Heart of LAPD – Law Enforcement Wellness & Suicide Awareness Walk Event highlights the unique mental health challenges of first responders and the importance of acknowledging, supporting, and addressing them NR25181kt

Los Angeles: September 13, 2025: The Los Angeles Police Department hosted the Heart of LAPD Wellness and Suicide Awareness Walk today at the LAPD Academy in Elysian Park, bringing together officers, families, public safety leaders, and community supporters in a powerful show of solidarity for first responder wellness and suicide prevention.

“Behind every badge is a person with a family, with challenges, and with a need for care and support,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “The Heart of LAPD Walk reminds us that wellness must be at the center of our profession. By coming together today—as colleagues, families, and community—we send a powerful message: no one in this Department, or in this city, walks alone.”

The annual walk shines a light on one of the most critical issues facing law enforcement and first responders nationwide—mental health and suicide awareness. The nature of first responder work often brings daily exposure to trauma, stress, and high-stakes situations. Without care and acknowledgment, these burdens can take a heavy toll on individuals and their families. The Walk honors those lives lost, while reinforcing the Department’s commitment to ensuring every officer and employee has access to tools, support, and resources to thrive.

The morning opened with a heartfelt welcome by Dr. Edrick H. Dorian, Director of LAPD’s Behavioral Science Services (BSS), accompanied by a moving performance from the LAPD Choir. Emceed by KTLA News Anchor Chris Schauble, the program featured remarks from public safety leaders across Southern California, underscoring the shared responsibility across the policing profession to prioritize wellness and break the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Participants wore Honor Wristbands symbolizing their connection to mental health awareness and walked the Academy grounds as a collective act of remembrance, resilience, and unity. The walk concluded with a spirited Commanding Officer Competition, resource booths staffed by wellness providers, family-friendly community activities, and a lunch generously provided by California Pizza Kitchen.

Founded in 1968, LAPD’s Behavioral Science Services remains one of the nation’s most comprehensive wellness programs for law enforcement. The program provides confidential counseling, peer support, crisis response, and training designed to safeguard the mental health of officers and civilian staff alike. This year’s Walk highlighted BSS’s pioneering role and reinforced the Department’s national leadership in advancing first responder wellness.

The Heart of LAPD Wellness and Suicide Awareness Walk has become more than an annual tradition—it is a movement of healing, resilience, and hope. Together, officers, families, and Angelenos are walking toward a future where wellness is embraced as essential to the safety of those who serve, and to the strength of the communities they protect.