Welcome to
First Responder
Peace & Refuge Foundation
LET’S CONNECT
HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
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OUR PURPOSE
A Safe Haven and Assistance
First Responder Peace & Refuge Foundation provides crucial mental health support to first responders and their families. We eliminate financial barriers to ensure care is received by those who have provided care to so many during their careers.
On-Duty Deaths
Died by Suicide
%
Divorces and Separation
%
Abuse Alcohol/Drugs
MEET THE FOUNDER
MATTHEW FIORENZA
Matthew “Matty” Fiorenza is a retired Anaheim Firefighter Paramedic. After 22 years of service Matty had to make a very tough decision. The decision to leave the career early on a medical retirement. Mattys struggles with PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and other physical injuries lead him on the fight for his life.
More About
Matty
Get to know Matty and you’ll quickly relate to his story and see there is a better future right around the corner.
Learn More
About the Foundation
More First Responders die by suicide than line of duty deaths. For many years the Mental and Brain Health of First Responders has gone unaddressed.
Learn More
Learn More
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DO YOU NEED US?
LET’S GET YOU BETTER
If you are a First Responder and need someone to talk to, or are a family member who needs guidance or resources, reach out to us. We’re happy to steer you in the right direction to the right people who can help.
INSPIRATION
You made a difference in people’s lives
Let us support our first responders’ mental health, for they have seen the unseen, and carried the weight of our safety on their shoulders. By lifting them up, we lift up our communities, and create a safer, more compassionate world for all.
Matthew Fiorenza- FRPR Foundation
PARTNERSHIPS
RESOURCES FOR YOU
@angel.light.academy hosted the 26th annual youth conference in Rancho Mirage. @fireman_matty was honored to participate and discuss fentanyl prevention to our future leaders. #fentanylprevention #youthleadership #frprfoundation #empoweryouth
Great event at the @battleshipiowa! Rock for Responders was memorable! Connected with so many great people!
🚨 First Responders & Mental Health 🚨
Firefighters, paramedics,police officers and other first responders face unimaginable stress daily. Dr. Daniel Amen and Amen Clinics are stepping up to help, using SPECT brain scans and innovative treatments like the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), also known as the Stella Shot, to tackle PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
One powerful story comes from our ver my own, Matty Fiorenza, he retired after 22 years as a firefighter-paramedic and he battled PTSD, alcoholism, and depression. After 3 suicide attempts, he turned to holistic healing—meditation, equine therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback, and the Stella Shot, which changed his life forever. This groundbreaking treatment helped regulate his nervous system, reducing PTSD symptoms almost instantly.
Now, he’s teaming up with KTLA 5 news and Dr. Amen to advocate for mental health awareness and real solutions for first responders.
Matty’s journey is featured in PTSD911, a documentary shedding light on the crisis. Together, they’re breaking the stigma and ensuring help is available for those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
💡 If you or a first responder you know is struggling, support is out there. Let’s stand together for those who serve. 🙌.
Story by: Journalist @kaceymontoya
Video: @vibekingg
Firefighter: @fireman_matty
Foundation(s): @changeyourbrainfoundation @frprfoundation
📺 Watch Matty’s inspiring story: https://lnkd.in/gVvqzXaU
#FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDAwareness #BrainHealth #MentalHealthMatters #AmenClinics #PTSD911 #BreakTheStigma #StellaShot #sgb #mentalhealthmatters #ptsd #firstresponderwellness
@fireman_matty was live at the @battleshipiowa Rock for Responders benefit concert honoring first responders with @therealitycenterr
🚔 Honored to be in the Tri-Cities! 💙
I had the privilege of traveling to the Tri-Cities area, where Richland PD hosted a powerful peer support training for first responders. Huge shoutout to the Police Chief for showing up and proving that mental health matters!
We also held a special training for first responders and their spouses, and the turnout was incredible! The hospitality and dedication from everyone here was next level—these folks truly care about their people.
Grateful to be part of something bigger. 💪💙
#FirstResponderWellness #PeerSupport #MentalHealthMatters #TriCities #RichlandPD #strongertogether #frprfoundation
