First responders continuously face the impacts of stressful and traumatic events.

With the support of County Executive Sue Serino, Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Commissioner Dana Smith has appointed our own Pleasant Valley Fire District Commissioner Melissa Lawlor to the position of Deputy Coordinator for First Responder Health & Wellness.

As a newly created volunteer position within Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, the Deputy Coordinator for First Responder Health and Wellness is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive health and wellness programs tailored to the unique needs of first responders, including fire, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and dispatch personnel.

The objective of this position is to prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the county's first responders, fostering a culture of support and resilience. This position is also responsible for reimagining and re-establishing Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response's Critical Incident Response Team and developing a robust peer support network.

Melissa brings an extensive wealth of experience to this position. Melissa has thirty years experience as a volunteer in Pleasant Valley Fire District, as a firefighter and EMT, in addition to being a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife.

Nationally recognized, she contributes her expertise to a task force focused on Firefighter Health and Wellness and she lectures at conferences across the country.

Melissa's unique background qualifies her to champion the health and well-being of all our Dutchess County first responders.

Congratulations Deputy Coordinator!