‘Rowing for Responders’ 24-hour event supports first responders’ mental health
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‘Rowing for Responders’ 24-hour event supports first responders’ mental health
Albemarle County Fire Department’s fifth annual ‘Rowing for Responders’ event raised money to support first responders’ mental health services. The event started out of a loss in the department and now works each year to advocate and show-up for those working in emergency services. Since the event began, ACFD says it has raised almost $20,000 to support Virginia First Responders Support Services — a nonprofit working to connect responders with resources and educate them on peer support. “We need to normalize this and say it’’s okay to feel like this, but it’s also normal for you to go talk to somebody,” said Gene Thompson, executive director of the nonprofit.
“One of my friends last year, unfortunately, lost his life to suicide,” said Samantha Chasse, a rookie firefighter and EMT with ACFD. “So, this is really important to me to kind of support him.”
Chasse was one of many attendants committed to staying up rowing for the full 24-hour event.
Gene Thompson, executive director of Virginia First Responders Support Services, said visibility through events like ‘Rowing for Responders’ helps to normalize conversations surrounding mental health.
“There’s so much suicide in the first responder community, and no one wants to talk about it,” Thompson said. “We’re trying to get it so people open up and talk about their mental health issues.”
Since the event began, Suzanne Herndon, an ACFD firefighter, says it has raised almost $20,000 to support Virginia First Responders Support Services — Thompson’s nonprofit working to connect responders with resources and educate them on peer support.
“We see a lot of stressful stuff that a lot of people don’t see on a day-to-day basis, and its really important for us to have each other’s backs,” Chasse said. “Being able to have the ability to know that you have people in your corner that you can always go to is really important, especially for first responders.”
Thompson said peer support can be a strong resource for those struggling with their mental health.
“Letting first responders know it’s okay to talk about it, it’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to be hurting, it’s okay to feel sad and depressed, and anxious, and these are all natural things,” Thomson said. “We need to normalize this and say it’s okay to feel like this, but it’s also normal for you to go talk to somebody.”
Herndon said ACFD’s event started out of a loss in the department and now works each year to advocate and show-up for those working in emergency services.
“This holds steady to honor, not only them but all the fireman and first responders who struggle with mental health and who have lost their lives to mental health,” Herndon said.
Through rowing, purchasing merchandise, and making donations — Herndon said community support goes a long way in advocating for first responders.
“All we want to do is be here for the community, and in turn it’s so lovely to see them here and support us,” Hernon said.
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Copyright 2025 WVIR. All rights reserved.
‘Rowing for Responders’ 24-hour event supports first responders’ mental health
Albemarle County Fire Department’s fifth annual ‘Rowing for Responders’ event raised money to support first responders’ mental health services. The event started out of a loss in the department and now works each year to advocate and show-up for those working in emergency services. Since the event began, ACFD says it has raised almost $20,000 to support Virginia First Responders Support Services — a nonprofit working to connect responders with resources and educate them on peer support. “We need to normalize this and say it’’s okay to feel like this, but it’s also normal for you to go talk to somebody,” said Gene Thompson, executive director of the nonprofit.
“One of my friends last year, unfortunately, lost his life to suicide,” said Samantha Chasse, a rookie firefighter and EMT with ACFD. “So, this is really important to me to kind of support him.”
Chasse was one of many attendants committed to staying up rowing for the full 24-hour event.
Gene Thompson, executive director of Virginia First Responders Support Services, said visibility through events like ‘Rowing for Responders’ helps to normalize conversations surrounding mental health.
“There’s so much suicide in the first responder community, and no one wants to talk about it,” Thompson said. “We’re trying to get it so people open up and talk about their mental health issues.”
Since the event began, Suzanne Herndon, an ACFD firefighter, says it has raised almost $20,000 to support Virginia First Responders Support Services — Thompson’s nonprofit working to connect responders with resources and educate them on peer support.
“We see a lot of stressful stuff that a lot of people don’t see on a day-to-day basis, and its really important for us to have each other’s backs,” Chasse said. “Being able to have the ability to know that you have people in your corner that you can always go to is really important, especially for first responders.”
Thompson said peer support can be a strong resource for those struggling with their mental health.
“Letting first responders know it’s okay to talk about it, it’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to be hurting, it’s okay to feel sad and depressed, and anxious, and these are all natural things,” Thomson said. “We need to normalize this and say it’s okay to feel like this, but it’s also normal for you to go talk to somebody.”
Herndon said ACFD’s event started out of a loss in the department and now works each year to advocate and show-up for those working in emergency services.
“This holds steady to honor, not only them but all the fireman and first responders who struggle with mental health and who have lost their lives to mental health,” Herndon said.
Through rowing, purchasing merchandise, and making donations — Herndon said community support goes a long way in advocating for first responders.
“All we want to do is be here for the community, and in turn it’s so lovely to see them here and support us,” Hernon said.
Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.
Copyright 2025 WVIR. All rights reserved.