Manatee County Government Designated as Veteran Safe Place
Manatee County, FL – Manatee County Government has been officially designated as a Veteran Safe Place, recognizing the efforts of its employees who completed specialized training to support veterans in crisis. The training, known as “Watch Stander,” was facilitated by The Fire Watch and equips team members to identify signs of suicidal trauma in veterans and connect them with critical support services.
Employees from Community & Veterans Services, Human Resources, and Code Enforcement participated in the program, which emphasizes early intervention and conversation to assist veterans in need. The initiative underscores the County’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by veterans and fostering a supportive community.
Commissioner Bearden, along with members of the executive leadership team, attended the certification ceremony to show their support for the program and encourage additional employees to participate in future training sessions.
The Fire Watch, a regional effort to prevent veteran suicide, partners with local organizations to establish Veteran Safe Places and provide resources for at-risk individuals. More information about the program is available at The Fire Watchwebsite.