Albany, NY — New York State Senator Pete Harckham and New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, alongside mental health advocates and first responders, gathered at the State Capitol to call for the immediate passage of the First Responder Peer Support Bill. This proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive statewide mental health and peer support training program tailored specifically to the needs of New York’s first responders.
The bill, S.5407A / A.7285, seeks to address the high levels of trauma and stress that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders experience daily. First responders are frequently exposed to life-threatening situations, traumatic events, and the pressures of their high-stakes roles, all of which have significant impacts on their mental health.
“First responders are always there for us in our moments of need, but they often carry the emotional weight of those calls with them,” said Harckham. “This bill ensures that they have the resources they need to protect their own well-being—confidential, peer-to-peer support, where individuals with similar experiences can help one another.”
The First Responder Peer Support Program, modeled after the successful Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, would provide trained peer mentors to offer emotional support and early intervention to first responders. This approach, combining shared experiences with professional training, has been shown to effectively support those facing mental health challenges due to their roles in high-stress environments.
Burdick emphasized the importance of protecting the mental health of first responders, noting that many of them experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at much higher rates than the general population. “Our first responders put their lives on the line for us every day. It’s time we give them the tools they need to take care of their mental health,” he said.
The need for this program is further underscored by a recent survey conducted by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, which found that 16% of first responders have experienced suicidal thoughts—four times higher than the general population. Additionally, a large majority of those surveyed expressed a strong desire for accessible mental health support, particularly through peer-led programs.
“Many first responders are reluctant to seek professional help due to the stigma around mental health in their field,” said Glenn Liebman, CEO of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS). “This bill will help break down those barriers by providing a confidential, supportive environment where they can get the help they need from those who truly understand what they’re going through.”
The bill also has widespread support from a variety of first responder organizations. Sheriff James Allard of Steuben County, representing the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, stated, “This peer support program is a lifeline for those who sacrifice so much for our communities. It ensures that first responders receive the care and support they need, right from their colleagues who understand their struggles.”
In addition to first responder organizations, mental health advocates like Eugene Perry, President of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, and Aidan O’Connor, Jr., Executive Director of Greenport Rescue, echoed the importance of providing comprehensive mental health resources for first responders.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, advocates are urging lawmakers to prioritize its passage, recognizing the critical role peer support can play in preventing mental health crises among those who serve on the frontlines.
“The First Responder Peer Support Program is a crucial step in ensuring that our heroes have the resources they need to cope with the emotional toll of their work,” said O’Connor. “This bill will help protect the protectors of our communities, making sure they get the support they deserve.”
With bipartisan support and strong backing from both mental health professionals and first responders, the First Responder Peer Support Act stands to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to public safety.