Community Corner
Former Law Enforcement Officer Shares Why First Responders Must Prioritize Mental Health
A former assistant police chief at USFPD, Meg Ross draws from decades of service to help first responders find strength in seeking support.
Whether it’s serving as a military officer or stepping up as a first responder, it takes a rare combination of dedication, resilience and heart to take on these roles. And for many of these individuals, that same drive carries over into life beyond the badge.
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First Responder Hope Line ambassador Meg Ross has dedicated her life to protecting others — first as a law enforcement officer and now as an outspoken advocate for first responder mental health. After serving 33 years with the University of South Florida Police Department and retiring as assistant chief, Ross now works to break the stigma that too often keeps first responders from seeking help when they need it most.
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In her January appearance on the Street Tales podcast, Ross drew from her decades in uniform to share her own experiences and highlight the urgent need for accessible, confidential mental health resources. She points to troubling statistics: first responders die by suicide more often than they’re killed in the line of duty, with PTSD and depression rates far higher than the general population (figures Ross shared with ABC Action News). Through the First Responder Hope Line — a service that fielded over 1,300 calls in 2024 alone — Ross is dedicated to ensuring help is only a phone call away.
From speaking publicly about the realities of life behind the badge to encouraging her peers to reach out without fear, Meg Ross stands as a powerful voice for change. “It makes them stronger when [first responders] reach out for help,” she says — a message she hopes will continue to save lives.
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Want to know more? Listen to Ross’s full conversation on the Street Tales podcast and learn how the First Responder Hope Line program is helping protect those who protect us.
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