SPONSORED BY:
BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO EXCEL EACH AND EVERY DAY
Join us for the 3rd annual wellness conference equipping first responders with education, tangible tools, and connections to implement stronger wellness messages and programs personally and in their agencies. The Frontline Convention agenda includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with fellow first responders and a resource network of select providers. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to resilience development, wellness (physical, emotional, mental, financial, relational, and more), peer support, treatment, and department programming and culture.
Approved IDPH continuing education hours awarded to EMS & ECRN.
If you have questions related to Frontline Convention, please contact Project Manager, Kaira Zaremba (kzaremba@100clubil.org).
Registration Rates:
$150 for all previous attendees from June 1-30, 2024
$175 standard registration starting July 1, 2024
$150 for groups of 5+ or more*
*If you are in need of group rate registration, please contact Kaira Zaremba (kzaremba@100clubil.org).
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
ROBERT “FIREMAN ROB” VERHELST
Fireman Rob, a respected firefighter, former military medic, and motivational speaker, has dedicated his life to inspiring others through his incredible journey of resilience and personal growth. Known for his unwavering commitment to helping others, Rob is not only a hero on the front lines but also a beacon of hope for those struggling with adversity.
Throughout his career, Fireman Rob has faced numerous challenges, including participating in search and recovery operations at 9/11, which profoundly impacted his life. He has bravely battled PTSD, depression, and anxiety stemming from his experiences in both the fire service and the military, using these hardships as a catalyst to inspire and support others facing similar battles.
In addition to his work in emergency services, Rob is an accomplished author, with titles like “Fireman Rob’s Handbook for Young Heroes,” aimed at empowering the next generation with values of courage and resilience. He also hosts the popular Forged in the Fires Podcast, where he shares stories of triumph and perseverance from a diverse range of guests, offering listeners invaluable insights into overcoming life’s toughest obstacles.
Fireman Rob’s seven catalysts for personal growth—passion, ownership, decisions, emotional control, resilience, faith over fear, and mental strength—serve as the foundation for his motivational teachings. Through speaking engagements, his podcast, and written work, he continues to inspire countless individuals to find strength in adversity and live a life of purpose.
BRIAN MURPHY
Lt. Murphy began his career in the law enforcement field in 1980, serving in the United States Marines from 1980-1985
Upon leaving the Marine Corp in 1985, Lt. Murphy served 5 years as an officer at the United Nations providing security to the Secretary General and visiting Heads of State from around the world.
In 1990 Lt. Murphy moved to Jefferson, WI and worked for the Sheriff Department for one year before moving to the Oak Creek Police Department. Lt. Murphy served with the Oak Creek Police Department for over 22 years and was a member of the OCPD Emergency Response Unit from 1992- 2009. He was an entry team member, explosive breacher and ERU team leader. In his career, Lt. Murphy has responded to 2 active shooter situations.
In August 2012, Lt. Murphy was the first responding officer to the Sikh Temple massacre in Oak Creek WI. The massacre resulted in 7 dead and another 3 wounded. Lt. Murphy was shot 15 times during the gunfight with the suspect. By engaging the suspect, it is thought that Lt. Murphy prevented the loss of many more Sikh worshippers, including women and children, who were present at the temple. Lt. Murphy has been recognized on both state and national levels for his actions.
*Subject to change
MONDAY, MARCH 3
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
8:00 AM-9:00 AM Registration
Find us at the registration table in the main foyer and enjoy networking with our resource and provider tables.
9:00 AM-10:30 AM Welcome & Keynote Speaker
Honorguard and Welcome
Keynote Speaker, Robert “Fireman Rob” Verhelst
Keynote Title: The Resilient Leadership State of Mind
Description:
In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, resilience has become an essential quality for effective leadership. Join Fireman Rob as he explores “The Resilient Leadership State of Mind,” a transformative keynote that empowers leaders to thrive amidst adversity. Drawing from his experiences as a firefighter and military medic, Fireman Rob reveals the seven catalysts for personal growth that shape resilient leaders: passion, ownership, decisions, emotional control, resilience, faith over fear, and mental strength.
Through engaging stories and actionable insights, this keynote delves into how these catalysts form the foundation for resilient leadership. Fireman Rob illustrates how passion drives purpose, ownership fosters accountability, and wise decisions pave the way for success. He explores the significance of emotional control in navigating challenges, resilience in overcoming setbacks, faith over fear in embracing risks, and mental strength in achieving lasting impact.
Participants will learn how to cultivate these catalysts within themselves and their teams, creating a culture of resilience that inspires trust, innovation, and growth. Fireman Rob’s dynamic presentation equips leaders with the mindset and tools to lead with authenticity, courage, and empathy. Whether you’re leading a team, an organization, or your own life, this keynote will empower you to face challenges head-on and elevate your impact as a leader.
10:45-12:00 PM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: Nutrition as it Relates to Mental Health
Presenters: Kelly Springer
Description: Did you know that nutrition can improve your mental health? In this presentation you will learn how to activate serotonin and dopamine (your happiness neurotransmitters) through
specific nutrient-dense food choices.
Session Title: Energy Medicine: Flaky Fantasy or Simple Solution?
Presenter: Heather McCutcheon
Description: Western Medicine, initially slow to incorporate mind/body practices, has been coming around. This may be attributed to the desperate need for relief in several areas, including:
• High rates of PTSD in veterans, and
• The skyrocketing incidence of opioid addiction
• The increase in national and global concern about the future
Energy Medicine Holds Unlimited Potential
Modalities using life force energy—called ‘chi’ or ‘prana’ in other cultures—are highly valued in other parts of the world. These practices use positive intentions to clear, balance and fortify bioenergetics fields to promote healing on all levels: mind, body and spirit. Several of these techniques can be learned quickly, and offered safely and inexpensively by a service provider, family member, or as a
form or self-care.
Science and Research
An increasing volume of published, peer-reviewed research suggests that energy medicine interventions utilized to reduce pain and anxiety often improve outcomes—sometimes dramatically.
Feeling is Believing
The Reiki Brigade will be offering sessions at the event. Attendees can show up for this session for a high-energy presentation and experiential exercises. Heather will share how energy healing
modalities work and how they are helping so many suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and related issues. She’ll also give participants actionable steps they can take to implement mind/body
modalities into their institution.
Session Title: Moral Injury in First Responders: The Silent Epidemic
Presenter: Michelle Lilly
Description: While the last two decades have been marked by increased research examining the mental health of first responders, only recently has the field started to consider the potential impact
of moral injury. Moral injury is psychological distress that results from witnessing, perpetrating, or failing to prevent events that violate one’s deeply held beliefs and values. This workshop will provide an overview of the impacts of moral injury in first responders with an emphasis on its prevalence and defining features, followed by discussion of the implications for prevention and intervention efforts with individuals and agencies.
Session Title: Combatting Stigma: Mental Health & PTSD in First Responders
Presenter: Dr. Beau Nelson
Description: Stigma is a major reason first responders are reluctant to seek treatment for mental health and PTSD related issues. It is an issue that needs to be understood and addressed in our communities. All first responders and supporters can make a difference in this effort. By learning ways to address this in our local communities and in our own ranks, can lead to positive change to help those who need help get the treatment they need. From education, training, access to services, and peer support, there are many ways to help reduce stigma and support first responders in need.
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
Join us for lunch in the main Ballroom and network with our vendor tables in the main hallways.
1:15 PM-2:30 PM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: Understanding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for First Responders
Presenter: Don Mitchkess
Description: There is no secret that many of our First Responders are dealing with some very serious thoughts and feelings, often in silence. Fortunately, the behavioral health field has made tremendous strides in our ability to help First Responders not only cope with, but recover from, serious issues like Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress and other potentially debilitating Mood Disorders. These innovative treatment modalities range from talk therapy models like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to psychotropic medications that provide symptom reduction to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which uses magnetic pulses to alleviate depression and anxiety. This session will also touch on how to be an educated consumer of these treatment modalities and arm attendees with good questions to ask a potential provider.
Session Title: We Need to Talk
Presenter: Joe Smarro
Description: In this 75-minute keynote style presentation, Joe takes the audience on an emotional journey from laugher to awareness and reflection. It talks about the Culture of law enforcement and pushes back on the “norms” that have been accepted for far too long, without being offensive. Joe shares his personal testimony as to why this work matters so much to him and why he is so passionate about the first responder community learning the skills to help themselves.
Session Title: Optimizing Performance Through Resilience
Presenter: Michael Nila
Description: Today’s first responder professionals are mired in a VUCA world defined by: volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. What’s worse is: this state has been a constant for the
past few years with no end in sight. How do we prepare our professionals to respond optimally, to maintain a high state of readiness and to sustain the heart and mind required of our warrior/
guardians? Learning the tools and practices of resilience and coherence empowers us to nourish our sources of human energy (physical, mental, spiritual and emotional) to diminish the
impact of what is too often an “impoverished environment” predictive of burnout, cynicism and disengagement.
This course will provide insight and perspective on how resilience is trained, implemented, and practiced, particularly in these challenging times. Participants will discuss how we prepare, adapt, and recover from the challenges faced in uncertainty. Blue Courage® education is designed to provide the ultimate tools for success and a renewed sense of purpose. Through a holistic approach, this session illuminates the path toward energy preservation, executive function, clarity and overall well-being. Our people have answered the call and are deserving of tools that will allow them to serve with mastery, moving theory to practice.
Session Title: Remediation for First Responders, Dispatchers & Support Staffs
Presenter: James Di Naso
Description: To introduce this workshop, Joshua Blackwell with IPMG (Insurance Programs Manager Group) will provide a brief overview regarding their risk management solutions that protect departments from potential threats. James Di Naso will finish the workshop addressing how muscular, structural, and biochemical imbalances can significantly contribute to unnecessary pain, mental stress, and the inability to perform job related tasks at a high level leading to a poor
quality of life. Remediation strategies, nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness will be addressed in depth. This unique and easy to understand, science-based information is provided by some of the
best Human Performance Coaches and subject matter experts in the United States.
2:45 PM-4:00 PM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: Under Fire: The Emotional Ambush of First Responders and Their Families
Presenter: Clark Beckley
Description: First responders experience unique, rapidly evolving, and emotionally confusing events as part of their everyday routine. Often, this chronic exposure to intensely emotional and intimate circumstances is seen as a routine part of their professional experience. While true, these experiences are never routine whether it is the participants in the experience to the differences in the emotional toll on the responder. We often perceive that the police officer or firefighter is somehow equipped to manage their professional standards while also identifying, coping with, and mitigating the impact of these intense and repetitive experiences. Too frequently, we first see the first indications of distress because of the responder’s impact on their system- their family, their workplace, and community. This seminar serves to apply a systems perspective to best identify how the police officer or firefighter impacts their system and how their systems create barriers to support, healing, and awareness. We will review how cultural perceptions influence the
first responder’s healing path, while also best understanding how to provide support both to the responder, their family, and those with whom they impact in the community.
Session Title: First Responder Suicide: Culture, Mindset and the Hidden Cost of Heroism
Presenter: Dr. Ron Rufo
Description: This engaging presentation will examine first responder’s emotional issues and how it effects their overall health. Stress is a major factor for all first responders. How first responders deal
with stress is pivotal, and the particular solutions they choose to implement can help them survive physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and learn to live a better life immediately.
Session Title: #RANGE of Resilience
Presenter: Tim Barfield
Description: First H.E.L.P. developed #RANGEofResilience to address the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to improving the health and resilience of first responders. Research has shown that first responders face unique physical and mental health challenges that can lead to increased risk of injury, illness, and mental health issues. The program was designed to provide first responders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their physical and mental well-being, increase their resilience, and enhance their performance on the job. The #RANGEofResilience is designed to be easy to integrate into a wide range of training domains. Its focus on movement, mindfulness, and mental skills can be applied to a variety of professions, including first responders, military personnel, healthcare providers, and corporate employees. The program can be adapted to fit the specific needs and challenges of each group, making it a flexible and customizable tool for promoting resilience and well-being.
Session Title: Justice in Your Wallet: Equipping Officers for Success
Presenter: Tim Cooney
Description: Join Timothy for an engaging and interactive session delving into the principles of financial freedom inspired by Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps. This presentation aims to provide the
audience with a framework showing you how it is possible in all situations to achieve financial freedom. We’ll begin by examining the current landscape of personal finances, acknowledging the many challenges first responders may face. Through the lens of Dave Ramsey’s proven steps, we’ll explore the transformative power of eliminating debt, making deliberate financial decisions, and building a path to success. This session will challenge the conventional wisdom of the mindless pursuit of a credit score, emphasizing the importance of intentional actions with your money. We’ll discuss practical strategies for financial success, tailored to the unique circumstances faced by those in the first responder sector. Prepare to actively participate using your phone as we conduct real-time polls and discussions, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. By the end of our time together, you’ll leave with actionable insights and a roadmap for financial resilience that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Session Title: Coming Out of the Storm
Presenter: Drew Masters
Description: Hear Drews’ heartfelt story of how you can lose everything, hit rock bottom, and feel like you are a complete failure; to coming out of the storm and becoming one of the top respected
first responders in the state, when it comes to mental wellness. Hear the lessons that were learned not only from his own journey, but from major incidents such as the building collapse in Surfside, to the major hurricane hitting the west coast. Drew will provide tips, and tactics that could be helpful for your teams and deployments. One thing Drew can promise from hearing him speak is that you will leave with a sense of wow. That you are never alone, and no matter how bad the storm is, there are always clearer skies.
4:15 PM-5:30 PM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: One Size Doesn’t Fit all, Finding a Provider That Works
Presenter: 100 Club of Illinois
Description: In today’s diverse healthcare landscape, the needs of individuals—especially those of first responders—are unique and varied. This course, “One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Finding a Provider that Works,” equips participants with the knowledge and tools to identify and select the right providers tailored to specific needs.
5:30 PM-6:30 PM Complimentary Dinner
Join us in the main Ballroom for Mission BBQ!
8:00 AM-9:00 AM Registration
Find us at the registration table in the main foyer and enjoy networking with our resource and provider tables or .
9:00 AM-10:30 AM Welcome & Keynote Speaker
Welcome
Keynote Speaker, Brian Murphy
Keynote Title: Never Forget
Description:
Lt. Brian Murphy (retired) from the Oak Creek Police Department in Wisconsin. Lt Murphy was the first officer on the scene on August 5, 2012, after 40-year-old Wade Michael Page fatally shot six people and wounded four others at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Lt. Murphy will go through the incident in detail showing actual video footage and lessons learned. Lt. Murphy later earned the Congressional Badge of Bravery and Presidential Medal of Valor.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: Simplifying Money in a Complex World
Presenter: Kim Poulos
Description: Have you ever had any of the following questions cross your mind? What steps should I be taking now to put myself in a better position in the future? What will my retirement look like? How should my investment portfolio change as I get closer to my goals? What types of investments and accounts should I be using? What is the best way to protect money from taxes? How do I get out of debt quicker? Then this presentation is for you! Kim will review what causes financial stress, how to respond, outcome and statistics, strategies to cope with financial stress, how to set financial goals, and putting your plan together.
Session Title: Stronger Together: Building and Maintaining a Healthy Relationship for First Responder Couples
Presenter: Nicholas Greco
Description: The life of a first responder can oftentimes be a stress filled occupation that not only impacts the individual, but his or her family as well. As first responders are well trained to respond to the daily emergencies that come with the job, they are not well-versed on how the job will impact their personal and family life. As they may try to protect their loved ones from the stressors of the job, spouses and partners may feel left out, have unanswered questions which heighten fears and worries about their loved ones, start to vicariously take on the stressors that officers experience, and further break down communication and trust. There are healthy ways to deal with the stressors and trauma of the job by utilizing the support systems in your personal life and enjoying your life away from work. Spouses, partners, and families will learn how to immediately implement ways to improve their relationships through reestablishing trust, fostering healthy communication, living in the moment, and achieving a healthy balance in their physical and mental health.
Session Title: Mental Health Matters: Exploring Diagnoses from ADHD to Autism
Presenter: Jennifer Goss
Description: In this workshop, you will learn about five common Mental Health disorders that many suffer from on a daily/monthly/yearly basis. These include ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, and Spectrum Disorders. During this presentation, you will learn about what makes up each disorder, identify the basic elements of the disorder, and learn basic skills on how to navigate the disorders. After this session, you will walk away having more confidence about how to cope with these disorders and when to ask for help, whether it is for yourself or those around you.
Session Title: Legal Considerations of Mental and Physical Health for First Responders
Presenter: Jerry Marzullo
Description: This presentation will discuss any and all of the legal issues facing first responders and answer any questions attendees may have including but not limited to understanding disability
pensions; FOID cards; leaves of absence, and discipline as well as the intersection between mental health and the job status of first responders
Session Title: Navigating Career Shifts
Presenter: 100 Club of Illinois
Description: This comprehensive course is designed specifically for first responders, providing tailored strategies to navigate the critical career shifts encountered throughout their professional journey—from the initial training academy to retirement and beyond.
Participants will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise at each stage of their career, focusing on key themes such as:
- Academy Transition: Understanding the shift from training to active duty, including adapting to the demands of the role and building effective team dynamics.
- Career Advancement: Identifying pathways for promotions, developing leadership skills, and mastering the art of professional networking within the emergency services community.
- Skill Development: Fostering continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, techniques, and best practices in first responder roles.
- Work-Life Balance: Strategies for managing the physical and emotional demands of the job, ensuring personal well-being while maintaining professional commitment.
- Planning for Retirement: Preparing for a successful transition out of active service, including financial planning, benefits management, and exploring new opportunities that leverage existing skills.
- Post-Retirement Options: Identifying and pursuing fulfilling career paths after retirement, whether in civilian roles, consulting, or community service.
11:45 AM-12:45 PM Lunch
Join us for lunch in the main Ballroom and network with our vendor tables in the main hallways.
12:45 PM-2:00 PM Workshop Sessions
Session Title: Grounding on the Go
Presenter: 100 Club of Illinois
Description: This program has been designed to provide students with skills on how to utilize brief, effective grounding practices that can be seamlessly incorporated into your day, enhancing overall well-being and reducing stress. This course will also teach students how to recognize in others the need to ground, and how to help others incorporate grounding techniques for improved well-being and stress management.
Session Title: Navigating The Risks of Alcoholism: Effective Strategies for First Responders
Presenter: Cate Brown
Description: In a demanding world of brotherhood, trauma, and public scrutiny, many first responders have traditionally turned to alcohol as a means of coping at the end of the day. This non-judgmental and tactful training seeks to shift that narrative by encouraging first responders to embrace mindfulness, education and self-awareness in their approach to Alcohol use. Participants will explore a comprehensive perspective on addiction and mental wellness, learning strategies to foster a healthier relationship with Alcohol. Through a focus on self-reflection and proactive self-care, this training aims to promote a holistic understanding of mental health and well-being, equipping first responders with the tools to support both their own mental and physical wellness and that of their peers.
Session Title: Prioritizing Breakfast and Healthy Snacks
Presenter: Kelly Springer
Description: Breakfast sets the foundation for your entire day! Learn what you can eat for breakfast that will give you a major boost in energy. Discover why snacks are a necessity when you have gaps
of over 3-4 hours between meals. You’ll walk away with over two dozen protein or fiber-rich snack ideas that are healthy and delicious!
Session Title: Ghostblood
Presenter: Joseph Gray
Description: The presentation is designed to be extremely relatable to LE. I share some personal Critical Incidents and how the trauma of these incidents affected my life. I will explain the maladaptive coping mechanisms I chose to use to process this trauma and the impact using these unhealthy techniques had on my life. I talk about resilience vs. rumination and learning how to “Change the Channel,” for my own mental health and what led me back into LE. I define Trauma using the Public Safety Officer Support Act and explain the reasons for Chronic stress in the field of LE. We will discuss Probability Thinking vs. Possibility Thinking and describe how Hypervigilance
training for the military works but wears LE out. Overidentification and the destruction of motivation in LE. Finally, we talk about healthy coping techniques both traditional and unique including sleep, nutrition, and exercise and Ice Baths and Hot Saunas. The strength of optimism and taking the first step to better Mental Health and Wellness.
Session Title: Protecting Your Legacy – Putting Our First Responders First
Presenter: Chuck Volpentesta
Description: Your legacy is more than financial—it’s about values, care, and security for the ones you love. In this session, we’ll explore how proactive planning can define when and how your assets are distributed while staying true to your family’s unique values. Learn strategies to minimize taxes, protect family members in times of tragedy, and ensure your wishes are honored even if you’re unable to voice them. Discover how thoughtful planning supports long-term care, safeguards your financial privacy, and prepares the rising generation to carry your legacy forward. Protect what matters most—your family and your vision for the future.
2:15 PM-3:30 PM Closing Keynote
Session Title: Enhancing Wellness and Performance: A Comprehensive Audit of First Responder Agencies
Presenters: 100 Club of Illinois
Description: Enhancing Wellness and Performance: A Comprehensive Audit of First Responder Agencies” is a specialized course designed to equip professionals in public safety and emergency response sectors with the knowledge and tools to assess and improve the wellness and performance of their teams. This course provides a thorough framework for auditing first responder agencies, focusing on key areas such as mental health, physical wellness, stress management, leadership, and overall team performance.
Participants will learn how to conduct comprehensive evaluations, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize the health, resilience, and effectiveness of their personnel. The course will cover practical tools for addressing burnout, improving job satisfaction, enhancing physical fitness, and fostering a culture of support and continuous development. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to create actionable plans that prioritize the well-being and performance of first responders, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of the agencies they serve. These action plans will include, agency policies and procedures for assessing what they have, want, need, and what can be outsourced.
Testimonials
This was a very good convention. This was my first time attending and I will be back next year for sure! Thank you!
The conference was excellent, providing a solid overview of the challenges we face and the many resources available. The programs were well planned and efficiently used the available time.
I really liked the location of the convention and the venue. It was easy to get to, it was clean and attractive, and it had fantastic informal gathering spaces. And the informal spaces were sunny and bright and looked out at nice scenery. It felt restful and peaceful which is the total opposite of where we all work every day.
The K-9 Breakout session was fantastic. I learned how to get a therapy k-9 program started at my police department. My department was very pleased with the results of this convention. I believe the convention could grow to five times the size it was this year in the next couple of years!
10/10 will attend next year!
REGISTER FOR FRONTLINE CONVENTION
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship opportunities to support our convention are available. Please contact Kelsey Tomko at ktomko@100clubil.org for further information.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION ENDORSEMENTS
ABOUT THE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
Simplify your convention experience by taking advantage of the 100 Club of Illinois room block at $122/night (Plus $14.95 USD resort charge per night, plus tax) for a single king size room.
The deadline to book your room with this discounted rate is February 17, 2025.
The resort and conference center is surrounded by a serene 150-acre estate that includes the Audubon-certified 18-hole Willow Crest Golf Club, just 25 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. They have a lakefront outdoor pool, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a spa, two golf simulators, and two restaurants.
CHECK-IN TIME: 4:00 PM
CHECK OUT TIME: 12:00 PM