First Responders put their own lives on the line to ensure our safety. The least we can do is make sure they have tools to protect and serve their communities
Resources
Friends of First Responders Hawaiʻi Island plays a critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of our first responders by providing essential mental health resources and training. First responders face intense stress, trauma, and high-pressure situations on a daily basis, which can lead to burnout, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Offering mental health resources, such as counseling, workshops, and peer support programs, ensures that they have the tools to process the emotional toll of their work.
In addition to mental health support, Friends of First Responders Hawaiʻi Island also provides training resources that help first responders improve their skills while learning how to manage stress and trauma. These programs not only enhance their ability to serve the community but also equip them with techniques to protect their own mental health. By providing these resources, the organization helps ensure that first responders remain healthy and resilient, allowing them to continue their vital work in keeping our communities safe.
Call 911 if you are in an emergency crisis:
Immediate threat
If someone is a threat to themselves or others, call 911 immediately. This includes if they are violent, threatening violence, or suicidal. You can request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer if one is available.
Mental health crisis
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 988, the national mental health crisis call center. You can also text "NAMI" to 988 to connect with a trained counselor.
Other emergencies
You should call 911 for any serious medical problem, fire, life-threatening situation, or to report a crime in progress. If you're not sure if a situation is an emergency, it's better to call 911.
When you call 911, you should: Stay calm, Provide your location, Describe the situation clearly, Follow the dispatcher's instructions, and Answer all the questions asked by the dispatcher.
CRISIS SUPPORT
CRISIS TEXT LINE
TEXT ALOHA TO 741-741
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
800-273-TALK (8255)
COPLINE
800-COPLINE (267-5463)
FIRE/EMS HELPLINE
888-731-FIRE (3473)
SAFE CALL NOW
206-459-3020
Trained peer advocates provide assistance, resources, and support for any public safety or medical personnel, and their families, who are experiencing a crisis, or need someone to lend them an ear.
HAWAII ISLAND
STATE RESOURCES:
Dr. Alicia C. Rodriguez, Psy D.
Specializes in working with First Responders
wavesofinsight.com
808-818-8850
CHAPLAIN SUPPORT
Hawaii County Police & Fire Chaplain
Renee Godoy 808-896-6670
When My Hero Comes Home
Written by: Madison Kramer Illustrated by: Susie Canda
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more.
The idea for the book was a collaboration between Chaplain Renee Godoy (Founder and Executive Director of FFRHI) and Madison “Aunty Maddi” Kramer (HPD Public Safety Counselor) who were looking for a book that addressed the challenges that first responder children face and wanted it to relate to male and female personnel and Police, Fire and EMS. They also wanted a book that would be culturally relevant to our local first responders here in Hawaii.
Our intent of the book:
educate the parent to their child’s feelings
educate the parent about the impact their career might be having on their children
open up communication around potential mental health stressors
normalize for the children the feelings they might be experiencing
It became a reality:
Hawaii County Council donated towards the first printing of this beautiful hard copy book.
Imaging Hawaii is a local printer on Oahu that printed a total of 646 copies. Terry Lau, Imaging Hawaii Project Manager, donated 86 of the total.
Launch:
We introduced the book at our recent Gala Awards Dinner for first responders, Peer Units, corporate donors, community partners, first responder agencies, etc.
Distribution to first responder families in our County at trainings, station visits and at family events.
Battalion Chief Keolanui spoke at our Gala Dinner where we had copies of the book on each table. As she spoke, many in the audience—including retired first responders, their adult children, and supporters—were moved to tears.
“When I first picked up this book, I never intended to read it to my son because he is already 15 years old, but reading it was jus tlike going back in time to when he was just a baby. It took me back through all the years that I was on the ambulance for nine years and many times coming home exhausted and defeated with no energy to be a “good mom”. It was like therapy for me to read this book and while I cried while reading it, the tears allowed me to process some of the weight that I have been carrying as a result of my 21 years of service. I enede up reading the book to my son, and when wer finished reading it, I asked him what he thought and he said, “Mom...why didn’t you read this to me earlier?” That statement hit me so hard and made me realize that it is never too late to open up to your kids.
It’s never too late to talk about your feelings, and this book is an amazing segway into positive conversations with your family, especially your children. Adding building blocks to a positive emotional foundation are never too late to be put into place. Whether you are just starting your careet, or already retired, please take the time to read this book. It will change your perspective on your career as a first responder as well as the effects it has on your family.”
Feedback & the future:
The YMCA has committed to doing the First Responder Kids Camp every October during Fall Break and we are exploring the possibility of having one in Kona this year. Each child that attends the Camp will receive a book and an accompanying journal.
Continuing to receive feedback from parents who have read the book to their children who “love” the book not only for opening up communication but also the local touches.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Madison Kramer is a former 911 Dispatcher and the wife of a military veteran. Madison started volunteering with FFRHI in 2023 and was an important part in the planning and implementation of FFRHI’s first First Responders Kids Camp. Madison is a licensed social worker currently serving as Public Safety Counselor with HPD.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Susie Canda is the wife of retired Police Sergeant Jeurgen Canda and the Police Mom of 2 boys and 2 girls. She is also a 3D animator of a popular children’s series and the creator of Nanea TV.
Special Thanks to:
〰️
Madison Kramer
〰️
Susie Canda
〰️
Terry Lau
〰️
Michelle Ebersole
〰️
Kara Uchida
〰️
William Bergin
〰️
Amy Omaya
〰️
Cori Balberde
〰️
Hawaii County Council
〰️
〰️ Madison Kramer 〰️ Susie Canda 〰️ Terry Lau 〰️ Michelle Ebersole 〰️ Kara Uchida 〰️ William Bergin 〰️ Amy Omaya 〰️ Cori Balberde 〰️ Hawaii County Council 〰️
