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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
It's not weak to speak: Mark's message to brave first responders everywhere
After nearly four decades serving with the NSW Police Force - most of it as a detective sergeant in my home town of Dubbo - I've come to realise that while first responders are trained to protect others, we're not always so good at protecting ourselves. Every day across Australia, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency call operators, and countless volunteers suit up and show up - not knowing what their shift will bring. Some days, it's routine. Other days, it's chaos, tragedy, and trauma. And while we carry out this work with pride and purpose, the mental toll is immense - and often invisible. One in three first responders experience high or very high psychological distress. Think about that. These are the men and women who run toward danger while others flee. Who deliver the worst news to families. Who carry the memories of the accidents, the suicides, the violence. And still, they show up. I know the weight of this distress all too well. In 2016, my youngest son Perry died by suicide. He was a builder, a rugby league player, and the light of our lives. Losing him shattered me in ways I can't describe. But it also helped me understand - more than ever - the absolute urgency of supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. Because behind every uniform is a person. A parent. A partner. A mate. And often, someone silently struggling. Throughout my career, I've tried to lead with a simple philosophy: If we look after each other, we can get through anything. That means being there for your team, listening without judgment, and recognising that mental strength includes asking for help. For too long, vulnerability has been seen as weakness in this job. I believed it once too. But I've learned - it ain't weak to speak. In fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. After Perry's passing, I became involved with LIVIN, an organisation working to break the stigma around mental health, especially among men and tradies. In his honour, I started hosting annual Tradies Breakfasts to promote the message: "It ain't weak to speak". Today, I continue this advocacy as an ambassador through Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families. Fortem's work is critical. It fills a gap that existed when I first joined the force in 1988 - back then, mental health was hardly even a footnote in the job. Today, Fortem runs clinical support programs, social connection activities, mental health literacy training, and career management services. They're on the ground helping people not just survive their career, but live fully throughout it. This year's sixth annual Thank a First Responder Day is June 11, 2025. The idea is simple, but powerful: show first responders and their families that they are seen, valued and appreciated. From school shout-outs and community barbecues, to illuminated landmarks and social media messages, it's a moment for the nation to say, "We see you. We thank you. We're with you". Saying thank you isn't just polite - it's protective. Research shows that feeling appreciated boosts wellbeing and resilience. It reminds first responders that their sacrifices matter. That their families' sacrifices matter. And that when the sirens stop, they're not forgotten. But gratitude alone isn't enough. We must also back it up with real, ongoing support. This means properly funding mental health services for first responders, creating safe, stigma-free workplaces, and acknowledging the toll this job takes not just on individuals, but on families and the wider community. My wife Liz and I have been married for 37 years. She's stood by me through the toughest parts of this career: late nights, harrowing cases, the loss of our boy, and the rollercoaster of grief. Families like ours carry this burden too. We also need care, community, and acknowledgment. So this Thank a First Responder Day, I'm not just asking for a thank you. I'm asking for awareness. For compassion. For commitment to change. And for every first responder reading this: raise your hand if you need help. There are people - like Fortem - ready to take it. It's important we continue building a culture where it's okay not to be okay. Where first responders are supported not just during disasters, but every day after. A world where those who serve don't have to suffer in silence. Because the bravest thing I ever did wasn't running toward a crime scene. It was speaking up about my pain - and helping others do the same. To all first responders and your families: thank you. You are not alone. And to every Australian: your words of gratitude, your actions, your donations - they matter more than you know. For donations and to show your gratitude, visit After nearly four decades serving with the NSW Police Force - most of it as a detective sergeant in my home town of Dubbo - I've come to realise that while first responders are trained to protect others, we're not always so good at protecting ourselves. Every day across Australia, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency call operators, and countless volunteers suit up and show up - not knowing what their shift will bring. Some days, it's routine. Other days, it's chaos, tragedy, and trauma. And while we carry out this work with pride and purpose, the mental toll is immense - and often invisible. One in three first responders experience high or very high psychological distress. Think about that. These are the men and women who run toward danger while others flee. Who deliver the worst news to families. Who carry the memories of the accidents, the suicides, the violence. And still, they show up. I know the weight of this distress all too well. In 2016, my youngest son Perry died by suicide. He was a builder, a rugby league player, and the light of our lives. Losing him shattered me in ways I can't describe. But it also helped me understand - more than ever - the absolute urgency of supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. Because behind every uniform is a person. A parent. A partner. A mate. And often, someone silently struggling. Throughout my career, I've tried to lead with a simple philosophy: If we look after each other, we can get through anything. That means being there for your team, listening without judgment, and recognising that mental strength includes asking for help. For too long, vulnerability has been seen as weakness in this job. I believed it once too. But I've learned - it ain't weak to speak. In fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. After Perry's passing, I became involved with LIVIN, an organisation working to break the stigma around mental health, especially among men and tradies. In his honour, I started hosting annual Tradies Breakfasts to promote the message: "It ain't weak to speak". Today, I continue this advocacy as an ambassador through Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families. Fortem's work is critical. It fills a gap that existed when I first joined the force in 1988 - back then, mental health was hardly even a footnote in the job. Today, Fortem runs clinical support programs, social connection activities, mental health literacy training, and career management services. They're on the ground helping people not just survive their career, but live fully throughout it. This year's sixth annual Thank a First Responder Day is June 11, 2025. The idea is simple, but powerful: show first responders and their families that they are seen, valued and appreciated. From school shout-outs and community barbecues, to illuminated landmarks and social media messages, it's a moment for the nation to say, "We see you. We thank you. We're with you". Saying thank you isn't just polite - it's protective. Research shows that feeling appreciated boosts wellbeing and resilience. It reminds first responders that their sacrifices matter. That their families' sacrifices matter. And that when the sirens stop, they're not forgotten. But gratitude alone isn't enough. We must also back it up with real, ongoing support. This means properly funding mental health services for first responders, creating safe, stigma-free workplaces, and acknowledging the toll this job takes not just on individuals, but on families and the wider community. My wife Liz and I have been married for 37 years. She's stood by me through the toughest parts of this career: late nights, harrowing cases, the loss of our boy, and the rollercoaster of grief. Families like ours carry this burden too. We also need care, community, and acknowledgment. So this Thank a First Responder Day, I'm not just asking for a thank you. I'm asking for awareness. For compassion. For commitment to change. And for every first responder reading this: raise your hand if you need help. There are people - like Fortem - ready to take it. It's important we continue building a culture where it's okay not to be okay. Where first responders are supported not just during disasters, but every day after. A world where those who serve don't have to suffer in silence. Because the bravest thing I ever did wasn't running toward a crime scene. It was speaking up about my pain - and helping others do the same. To all first responders and your families: thank you. You are not alone. And to every Australian: your words of gratitude, your actions, your donations - they matter more than you know. For donations and to show your gratitude, visit After nearly four decades serving with the NSW Police Force - most of it as a detective sergeant in my home town of Dubbo - I've come to realise that while first responders are trained to protect others, we're not always so good at protecting ourselves. Every day across Australia, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency call operators, and countless volunteers suit up and show up - not knowing what their shift will bring. Some days, it's routine. Other days, it's chaos, tragedy, and trauma. And while we carry out this work with pride and purpose, the mental toll is immense - and often invisible. One in three first responders experience high or very high psychological distress. Think about that. These are the men and women who run toward danger while others flee. Who deliver the worst news to families. Who carry the memories of the accidents, the suicides, the violence. And still, they show up. I know the weight of this distress all too well. In 2016, my youngest son Perry died by suicide. He was a builder, a rugby league player, and the light of our lives. Losing him shattered me in ways I can't describe. But it also helped me understand - more than ever - the absolute urgency of supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. Because behind every uniform is a person. A parent. A partner. A mate. And often, someone silently struggling. Throughout my career, I've tried to lead with a simple philosophy: If we look after each other, we can get through anything. That means being there for your team, listening without judgment, and recognising that mental strength includes asking for help. For too long, vulnerability has been seen as weakness in this job. I believed it once too. But I've learned - it ain't weak to speak. In fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. After Perry's passing, I became involved with LIVIN, an organisation working to break the stigma around mental health, especially among men and tradies. In his honour, I started hosting annual Tradies Breakfasts to promote the message: "It ain't weak to speak". Today, I continue this advocacy as an ambassador through Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families. Fortem's work is critical. It fills a gap that existed when I first joined the force in 1988 - back then, mental health was hardly even a footnote in the job. Today, Fortem runs clinical support programs, social connection activities, mental health literacy training, and career management services. They're on the ground helping people not just survive their career, but live fully throughout it. This year's sixth annual Thank a First Responder Day is June 11, 2025. The idea is simple, but powerful: show first responders and their families that they are seen, valued and appreciated. From school shout-outs and community barbecues, to illuminated landmarks and social media messages, it's a moment for the nation to say, "We see you. We thank you. We're with you". Saying thank you isn't just polite - it's protective. Research shows that feeling appreciated boosts wellbeing and resilience. It reminds first responders that their sacrifices matter. That their families' sacrifices matter. And that when the sirens stop, they're not forgotten. But gratitude alone isn't enough. We must also back it up with real, ongoing support. This means properly funding mental health services for first responders, creating safe, stigma-free workplaces, and acknowledging the toll this job takes not just on individuals, but on families and the wider community. My wife Liz and I have been married for 37 years. She's stood by me through the toughest parts of this career: late nights, harrowing cases, the loss of our boy, and the rollercoaster of grief. Families like ours carry this burden too. We also need care, community, and acknowledgment. So this Thank a First Responder Day, I'm not just asking for a thank you. I'm asking for awareness. For compassion. For commitment to change. And for every first responder reading this: raise your hand if you need help. There are people - like Fortem - ready to take it. It's important we continue building a culture where it's okay not to be okay. Where first responders are supported not just during disasters, but every day after. A world where those who serve don't have to suffer in silence. Because the bravest thing I ever did wasn't running toward a crime scene. It was speaking up about my pain - and helping others do the same. To all first responders and your families: thank you. You are not alone. And to every Australian: your words of gratitude, your actions, your donations - they matter more than you know. For donations and to show your gratitude, visit After nearly four decades serving with the NSW Police Force - most of it as a detective sergeant in my home town of Dubbo - I've come to realise that while first responders are trained to protect others, we're not always so good at protecting ourselves. Every day across Australia, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency call operators, and countless volunteers suit up and show up - not knowing what their shift will bring. Some days, it's routine. Other days, it's chaos, tragedy, and trauma. And while we carry out this work with pride and purpose, the mental toll is immense - and often invisible. One in three first responders experience high or very high psychological distress. Think about that. These are the men and women who run toward danger while others flee. Who deliver the worst news to families. Who carry the memories of the accidents, the suicides, the violence. And still, they show up. I know the weight of this distress all too well. In 2016, my youngest son Perry died by suicide. He was a builder, a rugby league player, and the light of our lives. Losing him shattered me in ways I can't describe. But it also helped me understand - more than ever - the absolute urgency of supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. Because behind every uniform is a person. A parent. A partner. A mate. And often, someone silently struggling. Throughout my career, I've tried to lead with a simple philosophy: If we look after each other, we can get through anything. That means being there for your team, listening without judgment, and recognising that mental strength includes asking for help. For too long, vulnerability has been seen as weakness in this job. I believed it once too. But I've learned - it ain't weak to speak. In fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. After Perry's passing, I became involved with LIVIN, an organisation working to break the stigma around mental health, especially among men and tradies. In his honour, I started hosting annual Tradies Breakfasts to promote the message: "It ain't weak to speak". Today, I continue this advocacy as an ambassador through Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families. Fortem's work is critical. It fills a gap that existed when I first joined the force in 1988 - back then, mental health was hardly even a footnote in the job. Today, Fortem runs clinical support programs, social connection activities, mental health literacy training, and career management services. They're on the ground helping people not just survive their career, but live fully throughout it. This year's sixth annual Thank a First Responder Day is June 11, 2025. The idea is simple, but powerful: show first responders and their families that they are seen, valued and appreciated. From school shout-outs and community barbecues, to illuminated landmarks and social media messages, it's a moment for the nation to say, "We see you. We thank you. We're with you". Saying thank you isn't just polite - it's protective. Research shows that feeling appreciated boosts wellbeing and resilience. It reminds first responders that their sacrifices matter. That their families' sacrifices matter. And that when the sirens stop, they're not forgotten. But gratitude alone isn't enough. We must also back it up with real, ongoing support. This means properly funding mental health services for first responders, creating safe, stigma-free workplaces, and acknowledging the toll this job takes not just on individuals, but on families and the wider community. My wife Liz and I have been married for 37 years. She's stood by me through the toughest parts of this career: late nights, harrowing cases, the loss of our boy, and the rollercoaster of grief. Families like ours carry this burden too. We also need care, community, and acknowledgment. So this Thank a First Responder Day, I'm not just asking for a thank you. I'm asking for awareness. For compassion. For commitment to change. And for every first responder reading this: raise your hand if you need help. There are people - like Fortem - ready to take it. It's important we continue building a culture where it's okay not to be okay. Where first responders are supported not just during disasters, but every day after. A world where those who serve don't have to suffer in silence. Because the bravest thing I ever did wasn't running toward a crime scene. It was speaking up about my pain - and helping others do the same. To all first responders and your families: thank you. You are not alone. And to every Australian: your words of gratitude, your actions, your donations - they matter more than you know. For donations and to show your gratitude, visit
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Fortem Technologies Builds Massive Momentum Entering 2025, Solidifying Leadership in Counter-UAS and Airspace Defense
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortem Technologies, a global leader in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and airspace security, is entering 2025 with significant momentum, marking a year of transformative achievements and major strategic partnerships that have strengthened its position as an industry frontrunner. Fortem's cutting-edge TrueView® radar technology and SkyDome® System are revolutionizing the way organizations address unmanned aerial threats across defense, government, critical infrastructure, and high-profile event sectors. The company's successes in 2024 are underscored by high-impact deployments, a significant increase in production capacity, and a growing base of global clients. In addition to launching the industry-leading R40 radar and upgraded command and control software, the added success of Fortem's DroneHunter®, the only approved low-collateral effector interceptor for use in the United States, and the newly launched FireThorn®, explosive interceptor are also adding to the company's leadership in counter drone capabilities. Successful Adoption by U.S. Customs and Border Protection / U.S. Border Patrol One of Fortem's most notable achievements came with the adoption of its systems by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The company's technology (full system of radar, C2 and effectors) was used to successfully capture a rogue drone impacting their border protection mission during the initial deployment. This milestone demonstrated the reliability and operational effectiveness of Fortem's solutions in real-world, high-stakes environments. C-UAS Services for Presidential Inauguration Fortem Technologies provided its innovative Counter-UAS services during the US Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025. This effort highlights the company's trusted position in securing high-profile, sensitive events and its vital role in national security. Successful Deployments in Ukraine Fortem's global reach was further solidified with successful deployments of its C-UAS systems in Ukraine. The company's technology played a crucial role in protecting troops and critical infrastructure from the increasing threat of enemy drone attacks, from FPVs to Shaheeds, showcasing its versatility and ability to operate in complex conflict zones. Collaboration with the New Jersey State Police and DoD on New Jersey Drone Incursions Fortem also partnered with the New Jersey State Police, the Department of Defense (DoD), and other government and private sector stakeholders in response to drone incursions over New Jersey. This collaboration resulted in the ongoing successful deployment of Fortem's systems, further cementing its role as a key player in national security and airspace defense. Strategic Partnering to Advance the Next-Generation Aerospace Systems Fortem has strengthened its collaboration with leading aerospace innovators, working together to develop the first-ever FAA-certified radar system designed to enable unmanned platforms to operate safely in commercial airspace. This effort underscores Fortem's pivotal role in advancing autonomous aviation technology and integrating it into the future of aerospace systems, representing a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory. New FireThorn® Ground-Launched Air-to-Air Munition Successful Deployment Fortem successfully designed, built and launched the new FireThorn® ground launched low altitude defense munition drone into service in under six months. Currently deployed in Ukraine and significant partner/customer growth opportunities for this product are rapidly expanding Fortem's demand and market pipeline. Increased Production to Meet Growing Demand In response to expanding market demand, Fortem has secured a larger headquarters location and ramped up its production rates by more than 50% in 2024. This increase ensures the company can continue to meet the growing needs of its clients in defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. Ongoing Financial and Investment Interest Fortem Technologies continues to attract strong financial and strategic interest. Beyond its recent investment from Lago Innovation Fund in 2024 for $10 million, the company's consistent innovation and leadership in the C-UAS sector continues to garner additional investment, positioning it for consistent growth and innovation in the years to come. 'At Fortem Technologies, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in airspace security. As we enter 2025, our continued success and momentum reflect our unwavering commitment to providing the most advanced, effective solutions to protect our communities, infrastructure, and critical assets from emerging unmanned threats,' said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. 'We are excited for what lies ahead as we expand our impact globally, working with trusted partners and government agencies to redefine how the world defends its skies.' With these accomplishments driving its momentum, Fortem Technologies is positioned to lead the way in countering emerging aerial threats, securing critical infrastructure, and shaping the future of airspace management. As it enters 2025, Fortem remains committed to its mission of redefining security in the age of unmanned threats. Media Contact: Warren Brown Chief Marketing Officer Fortem Technologies 571-212-9474 About Fortem Technologies: Fortem Technologies is the leader in airspace awareness, security, and defense for detecting and defeating dangerous drones. Through an advanced, end-to-end system of distributed radar, AI at the Edge, deep sensor integration, and autonomous drone capture, Fortem monitors and defends the world's venues, infrastructures, cities, and regions. The same system is accelerating the safety of the world's airspace for urban air mobility. Based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, the company is privately held and backed by Lockheed Martin, Toshiba, Boeing, DCVC, Signia Venture Partners and others. For more information, visit
