The FRCE and I have been receiving many questions about our upcoming symposium, which is encouraging; it means people are interested. To address as many of them as possible, I have created this article. But first, to answer four of the most common questions I have been asked: yes, I will have my glove for a catch at the optional Field of Dreams tour; yes, I hope to throw a touchdown pass on the football field during the opening reception; yes, there will be two limited-edition challenge coins associated with this event, and yes, Dena Ali will be speaking at various points throughout the symposium.

We at the FRCE, along with our partner, the University of Iowa, are proud to present the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium. This will be a national gathering dedicated to advancing mental health, resilience, and well-being across the fire service and the broader first-responder community. This event will build on last year’s Nashville event and promises to be even better.

Taking place May 31-June 3, 2026, at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City, Iowa, this symposium will bring together leading clinicians, researchers, fire service leaders, and peer-support practitioners to explore the evolving science, strategies, and real-world solutions that support mental wellness in high-stress professions.

At a time when first responders continue to face increasing operational demands, cumulative stress exposure, and the long-term effects of trauma, the need for practical, evidence-based, and culturally competent mental health strategies has never been greater. This symposium is designed to meet that moment, offering education, connection, and actionable tools that departments and individuals can implement immediately.

A Collaborative Approach to Mental Health and Resilience

The Mental Wellness Symposium reflects a shared commitment by the FRCE and the University of Iowa to elevate mental wellness as a core component of operational readiness and firefighter safety. By combining academic research, clinical expertise, and real-world fire service experience, the symposium creates a space where science meets practice.

Participants will engage in dynamic sessions focused on:

  • Suicide prevention and postvention
  • Trauma-informed care and resilience building
  • Peer support models and crisis response
  • Leadership strategies for cultural change (leadership matters!)
  • Family and relationship support
  • Occupational stress, burnout, and recovery

The goal is to raise awareness, but more importantly, to equip attendees with concrete strategies to strengthen individual resilience, improve organizational culture, and build sustainable mental wellness programs.

An Exceptional Lineup of Speakers

This year’s symposium features an outstanding roster of nationally recognized experts and fire service leaders, including:

  • Craig J. Bryan, PsyD, ABPP – Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Suicide Care Clinic, University of Vermont
  • Dr. Brooke Bartlett, PhD – CEO and Owner, Center for Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress, Inc.
  • Aaron Back – Co-founder of NCLEAP and manages the Peer Teams and Post Critical Incident Seminars
  • Suzy Bird Gulliver, PhD – Director, Warriors Research Institute; Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Kellie O’Dare, PhD, MSW, MPA – Founder and Executive Director, 2nd Alarm Project
  • Zlatan Krizan, PhD – Sleep-Fatigue Specialist at IntelAwake, LLC; Professor of Psychology at Iowa State University
  • Joel M. Billings, PhD – Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Frank Leto – Retired FDNY Captain; Deputy Director, FDNY Counseling Service Unit
  • Melissa Lawlor – Fire Commissioner; Certified Nurse Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Brandon Dreiman, JD, CPRC – Retired Fire Captain; IAFF Peer Support and Resilience Master Instructor
  • Chief Manuel Almaguer – Assistant Chief, Denver Fire Department
  • Josh Baltz and JETHRO – Captain, Wilmington Fire Department; Founders, K9 Crisis Response Program
  • Nick Shepard (Shep) – Lieutenant, Wilmington Fire Department; Founder, Perspective Appreciation Forum
  • Jim Burneka Jr. – Retired Firefighter/Paramedic, Dayton Fire Department
  • Margaret Riback, LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Spouse of a First Responder
  • Kory Pearn – Fire Captain; Founder and Editor-in-Chief, CRACKYL Magazine
  • Jeff Orrange – Lieutenant, Orlando Fire Department
  • Brandon Cory – Firefighter; Vice President, Great Lakes HOT; Michigan State Lead Advocate, NFFF
  • Bonnie C. Rumilly, LCSW, EMT-B – Clinical Director, Fairfield County Trauma Response Team; Host, Responder Resilience
  • David Dachinger – Retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT; Producer and Host, Responder Resilience

Together, these presenters bring depth, perspective, and credibility, offering attendees a truly comprehensive learning experience.

Education, Connection, and Community

In addition to the amazing lineup of speakers during the day, we understand how important social events are for connecting with other attendees who often share similar concerns and challenges. It is also an opportunity to connect with our speakers. Special events include:

  • Opening Reception at Kinnick Stadium – featuring networking, stadium tours, and a group photo on the field
  • Welcome Reception at Walker Homestead Winery or the Iowa City Beer Mafia Tour and Tasting – providing opportunities to relax, connect, and build lasting professional relationships
  • Vendor Happy Hour – showcasing innovative tools, resources, and services that support first responder mental health
  • Optional Field of Dreams Tour – offering a memorable experience at one of America’s most iconic locations

These events foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and connection — essential elements in strengthening resilience across the profession.

Registration and Logistics

Registration:
The price to register is $400, which includes full conference access, special events, breakfast and lunch, and vendor exhibits.

Location:
Iowa Memorial Union
125 N. Madison St.
Iowa City, IA 52245

Travel:
Fly into Cedar Rapids Airport (CID), approximately 15–20 minutes from campus.

A wide range of lodging options is available, including hotels and on-campus housing, with discounted group rates.

A Commitment to Action

The 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium is more than a conference. It is a call to action. By bringing together leaders, clinicians, researchers, and firefighters, the FRCE continues its mission to reduce occupational illness, injury, and death by addressing mental wellness as a fundamental element of firefighter health and operational excellence.

This symposium reinforces that mental wellness is integral to performance.

We invite fire service leaders, clinicians, peer support members, behavioral health professionals, and first responders from across the country to join us in Iowa City and be part of the conversation.

Together, we can build healthier firefighters, stronger organizations, and more resilient communities.

For more information visit:

We are stronger together!