If you're new here, we're the First Responders Support Training (FRST) Center, and we're dedicated to promoting health and wellness for first responders statewide. This month, we'll share grant updates, first hand department perspectives, nutrition tips, a brief full body workout video, and additional Fall 2025 focus group information. Thank you for joining us this month -- we are excited to have you here!
Supporting South Dakota's Rural Firefighters
Check out the article linked below for updates and more information on Dr. Allison Barry's U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, focused on better understanding the needs of South Dakota's many fire departments.
Check out the August nutrition infographic from Marni Shoemaker, PhD, Registered Dietitian at the FRST Center. This August edition includes healthy grab and go options, protein bar guide, and a protein ball recipe to help you integrate healthier eating habits into your busy schedules!
Check out the quote below for a message from Sean Holleran, Rapid City's Police Department Wellness Coordinator.
"Given all the statistics on first responders, it becomes clear that they are experiencing a public health crisis. Drastically reduced life expectancy, severely debilitating mental health issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and coping with (while not illegal) substances that don’t enforce a healthy lifestyle. The road to wellness is simple, but simple never means easy. The Rapid City Police Department prides itself in having a unique array of benefits and support systems to help curtail the national decline in first responder ranks. Our benefits are comparable to any sized agency in the nation and specifically address the universal demand of more time-off and better pay. Support systems include a mentorship program, robust peer support team, physical therapists, health coaching, therapy dog, and the only first responder certified mental health practitioner in the state. All of that on top of a deeply dedicated mayor, city council, a boatload of business and community support. To top it all off, we’ve created a Wellness Warrior group. This group of professional counterparts span the length of South Dakota, and into Minnesota and Illinois. At length, it’s a vast group of people dedicated to ensuring that police officers leave this career on their terms and on their timeline. Join us and lead the way in your own community."
"We look forward to working with the FRST Center to support the health and wellness goals for law enforcement officers throughout our state. The FRST Center will be instrumental to push our initiatives forward in a collaborative effort between our first responder community and research partners."
2025 Fall Focus Groups Update
As we move into the second phase of our FEMA grant, this fall, our team will be conducting focus groups as part of Aim 2:working with firefighters and fire chiefs to gather input and explore the feasibility and implementation of health programs. Stay tuned for the September newsletter for more information and a survey questionare to gauge interest for registration!
Center Website
Don’t miss out—explore the FRST Center website today for previous newsletters, updates, expert tips, and resources designed to keep you strong, healthy, and ready for the job. Everything you need, all in one place.
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Stay Tuned For Our Next Newsletter
Additional Focus Group Information
FRST Center Newest Team Members
Brief Cardio Workout
SDState School of Health and Human Sciences, 1060 Campanile Ave., Box 2275A, Brookings, SD 57007
