The Lt Edward L. Sherwood, III Memorial Fund Underwrites Suicide Awareness and Prevention Services for Frontline First Responders of Fayette County Georgia and Surrounding Communities Through World Class Intervention Training for Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Dispatchers, and Emergency Medical Personnel.
A LIFE WELL LIVED. Ed was a 15-year veteran of Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services, a faithful loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend to many. As a well-liked, and high-performing firefighter and paramedic, Ed was working hard to reach the rank of Captain. He was also an airborne infantry combat veteran of Afghanistan serving eight years with the Georgia National Guard.
HIS YOUNG LIFE. Ed grew up in a loving family, attended schools in Fayette County, played Little League baseball, advanced from Cub Scout to Eagle Scout, and played trumpet in his high school band. He was also active in church most of his life, making a profession of faith at an early age.
AN UNFORSEEN DEATH. Tragically, over the years, unresolved stresses mounted in his personal and professional life. Ed ended his life at age thirty-six in 2019. His death was a tremendous shock to friends, work associates, his family, and seven-year-old son, who loved him dearly.
IS PREVENTION POSSIBLE? At Stop Suicide USA our experience in conducting more than 2,000 successful suicide interventions demonstrates that intervention saves lives. Additionally, extensive university and government research bears this out. Ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference for those who are hurting. The Sherwood Memorial Fund exists for this purpose - to train people to save people!
Numerous studies of First Responders confirm these positions have a higher and disproportionate rate of suicide ideation, attempts and deaths due to prolonged stress. Effective suicide awareness and prevention training considerably reduces this risk.
We are grateful that personnel from more than 500 First Responder agencies have participated in Stop Suicide USA's Intervene Challenge, yet our primary mission remains our home of Fayette County and our neighbor counties. Together we can be a beacon of hope guiding those at risk to safe harbor in the Southern Crescent.
Within two months of Ed's passing 87 members of the Fayette County Fire Department participated in the Intervene Challenge. On going training is the key to maintaining skills. Making the training available to all first responders and new recruits will insure our community has a strong network of care that strengthens the culture of health for our first responders and those they serve.
Learn more about the training
Your Support Makes a Difference!
"Two hours after the training I was sharing with a 23 year old female at risk of suicide. It was as if you were standing there whispering in my ear. Thank you for this incredible training." Eric Furey EMT Peachtree City Fire and Rescue
"Through the Intervene Challenge thousands of caring individuals have gained the skills to courageously intervene for those at risk. I invite you to do the same. Take the Intervene Challenge." Actor Kevin Sorbo
"The Air Force tells us to do something about suicide. The Intervene Challenge shows us how." Brigadier General Akshai Gandhi Chief of Staff SC Air National Guard
"The Intervene Challenge is the movement and Listen Learn Lead is the model that is raising an army of caregivers to be the bridge of hope for thousands that thought all hope was gone." Sgt Kevin Briggs Author of Guardian of the Golden Gate
"I had the 101st Airborne to take this training. It's that good." Lt General Hubert Smith (Former Commander 101st Airborne)
"The L3 model works and now hundreds of Police Chiefs and thousands of officers have honed the skills that are essential to helping Veterans and all people in crisis." - Police Chief Janet Moon, Past President Georgia Chiefs Assoc.
"I appreciated the straightforward, realistic, “no psychobabble” approach in this workshop, and the focus on how as a community we can do something NOW to reduce suicides!" Jill Hastings Storer, PhD
If you prefer to give by check? Make payable to SSUSA. In the memo section of check be sure to write: Sherwood Fund. Mail to SSUSA PO BOX 1101 Tyrone GA 30290
Armed Forces Mission (dba as Stop Suicide USA) is a 501c3 not for profit with a GuideStar Platinum Rating
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