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
Two soldiers carrying rifles walk across a metal bridge.

Travis Decker’s Missing Days Numbered as Experts Warn Fugitive Dad’s Options to Remain Hidden Are Dwindling

According to experts, Travis Decker, who is accused of child murder, would…
2025 Saturn retrograde in Aries, Pisces: Zodiac signs most affected

Zodiac Signs Most Influenced by the 2025 Saturn Retrograde in Aries and Pisces

Gather round, folks — formative, punishing daddy planet Saturn, AKA the true lord…
Trump wants mass deportations, but US views of immigration are more positive since he took office

Trump Advocates for Mass Deportations, Yet American Opinions on Immigration Have Grown More Favorable Since His Presidency

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mere months after President Donald Trump’s return to office…
Tragedy strikes at popular national park as climber meets fatal end on mountain

Climber’s Life Tragically Lost in Popular National Park Accident

A rock climbing outing turned fatal for one National Park visitor after…
LA Mayor Karen Bass signs order to provide cash payments to immigrants affected by ICE raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Implements Order for Cash Assistance to Immigrants Impacted by ICE Raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has enacted an executive order aimed at…
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign persona called into question by vote to give himself raise: critics

Critics Question Zohran Mamdani’s Authenticity After He Votes for His Own Pay Raise

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani approved a significant increase in his state…
QB Jake Retzlaff breaks silence on leaving BYU after rape accusation

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Speaks Out on Departure from BYU Following Rape Allegations

Jake Retzlaff, a former BYU quarterback, addressed his departure from the university…
Damage to the Delaware Memorial Bridge after a tractor-trailer crash.

Latest on the Delaware Memorial Bridge Incident: Tractor-Trailer Crosses 3 Lanes, Breaks Barrier, and Plunges into Water

A MASSIVE rescue operation is underway after a tractor trailer cab crashed…
The Broadway Butterfly, the Lady Gangster of the Jazz Age, flew too close to the lights

The Broadway Butterfly: The Jazz Age’s Notorious Lady Gangster Who Flew Too Close to Fame

NEW YORK — Vivian Gordon, often referred to as the Broadway Butterfly,…
UK man indicted in alleged $99M wine fraud scheme that left investors high and dry

UK Man Charged in $99 Million Wine Scam, Leaving Investors Empty-Handed

A man from the United Kingdom was arraigned Friday in Brooklyn federal…

22-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Murdered by Online Acquaintance After Expressing Friendship Intentions; ‘Gruesome Scene’ Discovered

A 22-year-old woman reportedly told a man that she wasn’t interested in…
'Freakier Friday': Behind-the-scenes look at Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on set of the new Disney sequel

‘Freaky Friday’ Sequel: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on the Disney Set

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to the…