51�Թ�Pro

By Kelsey Kendall

When first responders are called, it can be the hardest day for everyone involved. These professionals step up during crises and danger when safety and lives are at stake. Then do it all again the next shift.

For Suffolk Firefighter Medic II Aaron Shelton, a particularly rough call is any that involves a child. Those calls are tough for anyone, he said, and it’s something the other first responders in Suffolk understand. They call and text to check in with each other, bring treats and take moments here and there to be happy — like spending time with a therapy dog when one is around. Outside of work, he also has his wife to talk to whenever he needs it.

Diana Wheelington, a Virginia Beach police officer, said she journals and writes poetry to help center herself after a hard day. She loves her job, serving the community, but there are difficult times, especially when working with a victim’s loved ones.

And Lt. Michael Steward with Hampton University police said the most traumatic calls involve unresponsive students after a night of drinking, when officers know they need to act fast to save the young adult just starting out. When he needs it, he has breathing exercises or seeks out someone to talk to.

“For us, mental health is being able to be in tune with how the situations that we deal with can affect us and spill over into our personal lives,” Steward said, adding the question, “What are we doing to safeguard ourselves?”

Old Dominion University hosted the CROWN Gala: Handling with Care Saturday to raise mental health awareness for first responders serving Hampton Roads. The black-tie event welcomed approximately 250 police officers, emergency medical services, dispatchers and firefighters — from agencies spanning 16 localities including Accomack County, Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton County, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton County, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg-James City County and York County — as well as community and University leaders to offer a space for these professionals to relax, dance and be celebrated.

According to data from the , first responders are at a higher risk of suicide and experience mental health issues compared to civilians because of the nature of their work. Relationships can be impacted by inconsistent schedules and challenging family-work demands can magnify stressors for this group. Departments and organizations seek out mental health resources and education to share with these public safety professionals to offer needed support.

“Tonight is about recognition, education and connection — a celebration of those who serve with strength, compassion and resilience. But it is also a call to action,” Millicent Lee, Ed.D., director of community relations, said during the gala. “Through this event, Old Dominion University is taking a leading role in a broader regional and statewide movement to humanize the stories of first responders, to dismantle the stigma around mental health and to promote lasting, sustainable wellness strategies for both individuals and the organizations that support them.”

The gala featured Derick Johnson, a U.S. Army veteran, life coach and elite performance trainer, who shared his advice for centering oneself anywhere and anytime, which focused on deep breathing and visualizing peaceful nature scenes. Attendees received gift boxes filled with treats and fidget toys to encourage self-care.

The University also announced a new partnership, Frontline: The First Responder Wellness and Counseling initiative, which will launch with the Virginia Beach’s 4th Precinct as the University’s pilot partner in 2026 with Capt. William Gervin at its helm.

Frontline will provide 51�Թ�Pro students a path to become counselors specializing in the unique needs of trauma-experienced first responders. This initiative will also create space for fellow first responders to include retiring first responders who want to continue serving in a new way to enter the counseling profession themselves.

 “This will be more than a program,” said Jessica Huffman, chief wellness officer for the Virginia Beach Police Department. “It will be a living, breathing collaboration — a promise that those who serve will never carry the weight alone.”

Tom Seguin, clinical assistant professor and partnership director in the Department of Counseling and Human Services, will lead the partnership alongside Huffman and Dr. Lee.

For the first time, 51�Թ�Pro presented the Public Service Awards to first responders who have shown their commitment to Hampton Roads.

The Reign Mental Health Leadership Award recognized leaders promoting mental health awareness and systemic change. Honorees included Capt. Gervin, Deputy Chief Tracy Branch with Chesapeake Police, Lt. James Fox with Poquoson Police and Sr. Deputy Kathryn Wilkerson with the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.

The Community Champion for Care Award honored individuals and groups advancing mental wellness in their communities. Honorees include Isle of Wight Peer Support, counselor Melynda Keatts in York and Poquoson, Master Police Officers Allen Perry and Dionne Paniza with Virginia Beach Police, the Poquoson Police Foundation and Lt. Eric Smith with the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.

The Crown Resilience Award was presented to first responders who demonstrated courage during critical incidents. Honorees included members of Suffolk Fire and Rescue, — Firefighter Ethan Burgess, Capt. Daniel Everett, Firefighter Medic II Jared Johannesson, Firefighter Medic II Aaron Shelton and Firefighter Michael Savi — Lt. Frank Filippone and Lt. Jennifer Van Note with Virginia Beach Police, Master Police Officer Nicolas Houlihan with Chesapeake Police and Old Dominion University Police Officer Adam Watson.

The gala was a culminating event for the University’s National Endowment for the Arts Big Read programming that has spanned the academic year, highlighting health equity in the community and sharing resources and ideas around community well-being.

For more information on supporting and sponsoring next year’s Crown Gala and the Frontline Initiative, contact Old Dominion University Community Relations at 757-683-3141.