Pierce County proclaims First Responder Wellness Week to highlight mental and physical health programs

Pierce County declared First Responder Wellness Week for March 24–28, 2025, during the March 25 council meeting, and council members and department leaders emphasized the need for holistic health programs for first responders.

Council member Denson read the proclamation, which framed the week as an effort to raise awareness of the “physical, mental, and emotional demands” on law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and dispatchers. The proclamation encouraged public agencies, private organizations and community members to support initiatives that prioritize first-responder wellness.

Crystal Erickson (identified as with the sheriff’s department wellness efforts) thanked the council and said she supports “all of our folks in the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office in their wellness endeavors.” Deputy Chief Scott Booth of Gig Harbor Fire and Medic 1 described the department’s wellness emphasis as holistic: “It’s the little things. It’s sleep. It’s nutrition. Right? It’s taking a holistic approach to resilience,” Booth said, noting those factors are critical to addressing duty-related stress.

A representative from South Sound 9-1-1, speaking as a telecommunicator, praised state reclassification of telecommunicators as first responders and urged national recognition for the PTSD and stress that 9-1-1 staff experience.

Council members from multiple districts praised the proclamation and described the wellness work as essential for extending careers and improving outcomes on duty. The council invited first-responder representatives to join the dais for photos and public recognition.

Ending: The council encouraged continued investment in wellness programs and recognized their role in supporting first responders’ health and community safety.