Wellness & Resiliency for First Responders
Tactical strategies for lasting stress recovery and resilience
Wellness & Resiliency for First Responders
Tactical strategies for lasting stress recovery and resilience
Empowering First Responders
Wellness Workshops
Our wellness workshops are specifically crafted to support first responders in suicide prevention by equipping them with essential tools to manage stress and enhance mental wellness. First Responders experienced a 37.8% increase in hope after attending our workshop. We emphasize practical strategies for post traumatic stress and resiliency training, ensuring that every participant leaves with actionable insights. 8 hours of TCOLE credits are available. Get Started: Scroll down to EVENTS for upcoming workshops or call 469-232-7894 to schedule private department training.
Peer Support Leadership Training
Our training provides peer support personnel with comprehensive knowledge of post-traumatic stress, skills to facilitate supportive conversations, and tools specifically designed for first responder suicide prevention in crisis situations. Learn effective techniques to manage personal stress and enhance overall well-being through resiliency training. TCOLE credits available. Get Started: Scroll down to EVENTS for upcoming sessions or call 469-232-7894 to schedule private department training.
Who We Are
Our History
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
John Salerno, Co-Founder
A Badge of Honor was founded in 2019 by Samantha Horwitz and John Salerno, two 9/11 first responders driven by a shared passion to redefine how we perceive challenges and build resilience. In 2020, John Edmonson and Jeff Freeman joined the team, expanding our commitment to first responder suicide prevention. Our team is united by the belief that struggles are opportunities for growth, and we focus on providing resiliency training tailored for those who serve. A Badge of Honor is dedicated to empowering first responders with practical tools for managing post-traumatic stress, stress relief, and resilience building. Since its inception, we have served more than 500 first responders, becoming a vital source of support and inspiring them to embrace their challenges as symbols of strength, wearing them as a badge of honor.
John Salerno, Co-Founder
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
John Salerno, Co-Founder
John Salerno, a 9/11 First Responder and retired NYPD Detective, known as "The Comedy Cop" and host of A Badge of Honor TV and the 99% Radio Network, is a passionate advocate for first responder suicide prevention. As a retired volunteer fire chief and EMT from Long Island, he served as a detective in Brooklyn. Diagnosed with post traumatic stress, John emphasizes the importance of resiliency training for first responders, raising awareness about the suicide epidemic while promoting positive stories that inspire change.
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
Sam, a 9/11 First Responder and former United States Secret Service Agent, holds a B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law. An expert in post-traumatic stress (PTS) and resiliency training, she speaks nationally to diverse audiences on recognizing and managing PTS, reducing workplace stress, and supporting those affected, particularly focusing on first responder suicide prevention. Featured in People Magazine, FOX, ABC, CBS, and Blaze TV, Sam authored The Silent Fall: A Secret Service Agent’s Story of Tragedy and Triumph After 9/11 and co-hosts A Badge of Honor Podcast with John Salerno.
Jeff Freeman, Board Member
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
Samantha Horwitz, Co-Founder
Detective Jeff Freeman, a dedicated police officer with the Rowlett, TX Police Department since 1999, brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to his role. Recognized as Officer of the Year in 2002 and 2007, he has received 19 commendations and seven letters of appreciation. With an Advanced Peace Officer Certification, Jeff specializes in crime scene investigation, FTO training, and instructing, focusing on critical areas such as first responder suicide prevention and post traumatic stress. He develops and teaches both in-house and external training classes, including mandated and specialized courses, with an emphasis on resiliency training. Additionally, Jeff is the co-creator and presenter of our Peer Support Leadership Training.
John Edmonson, LPC-S, Director of Programs
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
John, Director of Wellness at Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, TX, integrates preventative medicine, mindfulness, and experiential therapy into the facility’s holistic treatment model. A bilingual therapist with a B.A. in Spanish (minors in Psychology and Communication) from The University of Texas and an M.S. in Counseling from Texas A&M, he is a licensed Counseling Supervisor in Texas and certified as a K-12 teacher and school counselor. Renowned for program planning and management, John leads education and training for medical and mental health clinicians, focusing on first responder suicide prevention and post traumatic stress, while promoting ethical, holistic care to enhance clients’ lives and empower self-care and personal growth. John is the creator and lead presenter of our Peer Support Leadership Training, which includes essential components of resiliency training.
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
Steven Horwitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS, Board Member
Steve is a dedicated Wellness and Performance Consultant committed to helping individuals of all fitness levels achieve optimal health and enhance performance in sports and competitive activities. With a focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health and performance challenges, including issues related to post traumatic stress, he provides targeted solutions aimed at driving lasting improvement. As the owner of Rockwall CPR and Dallas Sports Academy, Steve also emphasizes the importance of resiliency training and first responder suicide prevention, leveraging his expertise to deliver comprehensive wellness and training programs.
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Debra Shinder, a Rowlett, TX resident since 2004, served on the Rowlett city council from 2022-2025. She contributed to the city through various roles on the bond committee, charter commission, Board of Adjustment, and Planning and Zoning Commission. Active in the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce and Rowlett Professional Women’s Group, Deb focuses on public safety, including initiatives for first responder suicide prevention, strategic planning, economic development, IT security, and animal services. She chaired multiple subcommittees, including public safety, boards and commissions, and court governance, and served on various regional boards, such as the Rockwall County Emergency Services Corporation and North Texas Crime Commission. As a former councilmember, Deb prioritized city safety, business- and citizen-friendly governance, infrastructure improvements, and balanced growth to maintain Rowlett’s quality of life. Her commitment to post traumatic stress awareness and resiliency training for first responders reflects her dedication to community well-being. Deb now resides in Heath, TX.
Kirstin Battles, Research Analyst
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Kirstin Battles holds a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Criminology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she researched the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on cognitive function and sleep quality using the PSQI. As a Research Assistant at UTSA, she supported doctoral research on TBI, personality, and stress, which is critical for understanding post traumatic stress. Currently, as a Clinical Research Assistant at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, she aids PTSD studies for veterans and active-duty service members, contributing to important first responder suicide prevention efforts through database management and clinical trial support. Additionally, Kirstin volunteers as a Research Analyst, tracking workshop outcomes using PERMA-V and HERTH Hope methodologies, which align with her commitment to resiliency training and advancing TBI and mental health research.
Pam Barragan, Presenter
Debra (Deb) Shinder, Board Member
Pam Barragan, Presenter
U.S. Coast Guard veteran Pam Barragan, host of the 2200TAPS Podcast, discovered that the key to healing lies in the stories told through music and sharing her own experiences. This realization completely removed the unfathomable option of suicide from her mind, making her passionate about first responder suicide prevention. It is now her mission to help others share their own stories of trauma and tragedies, as someone needs to hear it, particularly those struggling with post traumatic stress (PTSD) like herself. With a special place in her heart for veterans facing ongoing challenges with PTSI, this commitment has evolved into a fulfilling passion. Additionally, she is an alumna athlete with the Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF) in Carrollton, TX, which focuses on empowering human athletes, restoring hope through movement, and providing resiliency training to redefine the limits of individuals with disabilities.
Support Our First Responders Today
Your donation helps us provide essential wellness resources and training for first responders, focusing on first responder suicide prevention and post traumatic stress management. Together, we can combat stress and promote resiliency training to enhance their resilience. Join us in making a difference in their lives and honor their service.
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Register Now for the Dec. 5th Wellness & Resiliency Workshop
Open to all active First Responders