Joe Perry Lives Inc. to Close Following Death of Founder Heath Perry
Joe Perry Lives Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to first responder mental and physical wellness, has announced it is closing its doors following the death of its founder, Heath Perry. The decision comes just weeks after the organization marked a major milestone with the grand opening of Lt. Perry’s Place in Bradenton.
Perry founded the organization in memory of his brother, Lt. Joseph Perry, a law enforcement officer whose death in 2015 became part of a growing national crisis of suicide within the profession. At the time, more than 100 law enforcement suicides were reported nationwide that year. Perry’s goal was clear: prevent other families from experiencing the same loss by creating proactive, accessible support for first responders.
That mission took physical form with Lt. Perry’s Place, a free recreational and peer-support space serving first responders in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Designed as a normal place after normal hours, the 2,500-square-foot facility offered 24/7 access via key-card entry and included fitness equipment, game tables, arcade machines, writing and quiet spaces, a music room, and a kitchen. The space emphasized connection, decompression, and simply being human in a profession that often carries constant stress.
In January, Joe Perry Lives hosted a grand opening and open house at the facility on Manatee Avenue East. First responders, families, and community supporters gathered to tour the space and learn about the mission. The event celebrated a vision Perry had worked for years to bring to life.
Following Perry’s passing, the organization announced it will cease operations effective immediately. Leaders described the decision as heartbreaking but necessary as they grieve the loss of the mission’s founder and guiding light. Perry was widely known for his selfless advocacy, often putting others first while working to reduce stigma around mental health and expand peer-based support for those who serve.
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Joe Perry Lives Inc. was built on the belief that early support, connection, and safe spaces can save lives. Perry often spoke of his hope to one day see a Lt. Perry’s Place in every one of Florida's 67 counties, ensuring that first responders everywhere have access to judgment-free support.
The announcement also reiterated the importance of seeking help. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis is encouraged to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
As Joe Perry Lives closes, the organization’s legacy remains in the conversations it sparked, the stigma it challenged, and the community it built around caring for those who protect others. Supporters are encouraged to honor Heath Perry’s life and his brother’s memory by checking in on one another and continuing to prioritize first responder wellness.
