In this episode, we are joined by James Tignanelli, President of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), as we continue our Building FST5 series. James brings decades of experience representing law enforcement agencies across Michigan and working directly with frontline professionals. Through the lens of POAM, this conversation explores how shared challenges across law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, and 911 dispatch revealed the need for a coordinated statewide approach to mental and behavioral health support. James discusses how early collaboration with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union helped shape the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program and why trust, culture, and system design matter if support is going to be used. We also discuss why effective care must go beyond critical incidents to address daily stress, family impact, sleep, physical health, and long-term wellness. This is the second episode in our Building FST5 series.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

• Link to YouTube episode: https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout: https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube: frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram: mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn: Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Cinnamon Reiheld, MSW, LISW, a trauma specialist with extensive experience working with first responders. Recognized for her straightforward and practical approach, she skillfully translates clinical concepts into everyday advice for responders. Since Cinnamon isn’t licensed in Michigan and isn’t affiliated with local systems, she provides an unbiased, third-party perspective. This allows her to offer honest, practical guidance on what to look for in a therapist, what to avoid, and what culturally sensitive care should encompass. Cinnamon also hosts "After the Tones Drop" (www.afterthetonesdrop.co), a podcast dedicated to mental health and wellness for first responders, featuring honest discussions about the impacts of the job and effective support strategies. In this episode, we discuss how responders may unknowingly develop unhealthy habits, why these behaviors often seem normal in this profession, and early warning signs not to ignore. We also cover red flags, green flags, and important factors for choosing a clinician who truly understands frontline trauma.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

• Link to YouTube episode: https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout: https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube: frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram: mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn: Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Mike Sauger, a Warren police officer and President of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, to discuss how Michigan identified gaps in mental and behavioral health support for first responders and how those gaps led to the creation of Frontline Strong Together 5. Drawing on decades of experience in dispatch, patrol, and statewide labor leadership, Mike shares the law enforcement perspective on how critical incidents were historically handled and why many officers and dispatchers navigated trauma with limited formal support. We discuss how leaders within the Fraternal Order of Police, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union began recognizing the same warning signs across disciplines and how early conversations, supported by state funding, helped shape a coordinated, statewide system to support first responders and their families.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

• Link to YouTube episode: https://tinyurl.com/vxhktj6w
• Link to Buzzsprout: https://mindsonthefrontlinepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
• YouTube: frontlinestrongtogether2346
• Facebook: FrontlineStrongTogether and Minds on the Frontline
• Instagram: mifst5 and FrontlinePodcast
• LinkedIn: Frontline-Strong-Together-5 and Minds on the Frontline Podcast