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Press Release: August 2023

First Responder Support Appoints Esteemed Leaders to Board of Trustees & Advisory Panel

[Columbia, MO] – First Responder Support is delighted to announce the addition of recently retired Columbia Police Geoff Jones and Adam Burks, an esteemed first responder and valued member of the First Responder Support Advisory Panel, to its distinguished Board of Trustees. Joining them on the Advisory Panel will be Valerie Sisson, the esteemed Director of the Vet Center in Columbia, MO, and a committed board member of Phoenix Programs.

First Responder Support is a pioneering organization dedicated to bolstering the well-being and mental health of first responders who selflessly serve our communities. The Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic initiatives and furthering its mission of providing crucial support to these brave men and women who safeguard and save lives every day.

Geoff Jones has been a pillar of the Columbia Police Department, exemplifying dedication, leadership, and a passion for community-oriented policing throughout his distinguished career. With a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, Geoff Jones will be a driving force on the Board of Trustees, working to create an environment that prioritizes the welfare of all first responders.

Adam Burks, Safety & Facilities Manager at MidwayUSA and volunteer Boone County Firefighter, has been a steadfast advocate for first responders’ mental health. His exceptional contributions as a member of the First Responder Support Advisory Panel have showcased his dedication to enhancing the resources available to those who devote their lives to emergency services.

Valerie Sisson, an esteemed leader at the Vet Center in Columbia, MO, has been an unwavering champion for the well-being of veterans and first responders alike. Her unwavering commitment to community care and her role as a Board Member with Phoenix Programs have had a profound impact on those she serves.
The addition of Geoff Jones, Adam Burks, and Valerie Sisson to the Board of Trustees and Advisory Panel marks a transformative chapter for First Responder Support. Their collective expertise, unwavering passion, and commitment to service will undoubtedly strengthen the organization’s ability to affect positive change in the lives of first responders.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Geoff Jones, Adam Burks, and Valerie Sisson to our esteemed Board of Trustees and Advisory Panel,” expressed Johnny Wingate, Board President of First Responder Support. “Their diverse backgrounds and profound understanding of the challenges faced by first responders will prove invaluable in shaping our strategies and initiatives to provide the best possible support for our everyday heroes.”

As we look to the future, First Responder Support is steadfast in its dedication to expanding its reach, enhancing its services, and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health support for first responders. The organization firmly believes that every first responder should have access to the care they deserve, and the involvement of Geoff Jones, Adam Burks, and Valerie Sisson will play a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rick Rowden
First Responder Support
https://firstrespondersupport.net
Email: rrowden@firstrespopndersupport.net
Phone: 573-268-6026

Geoff Jones (Board of Trustees)
Adam Burks (Board of Trustees)
Valerie Sisson (Advisory Panel)
All first responders do noble work, and all of them deserve our respect and our appreciation.– William Barr

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