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TAMPA, Fla. — According to the Florida Department of Health, the suicide rate among first responders is over double that of working-age Floridians.
A family in Manatee County is mourning the loss of their loved one, who took their own life in 2015, and has dedicated themselves to supporting the mental health of law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Heath Perry and his mother, Kathy Perry, established Lt. Joe Perry Lives, LLC in honor of their late brother and son, aiming to aid those in service.
One of the initiatives supported by the non-profit is Lt. Perry’s Place. The family believes that offering a judgment-free environment for first responders to retreat to after work—particularly during late hours when other venues are closed—can help them relax and connect after demanding shifts.
“This is a space where they can talk about their day at three in the morning when they get off work,” stated Heath. “They can share their experiences, whether it’s a car accident, a shooting, or any other traumatic event, allowing them to vent and decompress.”
Additionally, they can access stress-relief outlets 24/7, 365 days a year. Lt. Perry’s Place is provided free of charge to first responders.
The facility features:
Recreation rooms with a pool table, vintage video games, air hockey, and foosball
Music room
Common area
Kitchenette
Gym/CrossFit sections
Complimentary counseling
Lt. Perry served with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for over twenty years. For Heath, he was more than just a brother.
“Joseph and I were extremely close; we fished and did everything together,” Heath reminisced.
Heath aims to extend that bond to Joe’s fellow first responders by providing a focus on mental wellness, facilitating connection and healing.
“It took me a decade to come to terms with this, and this space is dedicated to him,” expressed Heath.
“If my mother and I, along with our community, can prevent even one family from experiencing what we did, it will be worth it.”
The Manatee County location is the inaugural Lt. Perry’s Place, with Heath aspiring to establish locations in every county in Florida and eventually nationwide.
If you or someone you know is facing struggles, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline is available at 988.
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