Best of Pulaski County: First Responder Stress Support Team; Standing By Those Who Serve
When a community asks, “Who supports the people who run toward danger?” Pulaski County answered. The Pulaski County First Responder Stress Support Team (FRSST) was officially established in August 2024 after years of committed effort by local responders and organizers. With valuable guidance from the Lake Ozark FRSST, the Pulaski County team stands ready to assist first responders across disciplines to navigate the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic calls.
Built by Responders, for Responders
What makes Pulaski County FRSST especially powerful is who’s behind it. The team is composed of both retired and active first responders representing every area of emergency services, plus military veterans whose own experiences uniquely equip them to provide understanding and support. That shared background creates trust and credibility — essential for a program that asks people to be vulnerable in the face of trauma.
Pulaski County FRSST is not a clinical institution replacing professional therapy; rather, it’s a peer support network that complements clinical care by providing immediate, relatable support from people who have “been there.” This peer approach helps break down stigma, encourages early intervention, and builds a culture of resilience across departments and agencies.
A mission rooted in compassion and integrity
In 2025, Pulaski County FRSST’s members unanimously adopted a mission statement that captures the heart of their work:
“When the weight of the job feels unbearable, we stand beside you. UNITED, we are stronger together—never alone. With INTEGRITY, we uphold trust, accountability, and the promise to never turn away. Through GRACE, we meet hardship with compassion, offering an ear instead of judgment. In the darkest moments, we aim to give you HOPE for a better tomorrow. With unwavering EMPATHY, we listen, we care, we act. Pulaski County FRSST exists to restore resilience and strength in those who serve.”
This statement is more than words — it is a promise. It reflects an ongoing commitment to provide immediate emotional support, peer-driven guidance, and a human connection when it matters most.
How the team helps
Pulaski County FRSST focuses on practical, human-centered support:
Peer-to-peer outreach after critical incidents
Confidential check-ins and listening sessions
Education on stress, burnout, and resilience strategies
Referral assistance to clinical care when needed
Community outreach to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking
Because the team includes people who have lived similar experiences — from emergency medical technicians and firefighters to law enforcement and veterans — their support is authentic and deeply empathetic.
How you can support or get involved
Pulaski County FRSST is a local resource built on community spirit. Here are ways you can help:
Share this post to raise awareness among first responders and families.
Volunteer or donate if you have resources or professional expertise to offer.
Invite the team to speak at department meetings or community events.
If you’re a first responder and need support, reach out — you don’t have to go through difficult calls alone.
To get connected or learn more, search for Pulaski County First Responder Stress Support Team (FRSST) on social platforms, click the Facebook button below, or contact local Pulaski County officials who can point you to current contact details and meeting times.
