First Help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First H.E.L.P. Statement Regarding Ongoing Worcester Investigation

First H.E.L.P. is aware of the ongoing investigation in Worcester, Massachusetts, involving the death of a Worcester Police Department officer and the search for First H.E.L.P. co-founder Karen Solomon.

Our first concern is for the officer who lost his life, his family, his colleagues, and the Worcester law-enforcement community. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

We also recognize the many law-enforcement and first-responder families who have been touched and supported through First H.E.L.P.'s work over the years. We understand that the current circumstances may be deeply affecting members of this community, particularly those who have placed their trust in First H.E.L.P. during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We remain committed to supporting those families and honoring the trust they have placed in our organization.

First H.E.L.P. is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and the first-responder community, supporting officers, first responders, and their families, and honoring the lives and service of those who have died by su***de. Our mission remains unchanged.

The Board of Directors is focused on maintaining the continuity, integrity, and independence of First H.E.L.P.'s mission, programs, and services to the first-responder community and the families we serve. The organization will continue its work in support of those families and the broader first-responder communities.

The circumstances surrounding the Worcester investigation are an active matter for law enforcement. First H.E.L.P. will have no further comment on the specific circumstances of the investigation.


About First H.E.L.P.

First H.E.L.P. is dedicated to honoring the service of first responders who have died by su***de, supporting their families, reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental-health assistance, and increasing awareness of mental-health challenges within the law-enforcement and first-responder communities. The organization maintains a national database recognizing first responders lost to su***de and provides education, resources, and family support.

First H.E.L.P. extends its deepest sympathy to the family, loved ones, and all others impacted by today’s devastating event. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult time.

Mental Health Helplines: International Directory Do you need to speak to someone right now? HelpGuide's directory of hotlines around the world can provide you with help.

New Hampshire has become the first state to extend its employee assistance program to volunteer firefighters, EMTs and other first responders!!

“Remember that first responders see more trauma in a year than most people see in their lifetimes and we take care of our own,” Drye said.

“We keep track of each other when there is a set of bad calls but sometimes that’s not enough. That’s where the Employee Assistance Program can make all the difference”

N.H. expands mental health support for volunteer first responders New Hampshire has become the first state to extend its employee assistance program to volunteer firefighters, EMTs and other first responders

What are you drinking today?

Join us at the 2026 First H.E.L.P. Honor Dinner. 💙

On September 26, we’ll gather in Dallas to honor the first responders we’ve lost to su***de and surround their families with the love and support they deserve.

Your $90 ticket doesn’t just reserve a seat at the table—it helps make our Family Weekend possible, providing families with travel, lodging, meals, and a weekend surrounded by others who understand their loss.

Come share a meal, hear their stories, remember those we’ve lost, and remind their families that they are not alone.

🎟️ Tickets are $90 per person
📅 September 26, 2026 | Hilton Anatole, Dallas
❤️ Join us as we honor those we lost.

Purchase your tickets here. https://first-help-honor-dinner.raiselysite.com/

First H.E.L.P. is bringing it's signature workshop to Dallas courtesy of Law Enforcement United Inc.

Presented by: First H.E.L.P.
Sponsored by: Law Enforcement United

The workshop, developed by First H.E.L.P., is a 4-hour experiential learning program designed to provide first responders with essential skills for managing operational stress and trauma.

The workshop focuses on three primary modules:

Prevention: Explores resilience and teaches First H.E.L.P.’s "R.A.N.G.E. of Resilience" skills: Recognize the Good, Active Constructive Responding, Notice the World Around You, Get Up and Move, and Energy Management.

Performance: Defines stress, differentiates between cumulative and traumatic stress, and examines the effects of stress on physical and mental performance.

Persistence: Focuses on initiating / conversations and identifying wellness resources.

This training aims to build resilience, promote mental health, and enhance overall well-being.

Organized by: 1st Responder Conferences

Please note free registration is for the 4 hour workshop. If you would like to attend the First H.E.L.P. Dinner on September 26, 2026, you can purchase tickets here. https://first-help-honor-dinner.raiselysite.com/

For more information please contact Shawn at [email protected]

https://1sthelp.org/calendar/first-h-e-l-p-responder-readiness-workshop/

It's unfortunate this has become the norm amonst first responders

There was a time when I would proudly tell people to apply to FDNY EMS.

I’d tell them about the privilege of serving New York City. I’d tell them about the camaraderie, the purpose and the indescribable feeling of helping another human being on what may be the worst day of their life. I’d tell them that while the work was hard, it was meaningful.

Today, I can’t do that with a clear conscience.

In fact, if a young person asked me if they should become an EMT or paramedic in New York City, I would tell them not to.

Not because EMS isn’t noble work. It is.

Not because New Yorkers don’t deserve excellent emergency medical care. They absolutely do.

But because no one deserves to enter a profession where sacrifice is expected and support is
optional.

I used to recruit people into this job. I can’t anymore. - The Chief There was a time when I would proudly tell people to apply to FDNY EMS. I’d tell them about the privilege of serving New York City. I’d tell them about the camaraderie, the purpose, and the indescribable feeling of helping another human being on...

Sergeant Marek A. Rybkowski served the Denver community with honor and distinction for 33 years as a member of the Denver Police Department. Joining the department in 1984, he was promoted to Sergeant in 1993 and served in a variety of leadership roles throughout his career, including Chief Fi****ms Officer and later Special Event Sergeant in Traffic Operations. His career was marked by professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.

Those who knew Marek knew he was the person who always answered the phone—day or night. Whether a fellow officer, friend, or family member needed advice, encouragement, or simply someone to listen, he was always there without hesitation. His quiet strength, compassion, and willingness to help left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Even after retiring from law enforcement, Marek's dedication to service continued through his volunteer work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, including assisting with Hurricane Ida recovery efforts in 2021. Outside of service, he embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed motorsports, motorcycling, dancing, traveling, and, above all, spending time with his family.

Marek will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by service, generosity, and love for others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the example he set through a lifetime of selfless service.