Melissa Rice Organizes Suicide Prevention Symposium

Melissa Rice with Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson.

Melissa Rice, an instructor in English, was a founding member, event planner and emcee of the First Responders Suicide Prevention Symposium at Temple University. The event was sponsored by the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia 76ers, among other organizations. Honorary speakers included Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, National Fraternal Order of Police’s Vice President John Hoyt and Police Stress Expert, John Violanti, a professor at the University of Buffalo.

The First Responder’s Symposium of Philadelphia raised awareness and provided informational resources on suicide prevention and the challenges surrounding mental health as a First-line Responder to police, EMS, dispatchers, firefighters and military personnel.

Please see attached pictures of the founding members and also a picture with the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson. “We must continue supporting those who protect our lives everyday!”