STAYING IN THE FIGHT

STAYING IN THE FIGHT
By: BLUE Magazine Staff

Blue Magazine once again partnered with Moment of Silence to bring an event like no other here in the tri-state area. With over 200 attendees, and many powerful discussions, the goal toward de-stigmatization of officer mental health issues moved closer to achievement.

First responder suicide is an emerging crisis. First responders are taking their own lives in numbers that are not only shocking but also higher than many other professions. Moment of Silence, Inc., a nonprofit charity, was formed to combat the stigmas and barriers faced toward seeking mental health, and to advocate for law and policy changes to achieve wellness.

Suicide can strike quickly. It is not always committed after long, intensive battles with depression. First responders routinely deal with more death, tragedy and negativity than most people face in a lifetime. They carry immense responsibility and are always under the scrutiny of the public. This work is stressful.

With communication and understanding, stigmas and blockages toward overcoming suicide can be eased, and progress obtained.

It is with this in mind that on Friday June 2, The BLUE magazine along with our partner Moment of Silence held our first ever annual outdoor first responder appreciation, networking, and mental health awareness night. Food, friendship and camaraderie ensued. Although rain had been in the forecast, miraculously and seemingly by divine intervention, skies cleared in time for attendee arrival and the beautiful springtime weather remained most pleasant for the full event.

The well-attended event was emceed by BLUE magazine’s editor-in-chief and Moment of Silence executive board member George Beck.We thank George for his continued leadership, intellect and commitment to first responders. We were honored to have Special Guest Sheriff David Clarke on-site to lend his support and we are grateful for his leadership and expertise.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is the former sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He has also been part of our organization for many years. We thank him for always supporting our magazine and charity. Clarke is a passionate and strong advocate for first responder mental health. His leadership and dedication have helped many first responders overcome their mental health challenges. Sheriff Clarke has found innovative ways to serve the public that give him the freedom to reach millions of Americans with his message. Sheriff Clarke developed a passion for political commentary. He is fondly referred to as the “People’s Sheriff” because he has the natural ability to explain complicated national controversies in a way that everyday people can understand.

If an “image is worth a thousand words,” then the images to follow in this special magazine edition will chronicle the event along with this synopsis of earned awards bestowed upon many who have demonstrated that they possess a “heart of gold.”

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Dr. Aleksandr Martirosov, DO
TRI-STATE HEALTH and WELLNESS
Excellence in First Responder Health Care and Wellness

Dr. Robert A. Kayal
KAYAL ORTHOPEDIC CENTER
Excellence in First Responder Surgery and Wellness

Dr. N. Bill Aydin, MD, FACS
AYDIN PLASTIC SURGERY
Excellence in First Responder Patient Care and Wellness

Dr. Ningning He, MD
WE CARE MEDICAL SPECIALTY GROUP
Excellence in First Responder Health Care and Wellness

Victoria Mota
Excellence in First Responder support and advocacy

NJ Blue Soccer Team
Excellence in Athleticism and Support
Victor Hurtado - US Marshall Service
Luis Alvarado – NY/NJ Port Authority
Paul Tarnswski – Piscataway PD
Devon Newton –NJSP
Luis Valle – NJSP
Josue Argusta – NJSP
Robert Rosario – NJSP
Saba Gostynski – NJSP
Steven Dejesus – Newark PD
Renan Lopes – NJSP
John Trujillo -  NJSP
Michale Wherley – Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
Robert Shalikar – NJSP
Steven Sabogal–NJ/NY Port Authority
Mike Encarnacion – NJSP
Walter Delson – Trenton PD
DiawaraAboubacar – Hudson County Sheriff’s Office
Diago Ocampo – Wayne PD
Roberto Chernez – NJ Transit
JashLopuski - NJSP

Passaic County Pipes and Drums
Excellence in First Responder Leadership and Support

Borough of Haledon NJ
COURAGE UNDER FIRE – Mayor Michael Johnson
Excellence in First Responder Support and Advocacy

Jamar Rouse
Ralph Feliciano
Outstanding Leadership in Community Service

New Jersey State Police
Excellence in Law Enforcement, Resiliency, Advocacy and Support

Also recognized for their generous support:
Fette Ford
Dr. Robert Ghalil
PBA Local 1
State Troopers Association
Wayne PBA Local 136
PBA Local 197
PBA Local 286
Michele Hendershot

Want to join the movement to prevent blue and first responder suicide? Visit us at https://momentofsilenceinc.orgwww.bluesuicide.org and at thebluemagazine.com

Once again, reach out to us at any time. We are here for you. If you or someone you know is in crisis needing immediate support or intervention, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 908-232-2880 is available at all times of the day and night and is ready to take your call.

As The Blue Suicide prevention group Moment of Silence, our nonprofit partner’s, motto says: “Never give up; stay in the fight.”