


Presents:
2025 First Responder Wellness Conference
First Responder Wellness Conference
September 17-19 2025
Hilton Garden Inn
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
2025 Conference Sponsors


Registration Fee:
Regular Ticket- $199.00
Retiree Ticket- $50.00
Significant Other- $50.00
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Attendance Options
Track A- General Conference Topics
Track B - Keynote Presentation with Basic Peer Support Training
Significant Others- Thursday Only Relationship Covered Topics​
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NEW ITEMS and HIGHLIGHTS THIS YEAR
-Basic Peer Support Training Option
-Free Massages for Attendees
-Free EMDR Sessions for Attendees
-Reduced Fee for Significant Others
-Social Evening
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A limited number of scholarships are available for free attendance at the conference. Email contact@peersupportfoundation.org for more information.
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Location
Hilton Garden Inn
205 S 64th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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Special room rates of $119/night are available.
Rooms are limited. Click the following link to make your hotel reservation.
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First Responder Wellness Conference
The conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Des Moines Iowa on September 19-19, 2025. The conference will include topics and information related to first responder wellness, trauma, and peer support.
Goal
The Peer Support Foundation is committed to proactively addressing the stressors that can occur throughout the lives of first responders and their families.
Who Should Attend?
The First Responder Wellness Conference attracts a large number of guests. Our 2023 Peer Support Conference had almost 300 attendees. The conference participants include:
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Administrators
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Chaplains
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Civilian Personnel
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Correction Officers
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EMS
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Fire Chiefs
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Fire Fighters
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First Responder Families
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First Responder Supporters
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Human Resources
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Law Enforcement Officers
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Mental Health Clinicians
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Peer Support Personnel
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Police Chiefs
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Sheriffs
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Training Specialists

Keynote Speaker
Ret. Sgt. Kevin Briggs

We're thrilled to announce that Sgt. Kevin Briggs, renowned as the "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge," will be our keynote speaker for the 2025 First Responder Wellness Conference in West Des Moines, Iowa!
Join us for another impactful conference featuring new speakers and vital topics designed to empower first responders and peer support personnel.
Enhance your wellness strategies and peer support skills with insights from Sgt. Briggs and other leading experts.
Mark your calendars for an event dedicated to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
2025 First Responder Wellness Conference Schedule of Events
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TRACK A
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
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0700-0800 Registration/Vendor Setup
0800-0815 Welcome/Introductions/Opening Ceremony
0815-0945 Keynote - Ret. Sgt. Kevin Briggs, California Highway Patrol
1000-1200 Training Block
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1430 Ben Pearson- Chateau Health and Wellness
1500-1600 Michael Ziegwart- Yoga/Wellness
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Thursday, September 18, 2025
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0800-0815 Morning announcements
0815-1030 Sheila Russell, Frontline Therapy
1100-1200 Joel Hall—Financial Wellness
1200-1300 Lunch - Provided by the Peer Support Foundation
1300-1400 Jeremy Sprague- Post Traumatic Growth
1415-1600 Justin Smith, Crisis K9's of the Midlands
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Friday, September 19, 2025
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0800-0815 Morning announcements
0815-0915 Aaron Grave- Impatch Iowa “Better Marriage Makes Better Heroes.”
0930-1030 Training Block
1045-1200 Training Block
1200-1300 Lunch - Provided by the Peer Support Foundation
1215-1300 Awards/ Raffle
1300-1400 Board Meeting
End of Conference
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TRACK B
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
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0700-0800 Registration/Vendor Setup
0800-0815 Welcome/Introductions/Opening Ceremony
0815-0945 Keynote - Ret. Sgt. Kevin Briggs, California Highway Patrol
1000-1200 Basic Peer Support Training
1200-1300 Lunch - Provided by the Peer Support Foundation
1300-1600 Basic Peer Support Training
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Thursday, September 18, 2025
0800-1200 Basic Peer Support Training
1200-1300 Lunch - Provided by the Peer Support Foundation
1300-1600 Basic Peer Support Training
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Friday, September 19, 2025
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0800-1200 Basic Peer Support Training
1200-1300 Lunch - Provided by the Peer Support Foundation
1230-1300 Awards/ Raffle
1300-1400 Board Meeting
End of Conference
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Conference Presentations
Local and National Experts in the First Responder Wellness Field
The following presenters and their topics are listed below.