Tactical Tools for Thriving Annual First Responder Symposium
Tactical Tools for Thriving: Annual First Responder Symposium
Monday, May 5, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center (SETEC)
3861 Olympic Boulevard, Erlanger, KY 41018
Presented by the Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team (KYFRPST)
Sign Up Here!- https://evenium.events/tactical-tools?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0cL4PakZ9s2M_wse6jY0enoCv_UtsUVSPdwVZxtSqX7zsNIqpQNokAzeM_aem_3Tv2Td-0DlYyfAejUvvA2w
Join us for a full day of powerful, practical, and proven strategies to help first responders and their families thrive—on and off the job.
This year’s symposium is packed with compelling speakers, actionable takeaways, and innovative approaches to mental health, wellness, leadership, and connection. Whether you’re on the front lines or supporting someone who is, this event is built to strengthen and sustain those who serve.
🔹 MORNING LINEUP
8:10 AM – 9:40 AM
Operation Yellow Tape: How Life On and Off the Job Impacts Us
Kenny Mitchell Jr. — Lieutenant (Ret.), Chesterfield County Fire & EMS, Founder of Operation Yellow Tape
A raw, personal look at how duty changes us—and how we can reclaim purpose, health, and hope.
9:55 AM – 11:10 AM
Trained to Change: The Unintentional and Unfortunate Consequences of Our Job Training
William Young — Corrections Officer, Author, and Advocate, Just Corrections
Explore how the very training meant to protect us can also reshape us in ways we never expected.
11:25 AM – 12:25 PM
Lunch Break
🔹 MIDDAY SESSION
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
A Family Affair: A First-Hand Account of How PTS Affects Everyone at Home
Chris & Tara O’Barsky — Deputy Chief, Salisbury Fire Dept. (MD) & Educator
A husband-and-wife perspective on the ripple effects of trauma—and the resilience it takes to hold a family together.
🔹 BREAKOUT SESSION 1 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)**
Choose one of the following powerful sessions:
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Beyond Talk Therapy: Brain-Body Interventions
A fresh look at how yoga, neurofeedback, ART, and adventure therapy are reshaping wellness.
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Gage Hull, Stoke Therapy
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Anne Minter, Miami University
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Jim Petry, Miami Twp Fire & Critical Stress & Wellness Center
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Kristin Wooten, Freedom Counseling
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Ideal Sleep for the First Responder
Brandon Dreiman — ProTeam Wellness, JD, CPRC, CBT-I Specialist
Actionable steps to improve sleep hygiene, performance, and recovery.
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The Fifth of May
Chris Perry — Amberley Village PD, Senior Resource & Wellness Officer
An introspective session rooted in life experience and leadership from the field.
🔹 BREAKOUT SESSION 2 (2:55 PM – 3:45 PM)**
Select another inspiring session:
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Food for Thought… and Thriving
Megan Lautz, MS, RD, CSCS, TSAC-F — Registered Dietician, RESCUERD
Learn how the right nutrition fuels performance, mental clarity, and recovery.
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Mess to Message: A Story of Recognition, Recovery, and Repair
Tommy Bolin — Lieutenant, Norwich Twp Fire; Author
One firefighter’s journey from crisis to calling—turning mess into meaning.
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What We’re Up Against: Foundations of Internal Chemical Dependency
Brad Gallup — Master Integrator, Save A Warrior
Explore the unseen roots of dependency in first responders—and what we can do about it.
🔹 CLOSING BREAKOUTS (3:50 PM – 4:40 PM)**
End the day with one final breakout:
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Leadership: Are You Ready?
Phil Hall — Firefighter (Ret.), KYFRPST Peer Support
A challenge to step up, serve well, and lead with integrity.
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Rituals of Connection: The Importance of Creating Structure in the Marriage Relationship
Lynn Crider, MA, LPCC — Clinical Director, Rivertown Wellness
Learn the rhythms and routines that protect marriages and deepen intimacy.
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Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Individuals and Those Responding to Calls
Tom Synan — Police Chief, Village of Newton
Gain a deeper understanding of addiction’s toll—and how responders can show up differently.
🔹 EVENING EVENT (Optional)
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
An Evening of Adventure: Introduction to Bouldering with Gage Hull
Take part in an exciting hands-on session at Climb Time Oakley as Gage Hull guides participants through bouldering as a therapeutic tool. All levels welcome—climb as long as you’d like!
📍 LOCATION
St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center (SETEC)
3861 Olympic Boulevard
Erlanger, Kentucky 41018
