First H.E.L.P. - Memorial Park
We are pleased to announce the First H.E.L.P. monument at Heroes Memorial Park, honoring all first responders and military veterans lost to suicide.
This one-of-a-kind park houses the names of first responders and military veterans lost to suicide, etched on granite panels. It stands as a lasting tribute to honor their lives and service.
The main monument was unveiled on September 21, 2024 — an imposing structure weighing 23,000 pounds and standing 8 feet high, 12.5 feet long, and 2 feet wide. Etched on its front are six figures, each representing veterans and the first responder professions.
Surrounding this powerful centerpiece is the Wall of Service: 23 slanted granite blocks that will hold the engraved names of veterans and first responders who have lost their lives to suicide. This wall stands as a solemn reminder of their service and of the battles they fought — both visible and unseen.
What is written on the monument?
Left Back Panel
The First H.E.L.P. Memorial Monument stands as a solemn tribute to the spirit and sacrifice of our first
responders and military who lost their battle with an invisible enemy. Crafted with care and reverence, this
monument serves as an enduring beacon of remembrance, honoring the unwavering courage, dignity, and valor
of those who served their communities and country.
Central to its design is the absence of discernible eyes on the depicted figures. If “the eyes are the windows to
the soul” then the obscured gaze suggests the attempt to hide their pain to protect others from knowing the
suffering that lies beneath. As you stand in contemplation before this sacred monument, please reflect on what
you see in the eyes of others. Communicate with them, listen to their silence, and encourage hope, help and
healing in an effort to restore those who bear the scars of adversity and ensure that the legacy of our fallen
heroes remains enshrined in our collective consciousness.
Founded in 2016 as Blue H.E.L.P. to raise awareness for law enforcement suicide, First H.E.L.P. evolved in 2021 to support all first responders. They were the first organization in the country to support all suicide families in the aftermath, collect year over year data and provide prevention programs. This monument is the gift they most wanted to give the families. A place of their own, where they can honor their loved ones with the same dignity as any other death. Without the help of our friends in Texas, this dream could not have become a reality.
Center Back Panel
Suicide should be pursued as relentlessly as any other killer; together, publicly and, with unabating courage. – Karen Solomon, Founder
Right Back Panel
Founded in 2016, the organization initially known as Blue H.E.L.P. adopted a clear mission to raise awareness
about the epidemic of law enforcement suicide and support the families left behind in its aftermath. Committed
to honoring the lives of those lost, the organization started on a campaign to ensure that these officers were
remembered for how they lived, not how they died.
Over the ensuing years, the organization’s efforts garnered momentum and a paradigm shift began to occur
across the country as law enforcement agencies started discussing mental health. In 2021, Blue H.E.L.P.
underwent a transformative shift, becoming First H.E.L.P. and signifying a broader scope of purpose,
encompassing all first responders who tragically lost their lives to suicide.
The construction of the First H.E.L.P. Memorial Monument stands as physical manifestation of the
organization's commitment to its founding principles. Serving as a timeless reminder of the fallen, this
monument stands in tribute to the families, colleagues, friends, and loved ones left behind.
The Pedestal
Veterans and first responders, often burdened by the silent struggles with mental health are too frequently lost to suicide. In 2018, John Salerno and Brian Wilburn, moved by empathy, founded #WalkTheBridge to bring this issue to light. With Gabriel Joseph, Jeffery Gray, and countless others joining the effort in solidarity, they walk the bridge monthly, as a poignant display of solidarity as a beacon of hope. This grassroots effort soon gained global momentum, uniting advocates across borders.
On a parallel quest across the country, Karen Solomon of First H.E.L.P. began looking for a sanctuary to house a memorial monument. This would be a solemn space to remind all first responders and veterans struggling with mental health that help is available, while also serving as the site of honor and remembrance.
John and Brian were confident that the Lone Star State of Texas should be the home of this site and immediately joined Karen on a journey to advocate for this dream. Local motorcycle clubs, first responder agencies, and residents rallied in support of the cause. With the help of State Senator Bob Hall, and retired Amy Sergeant Major John Vick, the first major objective came to fruition when, “Heroes Memorial Bridge” was dedicated on September 28, 2020.
The work was far from over and on September 21, 2024, what began with a call to action culminated with the dedication of this gift from the people of Rowlett and Rockwall, Texas to all first responders and their families. This place will endure as a timeless testament, a haven for all future generations to reflect on the valor and resilience of heroes remembered for how they lived.
Donate Now!
Submit Name to Wall of Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the monument?
The monument is installed at Heroes Memorial Park in Rockwall, Texas on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard.
Address: Heroes Memorial Park – 1120 W Rusk St, Rockwall, TX 75087
Is the park complete?
No, while the monument itself is complete, there is still more work to do.
There are 22 more panels of names to be installed around the monument and the surrounding park is a multi-phase project. We will give you updates as they occur. Each year when we return, we will see more progress!
Can I buy a brick at the memorial site to honor my loved one?
No, but you can have your loved one etched in one of the panels at no cost to you. Click here for more details.
How can you help?
We are looking for sponsors and donors willing to help.
We are very grateful for the following organizations and their generous sponsorships!
Thank you to our sponsors!
In partnership with…