposium of Philadelphia is a One-Day event at Immaculata University to raise awareness and provide informational resources on suicide prevention & the challenges surrounding mental health as a First-line Responder.

Members of law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS providers, communication dispatchers, active military personnel, and veterans in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey are invited to attend this event. Attendance at the Symposium will be free with lunch & parking provided.

Why Attend?

Acclaimed mental health professionals, law enforcement leaders & professionals, and powerful speakers are uniting to share their stories and provide the resources to ignite change.

Gain the skills to support your peers and family members who may be experiencing mental health challenges, even if you're not directly affected.

Speakers

Guest Speakers

Proud to bring inspirational speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Full slate of speakers and event schedule coming soon.

32nd Under Secretary of the Army and Chief Management Officer (CMO)

Patrick Murphy

Patrick has served our nation in one role after another—as a soldier, as America’s first Iraq War veteran elected to the U.S. Congress, and as the 32nd Under Secretary of the Army. Today, as an entrepreneur and advocate, Patrick harnesses the power of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to help veterans find jobs, start businesses, and secure quality health care and mental health services.

The Josh Vadell Foundation

Josh Vadell

Josh is a devoted husband, father of three, and retired Atlantic City police officer, survived a life-threatening gunshot to the head while stopping an armed robbery in 2016, and now inspires others through his remarkable journey of recovery, resilience, and advocacy as co-founder of The Josh Vadell Foundation, supporting critically injured officers and their families.

Partners

Suicide prevention & mental health efforts have scaled beyond their respective communities. Click on each image to learn more about the different organizations playing a part in solving the most pressing issues, along with the partners assisting us in this effort.

kisspng-philadelphia-police-department-l

Resources

Click here to access a comprehensive list of tailored services and support options designed to address the unique challenges faced by First Responders.

NAMI Philadelphia

NAMI Philadelphia is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for and provides resources for those individuals who have a mental illness.

988 Suicide Prevention and Hotline

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Acadia Health Care

Acadia Healthcare’s mission is to deliver compassionate care that enhances lives, fosters hope, and strengthens communities. The organization is committed to setting the highest standards in behavioral health and addiction treatment services.

About FRSPhiladelphia

The Symposium was made possible through the generous contributions of Stephen and Arlene Cohen, dedicated to combating the shame and stigma surrounding mental health issues faced by first responders. The founding board members include Darrell O'Connor, a former special agent and criminal investigator for the U.S. government, and Dr. Melissa Rice, a Mental Health Speaker and Professor at Immaculata University. Promotion and web design were handled by Brian Paul, a creative producer based in Philadelphia. Special thanks to Dana Jackson, Philadelphia Fire Department’s Professional Standards Officer & Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, for her invaluable support and dedication to the cause.

About

Register

Register for the Symposium today. All tickets are complimentary, including free parking and catered lunch.

Register

Other Mental Health Events