A newly formed non-profit is giving back to the state’s first responders.
Titled ‘First Responders of Mississippi (FROM)’, the organization was founded by retired Lt. Colonel Joseph Rigby and his wife Ruth Ann.
Rigby served on the Mississippi Highway Patrol force for 29 years and has over 30 years of experience as a first responder. With that experience, he knows what first responders go through, and he looks forward to giving back.
“As a first responder myself with over 34 years of service, I have seen first-hand the needs that exist for first responder organizations, members, and their families. I am confident FROM can provide necessary resources to meet these needs,” Rigby said.
According to their website, FROM will focus on five areas as they attempt to aid first responders coping with a wide variety of events that occur in the line of duty.
“We realize that families and organizations have needs that are equal in size and scope. When a First Responder experiences a critical incident, their home-family and their work-family forever changes. For this reason, it is important that FROM include support and resources for all involved parties. It could be an officer or firefighter that is struggling with family issues; a child experiencing behavioral or health-related challenges; or LEOs or their families faced with addiction issues. FROM is here to help you.” – FROM
The organization’s mission statement reflects their goals by saying “our mission is to provide services for First Responders in their greatest time of need. Resources can be provided to individuals, families or organizations.”
The specific areas of focus for FROM include:
- Life-Saving Equipment
- Behavioral Health & Prevention Education
- Training
- Behavioral Health Referrals, including Trauma & Addiction-Related issues
- Disaster Relief for First Responders
State Treasurer Lynn Fitch serves on the board of the organization and recognizes the opportunity they have to provide real aid for those who put their lives on the line each day.
“These people are out there, and they are giving,” Fitch said. “They believe in our state, their communities, and they rush to danger when we’re all running the other way. They are stepping up time and time again, and so this is an opportunity for us to support them and give back to them.”
To learn more about the organization, visit their website. – firstrespondersofms.com.
