Florida nonprofit helps cut veteran suicide rates by 25% with community-based approach
Share this @internewscast.com

A nonprofit organization located in Florida is addressing the issue of veteran suicide by fostering connections within the community and maintaining the belief that the crisis affecting American veterans can be prevented.

The Fire Watch is based on three key concepts: that suicide is preventable, that connecting people to resources promptly can save lives, and that community involvement is crucial in prevention efforts.

“It takes the community to get involved in suicide prevention,” Executive Director Nick Howland told Fox News Digital.

Following successful results, The Fire Watch aims to expand its regional initiative across the nation with a unique strategy that addresses veteran suicide through treatment-centered initiatives and engaging local communities.

As of the latest data released May 1, veteran suicides in the region fell to 61 in 2023—25% below the 2019 baseline for the fourth straight year. 

Statewide, veteran suicides are down 5%, and in areas where The Fire Watch has a foothold (Northeast Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Escambia County), the decline has been 12%, compared to just 2% elsewhere in the Sunshine State.

“Where we’re building our network of community members who care, who get veterans to the help they need, veteran suicidality is decreasing,” he said. “It’s remarkable.” 

A trainer teachers to a group of volunteers learning about the nonprofit.

A trainer shares the mission of The Fire Watch with a group of volunteers learning about the nonprofit. The Fire Watch has 9,074 Watch Standers as of May 2025. (The Fire Watch)

For volunteers like Ryan Haczynski, the program’s impact is deeply personal. After losing a Vietnam veteran friend to suicide in late 2022, Haczynski searched for a way to honor his memory and prevent further loss. 

“I didn’t recognize the signs,” he reflected, telling Fox News Digital that his friend had even asked him to be the executor of his will just weeks before his death. 

Following the vet’s suicide, Haczynski’s online search led him into Watch Stander and Ambassador trainings, where he has since certified others and even helped arrange a proper military funeral for his friend.

Haczynski now uses every community interaction to check in on veterans, validate their experiences, and point them to Fire Watch’s free 24/7 crisis resources.

“We want to give back, we want to help, especially people who have done so much [for our country] to go and serve us,” he said.

Learn more about The Fire Watch at thefirewatch.org.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
FBI Director Kash Patel vows justice after DHS agent's vehicle rammed in Chicago

FBI Director Kash Patel Pledges Accountability Following Incident of DHS Agent’s Vehicle Being Rammed in Chicago

FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to ensure justice after two individuals allegedly…
Georgia deputy killed in domestic shooting; boyfriend charged

Georgia Deputy Fatally Shot; Boyfriend Faces Charges

An off-duty sheriff’s deputy was killed during a domestic dispute and her…

Texas Mother Charged with Murder After Shooting Her Four Children, Killing Two

ANGLETON, Texas (AP) — Authorities reported that a Texas mother facing charges…
Gaza War: IDF Prepares to Capture Gaza City - Part 1

Conflict in Gaza: Israeli Military Gears Up to Seize Gaza City – Part 2

This column continues from yesterday’s piece, which offered background details on the…
Masked looters caught on camera trashing Florida store, stealing clothes

Masked Thieves Captured on Video Vandalizing and Looting Florida Clothing Store

Police in Florida are searching for two men caught on camera destroying…
Prosecutors plan to 'dirty up' Kirk suspect Tyler Robinson to sway jury toward death penalty: fmr US atty

Former US Attorney Claims Prosecutors Aim to Tarnish Tyler Robinson’s Image to Influence Jury Toward Death Penalty

Tyler Robinson’s motive for why he allegedly assassinated TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk…
Trial begins for men accused in 13-year-old Prince Holland's murder

Court Proceedings Start for Suspects in the Murder Case of 13-Year-Old Prince Holland

Opening statements in the trial of two men accused of killing 13-year-old…
Ex-NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez stabbed multiple times in altercation leading to charges against him

Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Injured in Stabbing Incident; Charges Filed Against Suspect

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ex-NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez encountered a late-night conflict with…
Thousands participate in Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K to raise money for Friends of Burr, benefitting Burr Elementary School

Thousands Join in Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K to Support Friends of Burr and Benefit Burr Elementary School

More than 4,000 runners of all agility levels took over the streets…
Ex-Soros Fund manager’s assistant lived lavishly while luring women for abuse in sex ‘dungeon’: prosecutors

Former Soros Fund Manager’s Assistant Accused of Living Luxuriously While Coercing Women for Abuse in Secret Sex ‘Dungeon’: Prosecutors

Disgraced financier Howard Rubin’s former personal assistant is alleged to have lived…
Portland police chief touts 'crowd support' approach as ICE facility faces ongoing violence

Portland Police Chief Promotes ‘Community Support’ Strategy Amid Continued Unrest at ICE Facility

Portland Police Chief Bob Day supported the department’s new strategies and their…
Portland police sergeant appears to criticize assault victims for antagonizing anti-ICE protesters

Portland Police Sergeant Allegedly Blames Assault Victims for Provoking Anti-ICE Protesters

An email from a Portland police sergeant seemed to critique three individuals…