The Story
A Struggle Not Predicted
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.
A Damaged Hero
Matty’s struggles with PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and other physical injuries lead him on the fight for his life. After a suicide attempt, Matty attended a trauma retreat that opened his heart and mind, and gave him a road map to recovery. Shortly after that retreat, Matty began his sobriety journey, and went back to that retreat to volunteer for the next 3 1/2 years. Being in that space with some incredible mentors, Matty began to carry a message born in the Veteran Community to his brothers and sisters in the First Responder Community.
A Successful Save
Meditation, Equine therapy, 12-step programs, Stella Ganglion Block, EMDR therapy, Nerofeedback, TMS, Spec Scans from the Amen Clinic, and First Responder Support groups were all vital to Mattys recovery. He understood the value and saw the positive results of all these different modalities of treatment and wanted to share with is community. He was taught that you have to give it away to keep it and he didn’t want any other First Responder to suffer as he did.
RELATABLE
Does this sound familiar?
We’ve stood over victims as they were being treated at a scene. Sometimes we questioned how a person got to this point. Or we may have even looked at them with disgust. Sadly, years later, many of us find ourselves suffering from those same hardships and addictions.
Matthew Fiorenza- FRPR Foundation
DOCUMENTARY
PTSD911
Matt’s Story Shared Across The Nation
Matty’s story was told in a documentary “PTSD911,” a movie that has been shown across the world and is available on Amazon Prime.
In the feature-length documentary, First Responders’ untold stories unfold, revealing the profound psychological toll they endure—from the gripping intensity of life-and-death situations to the hidden struggles behind their facade of strength. The film portrays the strength and stoicism of first responders within cultures that normalize enduring challenges but also create a damaging stigma and formidable barriers to seeking help.
Through personal accounts from firefighters, police officers, and 9-1-1 dispatchers, the audience journeys through the complexities of trauma, shedding light on its universal and individual impact. The documentary concludes with a resounding message of hope, encouraging those suffering in silence to reach out, emphasizing that help, understanding, and healing are within reach.
THE MISSION
Giving Back
Matty has spoken at many conferences and symposiums across the United States. His individual trainings have been taught in many agencies.
Matty proudly works with notable board-certified police psychologist Dr. Gina Gallivan, building wellness programs for various First Responder agencies across the US. He helps to organize and provide mental health trainings such as peer support, and is always working with first responders struggling with mental health issues. Departments have sought Matty to assist them with crisis interventions and helping them place First Responders in appropriate treatment centers.
Matty co-created a regional K9 peer support group in the state of California, where he and his service dog Axel respond to critical incidents to provide additional support using trained K9s. Matty is a true First Responder Advocate, always looking for new ways to support his brothers and sisters in service.