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.
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.
Concerns of Police Survivors Scholarships (C.O.P.S.)
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.
2025 Wellness Award
Being an advocate for first responder mental wellness and resiliency is critical in our mission. Recognizing first responders who do this and go above and beyond for their peers is always exciting! Now, we want to formally acknowledge some of those members in our first ever Frontline Wellness Award! Nominate individuals or departments who have gone above and beyond to support mental wellness and/or wellness programming and join us for recognizing selected nominees at our Frontline Convention in March!
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