We’re proud to announce that we’ve just partnered with Ride 4 Relief! This incredible organization is fighting against the dangers of post traumatic stress within the emergency responder community and they’re doing it in an awesome way.
Check it out.
WHAT IS RIDE 4 RELIEF?
Ride 4 Relief is a nationwide tour of press conferences taking place in police and fire departments focused on PTSD in an effort to reduce first responder suicide. They also aim to increase health and wellness support within the departments of our police and firefighters across the country.
Jeff Shepard recently made world news last summer during June, which is PTSD Awareness month. Jeff was followed as he rode his motorcycle from Seattle to Virginia, telling his story in every major city on the way. The tour helps to educate our communities within and around those who risk their lives daily to keep us safe.
With an intimate approach, Shepard works with each department in every city to coordinate content shared with the media about the efforts individual departments are making to be leaders in advocating for PTSD support and connect them together on a nationwide platform.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Ride for relief was created to bring awareness to first responders living with PTSD by a series of scheduled press conferences taking place in each city in partnership with police and fire. The nationwide motorcycle ride will activate opportunities for police departments and fire departments to share their perspective on PTSD in each community offering information about the symptoms and causes of PTSD and how each community is supporting their own police officers and fire fighters.
WHY DO WE DO IT?
Shepard himself was diagnosed with PTSD after an ambush shooting in his patrol car. He began experiencing symptoms of PTSD. After a diagnosis by the department psychologist, which led to therapy, Shepard spent a year in therapy and returned to work Shortly after his return he was selected to become a motor officer, something he had dreamed of achieving since he was a kid. It is not uncommon for officers to work an average of 7-10 years before even becoming eligible to apply. While this elite group makes only 4% of the police force its specialty is highly coveted and one of the most difficult tests to accomplish. Within the first year of Shepard’s career on a motorcycle he was the target of an explosion, which left his life turned upside down. After being tested by countless doctors, Shepard was diagnosed with PTSD and would be medically retired from his department.
WHO DO WE DO IT FOR?
Shepard discovered there was little support or information for first responders specifically struggling with what felt like the shame of PTSD. Shepard said, “I recognized there was an epidemic of first responders dealing with the same thing I was”. We do this for the police and fire fighters who need to see we support them and are making efforts keep them strong in an environment that can often be unsettling for the average human. With the support of leadership and community we have the opportunity to keep our heroes strong and healthy.
MORE FIRST RESPONDERS DIE OF SUICIDE
THAN IN THE LINE OF DUTY
“RUDER MAN FAMILY FOUNDATION”
Jeff Shepard rides across America to help those who suffer from PTSD. We met up with him to tell his story." And that’s the truth, you’re not alone. And there is help and relief out there. I know it, because I overcome my PTSD everyday. "If you would like to learn more about Jeff and his story go to: https://www.ride4relief.com/Discover the #safertogether movement here —> http://vaulteksafe.com/safertogether/
Posted by Vaultek on Sunday, August 12, 2018
Now, Ride 4 Relief, a 5013c, presents our PTSD Awareness USA tour bringing attention to first responders.Jeff, the founder of R4R, will be traveling on his motorcycle and visiting with police and fire departments during the months of June and July.
This partnership has created many media opportunities for Jeff to be a face for first responders who have been diagnosed with PTSD and to highlight how departments are nurturing the health and mental wellness of their first responders.
The media has made a massive impact with their ability to reach a greater audience and is educating our citizens and supporting the forward thinking of departments striving to achieve successful outcomes for their officers in platforms described as “Hire to Retire”. By visiting a different state each day, we’re creating extraordinary momentum in the media and among departments collectively.
Together with the help of generous sponsors we are making a big impact with our heroes nationwide who risk their own lives every day to keep us safe often times at the expense of their own mental and physical wellbeing.
How can you help? Visit https://www.ride4relief.com/sponsors for more information.
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