2026 First Responder Wellness Conference

Before leaders can lead others, they must first lead themselves. In an era where uncertainty challenges even the most seasoned professionals, Michael Laidler empowers audiences to strengthen their mindset behind exceptional self-leadership. Drawing on two decades in law enforcement and his Failure F.U.E.L.S. Growth framework, he reveals how to transform internal pressure into fuel for growth and success. Through real-life stories and actionable strategies, Michael shows leaders how to build resilience that lasts when it matters the most. Perfect for law enforcement agencies looking to strengthen their leadership ranks, equip frontline teams, elevate command-staff development, or engage professional associations.

“Healthy-ish” will dispel the illusion that there is a “perfect diet” for all law enforcement officers. LEOs face a variety of challenges when it comes to eating well and recovering from a shift. This LEO-specific approach will zone in on challenges and typical gaps in nutrition discovered through eight years of experience and hundreds of station visits.
Through this session, you will understand tangible, realistic nutrition interventions for improving energy levels, mood, and performance. You’ll also discover tips and tricks for eating well on day and midnight shifts and learn how to make healthier choices when packaged food and fast food are the only options available. This presentation will give you the tools to perform better mentally and physically on shift work.

This training will provide a better understanding of the effects of historical and acute trauma on those who provide services and care for the victims and survivors of a traumatic incident. We will discuss self-assessing for stress reactions and identifying warning signs that someone on your team may be struggling. We will also explore elements of stress first aid and the short- and long-term effects of primary and secondary trauma, as well as effective interventions that have proven successful for the first responder community.

First responders regularly face high-stress situations that can take a toll on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. “Sound for Healing: Sound Bath Meditation for First Responders” offers a powerful, restorative experience using sound frequencies to promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and mental clarity.
This session introduces the practice of sound bath meditation, where participants will immerse themselves in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, chimes, and other healing instruments. The session is designed to help first responders reduce stress, improve sleep quality, lower anxiety, and enhance overall resilience. Guided by an experienced practitioner, attendees will explore how sound therapy can support emotional regulation, nervous system recovery, and mindfulness, providing a much-needed reset from the demands of their profession. No prior meditation experience is required—just a willingness to relax and receive the healing power of sound. By the end of this session, first responders will leave feeling rejuvenated, centered, and equipped with a new tool for ongoing stress management and well-being.

Women have been climbing career ladders, breaking glass ceilings, and handling career hurdles in law enforcement for decades, all while navigating a minefield that many of their teammates can’t see. This session tells one woman’s story, from believing sexism wasn’t real to discovering in a single workday that she was simultaneously “too sexy,” “not sexy enough, “autistic,” “inspiring,” and that she needed to “dial back on the testosterone from her CrossFit.” It addresses the emotional exhaustion of fighting systems, the Madonna-Whore minefield of undercover work, and the bureaucracy-induced fatigue that slowly chips away at women’s desire to keep doing the job. The talk will also cover what (and who) actually helps the most—and, spoiler alert, it’s not who you think. Men are both welcome and needed in this session.

As first responders, we spend countless hours training and honing our skills and knowledge in preparation for the next call, the next patient, the next scene. The question becomes, “Why do we spend hundreds of hours preparing for the call, but little time preparing for what we carry home afterward?” This session treats responder health like any other critical piece of equipment: requiring regular maintenance, practical care, and tactical preparation. Join us to learn how to bridge the gap between caring for your community and caring for yourself.

Traditional crisis training often misses the human reality of the crisis. This session explores the psychological impact of embedding a clinical therapist directly into law enforcement operations. Designed for first responders, we examine how a trusted co-responder partnership mitigates cumulative moral injury, shares high-stakes decision-making burdens, and relieves hypervigilance—protecting officer well-being and restoring professional stamina.
Together, Kristen and Rhodie present “Beyond the Call: The Psychological Shield of the Clinical-Tactical Partnership.” Their session blends clinical insight with lived experience, offering practical strategies, honest dialogue, and a shared belief that first responders deserve support that is culturally competent, accessible, and grounded in real‑world challenges.

Creating a supportive culture is essential for the well‑being, resilience, and retention of staff working in corrections, jails, and law enforcement. This session explores how agencies can intentionally build a culture grounded in kindness and holistic wellness using the 8 Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and financial. Participants will learn how these dimensions form a foundation for sustainable wellness and how responsibility for well‑being is shared across three levels—organizational systems, leadership behaviors, and individual practices.
Through practical examples and real‑world strategies, attendees will walk away with actionable steps to foster kindness, reduce burnout, and integrate wellness seamlessly into daily operations. This presentation is designed to support agencies as they work toward creating safer, healthier, and more compassionate work environments for all staff.

Law enforcement officers face pressures that affect every area of life. This session explores spiritual wellness as a foundational pillar for navigating stress, trauma, anger, grief, relationships, and the weight of the badge. Officers will gain practical tools for strengthening their spiritual foundation, finding renewed purpose, and developing resilience for both duty and life.

This session will introduce participants to the core concepts of how gambling can develop into a serious problem, with a focus on understanding who may be at greater risk. Attendees will learn to recognize the key signs and symptoms that often signal when gambling behavior is becoming harmful. The session will also highlight the range of resources and support services available throughout Virginia, giving participants clear pathways to help themselves or others who may be struggling.