A new sanctuary in Bradenton, Florida, is offering a quiet refuge for first responders in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Named Lt. Perry's Place, the facility provides a free, 24/7 safe space for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to decompress from the intense pressures of their jobs.
The center was established by the family of a veteran law enforcement officer who lost his life to suicide, aiming to provide a vital resource and combat the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community.
Key Takeaways
- Lt. Perry's Place is a free, 24/7 facility in Bradenton for first responders from Manatee and Sarasota counties.
- It was founded in memory of Lt. Joseph Perry, a 22-year veteran of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
- The center offers amenities like a kitchen, gym, and game room for relaxation and peer support.
- Statistics show first responders may experience over 900 traumatic events in a career, compared to one or two for an average civilian.
A Quiet Refuge Amidst Daily Chaos
Located just off Manatee Avenue East, Lt. Perry's Place is designed to feel like a home away from home. The facility is equipped with a full kitchen, a weight room, a game room, and even two pianos, giving personnel a place to unwind that isn't a bar or public restaurant.
The goal is to provide a private, secure environment where individuals can relax, connect with peers, or simply find a moment of peace after a difficult shift. Access is granted 24 hours a day via a security code, ensuring that help and a quiet space are always available, regardless of shift schedules.
"This is a safe space for all first responders of Sarasota and Manatee counties," said founder Heath Perry. "It's a space where they can come and decompress after their hard shifts."
The Need for a Dedicated Space
First responders routinely face traumatic situations, from serious accidents to violent crimes. The cumulative effect of this exposure can lead to significant mental and emotional strain. Traditional outlets may not be suitable, as the need for privacy and understanding from peers is paramount.
The Personal Mission Behind the Project
The sanctuary was born from a personal tragedy. Heath Perry and his mother founded the non-profit Joe Perry Lives Inc. to honor his younger brother, Lt. Joseph Perry. A respected 22-year veteran of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Perry died by suicide in June 2015.
Heath explained that his brother handled a wide range of difficult cases, from crimes against children to internal affairs. "He did every aspect of the job and with that comes all the horrible things that you deal with," he said.
Like many in his profession, Lt. Perry maintained a strong exterior. The family's mission is to break down the cultural expectation that first responders must always be stoic and unshakeable.
"Everybody is expected to just have that coat of armor," Heath Perry stated. "It’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to have a shoulder to cry on. It’s okay to unload your baggage."
By creating this space, the Perry family hopes to prevent others from experiencing a similar loss. "My mother and I created this, if we can keep one family from going through what we did," Heath added.
Addressing an Overlooked Crisis
The mental toll on first responders is a well-documented but often under-addressed issue. The constant exposure to trauma creates a unique set of challenges that differ significantly from those faced by the general public.
A Stark Contrast: According to Kelvin Foster, a chaplain for the North River Fire Rescue District, "The average civilian might see one or two traumas in their lifetime; the average first responder will see over 900 over the course of their careers."
Foster, who is also a U.S. Navy veteran and former firefighter, emphasized the cultural shift that places like this can inspire. "I was a former firefighter; we never talked about how you deal with that stuff," he recalled. "Most compartmentalize, and it builds up and over time it has a negative impact. Having a space like this... I think, is a game changer."
The center aims to provide an environment for preventative mental wellness, allowing personnel to process experiences before they accumulate and lead to more severe issues like PTSD, depression, or burnout.
A Vision for Nationwide Support
While Lt. Perry's Place currently serves two Florida counties, Heath Perry has a much larger vision. His goal is to establish a similar sanctuary in every one of Florida's 67 counties, and eventually, across the nation.
"There’s 3,144 counties in the nation," Heath said. "God put it on my heart. There’s first responders all over our country. Lt. Perry’s place is not only needed, but we can do this. We can do this together."
To support this mission, Heath has also launched a magazine called First Responders Reviews. The publication focuses on positive outlets and activities for first responders, with advertising revenue helping to fund the non-profit's expansion efforts.
For local first responders in the Manatee and Sarasota area, accessing the facility is simple. They can contact the organization to verify their employment and receive a private access code. The services are provided entirely free of charge, removing any financial barrier to seeking support.