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 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.
