Watch this week’s First Responder Workshop below and send your questions or comments directly to our hosts during the show.
Have a Question or Story to Share?
Our hosts read your questions and comments live during the show.
Tell us what part of today’s topic hits home for you — or ask something you’ve always wanted to hear from another first responder who’s been there.
Each week, our team of retired first responders—Doug, Raul, and Chris—hosts a one-hour workshop to connect and talk about life as a first responder. Whether you’re struggling, curious, or just need community, this is your space.
Weekly Real-Life Topics
One-hour live meetings
Peer-led by Doug, Raul, & Chris
100 % Confidential
Retired Narcotics Agent | Founder of Survive First | National Speaker on Mental Health and Resiliency
Doug Monda, a retired narcotics agent, is a leader in the field of mental health advocacy for first responders and their families. After his own personal struggles with depression and a failed suicide attempt in 2013, Monda has dedicated his life to helping first responders acknowledge and address career related mental health issues afflicting the responder community. As the founder of Survive First, Doug’s visionary leadership has paved the way for greater access to crucial mental health resources, ensuring the well-being of those who serve our communities.
A respected national speaker, Doug passionately addresses the importance of mental health and resiliency among first responders. His powerful insights and commitment to the cause have inspired change and fostered stronger support networks within the first responder community.
In addition to his role at Survive First, Doug is the co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge and serves as a trustee of the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s Education and Research Foundation. His dedication to bettering the lives of first responders also extends to academia, where he contributes as an Advisory member on Lynn University’s Crisis Resiliency and First Responder Training Council.
Doug Monda’s tireless advocacy and leadership have left a mark on the mental health landscape for first responders, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
Retired Master Police Officer | Board Member Survive First | National Speaker on Mental Health
and Resiliency
Raul is a retired Master Police Officer with a vast array of tactical and Investigative experience with local and federal agencies. Near the end of his career, his mental health had declined to a point of suicidal behavior. Since that time Raul has focused solely on assisting first responders struggling with mental health issues.
As a board member of Survive First, Raul has been able to help the non-profit grow and help first responders around the country.
A respected national speaker, Raul’s dynamic delivery about his career, family, and resiliency are relatable to all in the first responder field. All who have heard Raul’s message realize that they are not alone, and the importance of the family unit.
Raul is also the Co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge and is Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Raul is an
instructor of Stress Management, Assisting Individuals & Groups in Crisis.
Raul is committed to ensuring that our first responders get the mental health resources they may need to live a healthier life.
Sergeant Chris Scallon retired as a 24+year veteran with the Norfolk Police Department, holds a Masters in Psychology, BS in Criminal Justice, and certified in Critical Incident
Stress Management from the University of Maryland BC Emergency Health Services.
He provides direct mental health and/or substance abuse services, in addition to connecting first responders, veterans, and their families to resources. He is the current
Chair of Peer Response for the National Consortium for the Prevention of Law Enforcement Suicide; and consultant/responder for the Department of Justice Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP); providing services following Mass terror events.
He was the founder, and first Director, of the Norfolk Police Department’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) & Peer Support Unit, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Co-Coordinator for the Norfolk Police Department. Sgt. Scallon is a peer and
current board member of Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program (VALEAP), a certified peer with the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat/First Responder Support Network. He was the former client services representative for Lakeview Health Addiction Treatment and Recovery, working exclusively with First Responders, Veterans, and their
families. National Public Safety Liaison for Shatterproof First Responders’ and Veterans’ program. Former Director of Public Safety Support for Chateau Recovery.
Having been involved in multiple shootings/Active Shooter-Mass Causality responses (Latest; Walmart Mass shooting and University if Virginia) he is intimately familiar with
trauma and the consequences of exposure.
We created this space because we know how hard it is to carry the weight alone. The job changes you — and sometimes, talking with someone who’s been there is the only thing that helps. These workshops are about support, understanding, and connection. Not therapy. Not reporting. Just real people showing up for each other.
“This is the first time I’ve felt truly understood outside the job.”
— Workshop Participant
This form is for first responders who want weekly reminders, replays, and resources from our hosts. You do not need to register to attend the live workshop.
Ask anonymously below. Our first responder team may answer it during a future workshop or social media post.
No — you can choose to participate silently or join with your camera off.
No — this is a peer-led support workshop, not a therapy group.
Any active or retired first responder, agency rep, or support personnel is welcome.
No problem! You can join as often or as little as you’d like — no commitment.
Whether you’re struggling, curious, or just want to be around people who understand, this space is for you. Take one hour this week to show up for yourself — we’ll be there, too.
