📅 April 23, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
What this webinar is about
This webinar provides a clear, practical guide for first responder agencies to
understand, build, and implement effective peer support teams,
with support from the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program.
Continuing Education (CE) – This webinar is approved for the following:
- EMS: 1.5 Preparatory CE Credit. Approved by the MDHHS BETP (approval number: 26-ICE-17087)
- 911 Telecommunications: 1 CE Credit Approved by MiSNAP (approval number: FST2026-6319)
The FST5 Program is diligently working toward continuing education credits for law enforcement, corrections, and the fire service.
Presenters:
Mike Mattern — Firefighter-paramedic, EMS I/C and peer support team expert; Mike Wierenga — Retired law enforcement officer and co-founder of 2 the Rescue; Jim Peyton — Former Firefighter-Paramedic, FST5 Call Center Manager; Scott Taylor — FST5 Lead Support Specialist, Retired Law Enforcement; Ryan Fessenden — FST5 Administrative Coordinator, Retired 911 Dispatcher; Geoff Lassers — Firefighter-paramedic, EMS I/C and content creator.
Learning objectives:
- Provide an overview of what Frontline Strong Together (FST5) is, including why it was
created and the mental and behavioral health needs it was designed to address for
Michigan first responders and their families. - Describe what a peer support team is and the role it plays in supporting first responders.
- Differentiate peer support teams from Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams.
- Describe how peer support teams and CISM teams complement one another.
- Describe the role of confidentiality in peer support programs.
- Identify the training required for peer support team members.
- Describe how departments can select peer support team members and collaborate with
clinicians. - Appreciate the importance of self-care for peer support team members.
- Describe how agencies can introduce and implement a peer support team within their
department.
Continuing Education (CE) – This webinar is approved for the following: - EMS: 1.5 Preparatory CE Credit. Approved by the MDHHS BETP (approval number: 26-ICE-17087)
- 911 Telecommunications: 1 CE Credit Approved by MiSNAP (approval number: FST2026-6319)
- The FST5 Program is diligently working toward continuing education credits for law enforcement,
corrections, and the fire service.
