Code Forty4

08/20/2026

Fun event for Hancock County, Findlay OH First Responder Community !!

We are proud to announce we are having a FREE performance for First Responders and their families of Come From Away on September 10 at 7:00 PM in R. L. Heminger Auditorium.
This performance is presented through the generous support of the Findlay/Hancock County Community Foundation's Judge Allan H. Davis fund.

08/18/2026

POP QUIZ… and no Googling or asking AI.

Do you know what metabolic health is?

Maybe a better question: Do you know what it could have to do with the mental health and wellness of your first responder?

I’ll admit, when I first heard the term, I wasn’t sure either.

But what if what’s happening inside the body could be influencing energy, sleep, stress response, mood, and the ability to recover?

We’re digging into metabolic health and why first responders and their families may want to understand it.

New Code Forty4 episode dropping next week!

Until then… tell me in the comments: What do YOU think metabolic health means? No cheating!

08/18/2026

“We have to reach out and take care of one another”

Our prayers are with Sgt Griffin’s family, friends and the Manatee Sheriff’s Office.

When someone is silently suffering, there are still clues that can help us recognize that they might need help. Please reach out and connect with a first responder today.
Recognize
Respond
Support

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Corey Griffin of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

End of Watch: August 16, 2026

Words cannot even begin to express the sorrow we feel for Sergeant Griffin’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Manatee County Sheriff’s Office family. There are simply no words adequate enough to ease the pain of losing a loved one, friend, partner, mentor, or brother in public safety.

Sergeant Griffin dedicated himself to serving and protecting others. Today, we honor that service, remember the life behind the badge, and stand beside all those who are grieving this tremendous loss.

This tragedy is also a painful reminder of something we cannot afford to ignore: we have to take care of one another.

In public safety, we are accustomed to being the ones people call on their worst days. We are expected to remain calm when everything around us is falling apart. We see things that are difficult to explain to those outside of this profession, and too often we convince ourselves that we simply have to carry those experiences with us.

But sometimes, even the people who appear to be the strongest are fighting battles we cannot see.

Reach out to one another. Check on your partners. Check on the coworker who always seems strong. Check on the person who is always making everyone else laugh. Ask twice when someone says, “I’m fine.” And when someone reaches out, listen without judgment.

We need to create a culture where asking for help is met with the same support we would give someone standing beside us on the worst call of their career. Be there for each other. Make the phone call. Send the text. Sit with someone. Listen. Remind them that they do not have to carry everything alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. You can also use the 988 Lifeline online chat.

To Sergeant Griffin’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: our hearts are with you. We grieve with you, we stand beside you, and we will keep Sergeant Griffin’s memory and service close to our hearts.

Rest easy, Sergeant Griffin. Thank you for your service to Manatee County.

End of Watch: 08/16/2026
Gone, but never forgotten.

08/16/2026

Our hearts are heavy with another law enforcement officer death by su***de. Our prayers for the family, friends and the Michigan State Police.

In honor of his life, I encourage you to randomly reach out to a LEO and let them know you see them and you care. Struggles are sometimes silent and reaching out can save a life.

Michigan State Police lost one of their own.

Michigan State Trooper Mitchell Budnick
MOUNT PLEASANT POST #63

Days like this are never easy. Behind every badge is a person, a family, and a human being who may be carrying struggles that others never see.

It’s a heartbreaking reminder that we never truly know what someone is going through or what battles they may be facing mentally, physically, or emotionally.

Please keep the trooper’s family, friends, fellow MSP members, and everyone who knew them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 💙

08/15/2026

Stopping the stigma starts with first responders sharing their stories…. I was moved by Capt Meyers sharing his story to help others. Being vulnerable is tough but it can save lives. ❤️

A police captain shares his journey through PTSD, addiction, and recovery after a fatal incident, breaking the stigma around mental health.

08/10/2026

Code Forty4 is honored to be a sponsor of the 5K Foot Pursuit, supporting su***de prevention and the incredible Peer Support Team serving our community and our first responders.

The truth about su***de is that we often don't know when someone is silently struggling or when those struggles begin to turn into hopelessness.

That's why awareness matters! Grab a friend (or two), register for the 5K, and join us as we continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
***dePrevention

Join us September 20, 2026 - Registration link in comments!

07/31/2026

Do it! If not for you, do it for your family!!! You won’t regret it!

What would you do if a fellow first responder were in a life or death situation? You would risk your life to help them every time. What are you willing to do for yourself and your family when you are struggling?
We are now registering for our 25th, confidential, expense free retreat. Come get the healing you and your family deserve, free of cost. Register today!

07/29/2026

Honored to speak this morning at Findlay Morning Rotary and share the mission of Code Forty4.

Every opportunity to talk about first responder mental health is an opportunity to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and remind our community that behind every badge is a human being... and behind every first responder is a family who serves alongside them.

Real change happens when communities choose to have these conversations before a crisis, not after one.

Thank you to Findlay Morning Rotary for creating space for this important discussion and for your commitment to supporting those who serve our communities every day.

Together, we can help first responders and their families recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and know they never have to walk this journey alone.

(correction to a small typo on their post, Codeforty4 was established in 2025, not 2020 :-) )

06/19/2026

Yes! Let’s GO, OHIO!!! 👏 👏 👏

(WTOL-11) - A new Ohio measure aimed at helping first responders address post-traumatic stress is closer to becoming law. The legislation would create a commission to help cover treatment costs for firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel dealing with mental health injuries. Suppo...