Over 400 people gathered at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, New York, to honor the lives of the first responders who passed away from injuries they developed from serving that day. The granite walls that stretch across the park were engraved with 100 additional names on May 16 as a ceremony took place for all those whose loved ones sacrificed their lives at Ground Zero. 

First responders honored with 9/11 memorial
According to Newsday.com, the memorial wall surrounds 20 feet of the park and reaches 6 feet high. As each name was added to the wall, it was read aloud followed by the ringing of a bell to properly recognize each life sacrificed for the safety of others. The ceremony was established five years ago and has since occurred twice a year, bringing together first responders, families and friends.

"We should be giving thanks to the 100 names we added and the 500 that are on the wall, because they give us validity," John Feal, president of the FealGood Foundation, a nonprofit that helped raise money to build the park, told Newsday.

Throughout the day, visitors stopped by to grieve and reminisce with loved ones during the ceremony, which included acoustic performances, a bagpipe rendition of "God Bless America" and the playing of "Taps."  

Families gather to remember loved ones
Jeanne Stelmok of North Babylon, New York, was one of the many visitors at the ceremony. It was her first time seeing the park where her husband, Scott Stelmok, a retired New York Police Department captain who died after searching for survivors under the debris at Ground Zero, is included in the memorial. He had developed several forms of cancer and passed away in December 2014. Stelmok, her daughter and her mother drew over Scott's name with crayon on paper to take home as a special keepsake. 

"This park stands for the principle that while so many of those first responders no longer stand among us, they will always be remembered and honored for standing up and responding at our nation's most dire moment," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone explained to Newsday.

Long Island News 12 noted that many of the families present said they would be returning to the park regularly to honor their family or friends, emphasizing how important the park is to those who lost someone on 9/11.

A new iPhone app released in the Bay Area this week aims to use real-time technology to increase communication between first responders. The valuable time saved when using the app could improve the safety of not only the accident victims, but any responders who arrive on the scene.

The mobile application, known officially as the Responder Incident Report, was released on Monday by the Bay Area Incident Management Task Force. According to the Metropolitan Transpiration Commission, the app is currently in a six-month trial period, which, if successful, could lead to implementation in other areas.

How it works
First responders use the app to take a picture of the scene of the accident and add any important details, then send the picture and information to other responders over a secure server. The detailed communication gives those en route to the scene a better idea of what equipment they will need, and allows for real-time updates of their expected arrival time.

Even with safer conditions, stress still poses a risk for first responders.

"A picture really is worth a thousand words," said MTC Transportation Management and Coordination Principal Radiah Victor. "This is a simple and inexpensive way to use existing cell phone camera and map technology to ensure responders have a common operating picture to support quick response and safe clearance of incidents."

Protecting the protectors
The increased speed and efficiency provided by the app would decrease the time that responders are on the road after accidents, and help coordinate efforts to reduce traffic congestion, decreasing the chance of a second incident. These secondary accidents are far too common. According to the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, on average, at least two emergency responders are struck each day in America.

The MTC hopes that this inexpensive and accessible application of real-time technology will decrease the length of time that public safety officers are in harm's way, making their job safer.

The job of a first responder requires both physical and mental strength. Whether you are a firefighter, a policeman or an emergency medical technician, it is important that you are taking measures to help yourself prevent injury and that you know what to do if you become hurt on the job. With a variety of resources at your disposal for help, becoming familiar with the ways to recover from a physical or mental injury will help to enhance your overall safety and well-being. 

First responders put themselves at risk for everything from serious stress disorders to back injuries in order to keep the community safe. If you are looking for helpful preventative measures to avoid injury in the future or for ways to recover from a previous accident you were in, use these tips to ensure that you are ready for any challenges that may come your way.

Injury prevention measures
While it is impossible to predict the events that may occur at the scene of an emergency, you can prepare for any physically demanding or stressful situations that you may find yourself in. Aside from wearing all of the proper equipment and using skills learned at training, there are a few additional ways to care for your mind and body on the job.

Emergencies can be stressful and chaotic, making clear communication crucial to successfully handling patients or victims. Asking for help from the officers around you when needed and only performing tasks on your own when you know you can handle them will drastically reduce your chances of hurting yourself.

When it comes to avoiding physical injuries, exercising vulnerable areas like the back will keep your body strong and less at risk for strains. Mental or stress disorders, on the other hand, take a different kind of preparation. Understanding what a traumatic event is and how to handle it is the first step.

According to the Trauma Center, a traumatic event is defined as when a servicemember experiences a serious threat or injury followed by a response of intense fear. The meaning that the event had for the individual is what makes it traumatic and can lead to serious conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Knowing that hyper-arousal and intrusive thoughts are warning signs that suggest you should seek help will prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

Tips for servicemembers facing injuries
The most essential step that first responders must take to successfully recover from a mental or physical injury is seeking the right help. This means both professional assistance if necessary and the support of loved ones. While finding support through physical therapy can be done for bodily injuries, getting help for mental harm is just as important but can be more challenging. 

If you find yourself experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression following a traumatic event on the job, failing to find help can lead to worsening symptoms. For example, the Trauma Center noted that research has shown a strong link between symptoms of depression in the initial weeks after the traumatic experience and increased risk for PTSD.

Search for local or online support groups. The United States First Responders Association provides online assistance and community support from other servicemembers who may be experiencing similar symptoms. 

As certain events at work may trigger anxiety or stress, experts recommend that those who have experienced trauma take a break from work and spend time recovering in their lives outside of service to get back on their feet. When transitioning back to your daily work routine, it is best to do so slowly and give yourself time to readjust.

While the job of first responders can be extremely stressful and require frequent stress alleviation, it is of equal importance that servicemembers are in good physical health. Consuming a healthy diet and getting a sufficient amount of exercise are crucial to keeping a sharp mind and maintaining the ability to tackle any challenges that may lie ahead. 

Physical fitness should complement servicemembers' efforts to ensure that they do not let the stress of their jobs take a toll on their health. Here are five tips to help first responders keep an eye on their well-being while working in a physically and mentally demanding environment. 

1. Maintain a healthy diet
The food people consume every day has a major impact on all aspects of their health. First responders should be sure to eat meals that contain the proper amount of nutrients. It may be tempting, due to busy schedules, to get a quick bite at a fast-food restaurant on the road. However, it's essential to include vegetables and fruits in your diet, as these have the vitamins, minerals and fiber that people need to function at their best and stay healthy. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that middle-aged men and women who partake in frequent physical activity each day consume around 2.5 cups of fruit and 4 cups of vegetables daily. Foods that are low in fat and calories are best at ensuring that bodies are prepared for physically demanding job roles.

2. Perform aerobic activities
As a firefighter, policeman or EMT, it is of the utmost importance that you are in shape and able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently. According to the CDC, body reaction and exertion are responsible for 38 percent of on-site injuries experienced by emergency medical service workers. Everything from running to climbing is a possibility every day for emergency responders. Including aerobic activities, such as running and swimming, in regular workouts will improve their ability to effectively serve the community.

3. Do regular muscle exercises
The CDC noted that 50 percent of injuries experienced in fireground operations are muscular strains and sprains. Including daily stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises in workouts will help prevent these injuries.

4. Make use of available resources
There are many programs designed to support first responders in their efforts to remain physically fit. For example, the National Volunteer Fire Council has started the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program for firefighters across the country, providing tools and resources that help maintain physical and mental well-being. The organization also assists fire departments in creating health and wellness programs. Local facilities like the YMCA often give first responders discounts to encourage them to stay in shape as well. 

Similarly, the Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Emergency Services by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a popular resource used by servicemembers looking for general information on how to stay healthy while serving the community. 

5. Balance physical and mental health 
Physical and mental health are closely linked. Stress can cause your muscles to contract and your heart rate to increase, which allows servicemembers to react quickly in emergency situations. However, when this stress is carried outside of work into family life, people may experience difficulty falling asleep and relaxing with loved ones. To help leave stress at work, it can be beneficial to make time to relax your body. 

Simply tensing and relaxing muscles from the head to the toes once a day can significantly reduce your body's tension. Meanwhile, taking a mental break for 15 to 20 minutes each day, whether you do something like listen to music or meditate, will put your mind at ease. 

Many would assume that the No. 1 cause of death for firefighters would be smoke inhalation or burns. However, it is actually anxiety and exertion, which is responsible for taking the lives of around 50 firefighters every year across the globe, Sean Campbell, the chief of the Arcata Fire District Battalion in California, told scientists at Humboldt State University.

Do first responders need stricter fitness standards?
According to a study conducted by researchers at Humboldt State University, many first responders are not in the proper physical shape because their departments do not require them to follow strict physical standards. Mental health is also a major factor for those with high-stress jobs, like firefighters and policemen, and must be looked after as well.

To assist these servicemembers in maintaining the emotional and physical demands of their work, Young Sub Kwon, head researcher and director of Humboldt State's Human Performance Lab, started a program in which first responders can volunteer to participate.

New fitness program set to get servicemembers in shape
In the Human Performance Lab, the team set up innovative exercise equipment that is able to track people's flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Once Kwon gets a detailed understanding of each participant's physical health from initial testing, he creates an individualized fitness program for them. 

"Many firefighters and police officers are not healthy because their jobs put them under stress," said Kwon. "For example, police officers are often driving. If they need to pursue a suspect on foot, there's no warming up. They have to run as fast as they can. Through a fitness program, I can help improve their capacity to run without warming up."

As Kwon starts to understand what each servicemember can handle, he provides training, including exercises like treadmill runs and bench presses, that gets increasingly harder over the course of a month. Volunteers partaking in the program have already begun to notice results. 

The job of a first responder can be incredibly stressful and begin to take a toll on his or her well-being. If servicemembers aren't taking the proper measures to ensure that they are as stress-free as possible, they may become more likely to develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. 

If you are a first responder, you know firsthand that the public expects a lot from you, which can feel like a lot of pressure. The intensive nature of your daily work can also cause burnout unless you are taking time to relax and ensure that your mental and physical health is in check. Here are a few ways that you can make sure that you are effectively managing your stress.

1. Try to leave work at work
Once work is over, first responders should do their best to free their minds of the stresses associated with their day. It could be beneficial to begin a daily ritual at the end of a shift to switch your mind to another state – one that is free of the anticipation or anxiety that may be experienced at work. For example, changing out of your uniform at the end of the day and going to the gym or meeting friends for a coffee before heading home can help your mind free itself of any anxiety that tends to stick with you after your shift.

Isolation and social withdrawal can lead to depression and other serious conditions. Simply surrounding yourself with loved ones and participating in hobbies or activities with them can effectively balance your work and personal life. Exercising releases endorphins that drastically improve one's mood and will simultaneously work to help you keep up with the physical demands of the job. Other hobbies like yoga will encourage relaxation while reducing anxiety and depression. Journaling or reading may not immediately seem like stress-reducing hobbies, but they have been known to help refocus your thoughts and improve your communication skills if you plan on seeing a therapist to talk about your anxiety.

2. Consume a healthy diet
As a first responder, you might not have many opportunities to sit down and eat a healthy breakfast or lunch. However, this does not mean that you should start eating fast food or rely on unhealthy snacks for nourishment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, consuming unhealthy, processed foods can lead to more than just weight gain and a lack of sufficient nutrients, but mental side effects as well. 

Irritability, inability to concentrate and reduced energy levels are all associated with an unhealthy diet. Not only do these side effects make it difficult to perform daily tasks, but they also increase your risk of feeling stress and anxiety. Consuming plenty of vegetables and lean protein will keep your head clear and make it easier to focus.   

3. Seek support
The stress that comes from dealing with emergency situations, injuries and death can be too much to handle on your own. Although loved ones and hobbies can temporarily take your mind off of these stressors, it is best to seek help as well. 

There are support groups and counselors that can help first responders experiencing serious anxiety and stress as a result of traumatic events. Local support groups will give you the opportunity to meet others who went through similar events and are experiencing the same emotions.

Similarly, working with an individual therapist will help you recover from a traumatic experience and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once you're able to establish a positive, healthy outlook and daily routine, your ability to cope with stress will drastically improve. 

The residents of Taylor, Missouri, wanted to show their gratitude to the first responders that assist their community every day. Members of the Wick Road Baptist Church organized the first-ever First Responders Appreciation Day.

Service honors its community's heroes
The leaders of the church had read about a similar event in Virginia and wanted to provide the same type of day for their firefighters, EMTs and policemen who put their lives on the line to ensure that the community is safe. 

"It was just a gesture to show our appreciation for a job well done," Pastor Dan Broaddus told The News-Herald. "In every profession, there are some crazy people. We're seeing that on the television news. We realize that all of our freedom and safety and security comes from these first responders."

A touching service for many
The turnout was a success, with over 40 policemen, auxiliary officers and firefighters showing up to the church's service. Broaddus explained to The News-Herald that a few of the first responders had to leave the service to attend to emergencies. He said that it was a real reminder of the dedication these men and women have to protect the community around the clock. 

Many of the residents also provided meals for the servicemembers, recognizing that emergency responders are not always able to indulge in a hot meal when they have to drop everything and bolt to the scene of a crime or put out a burning building. Extra meals were made so the departments could keep them stored for officers whenever needed.

The service was touching for many church members who had lost a loved one who died in the line of duty. The day was dedicated to these men and women and those who sacrificed their lives.

Boston held its first One Boston Day on April 15 to mark the second anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. According to the One Boston Day website, the commemorative day was meant to be "a celebration of the resiliency, generosity and strength of the people that make Boston the great city it is." Part of this strength comes from the courage of the first responders who helped save lives at the scene of the incident. 

Boston shows gratitude to first responders
Boston.com noted that the city observed a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. followed by the ringing of church bells to remember all of the lives that were taken and the people who were injured. Bostonians were also encouraged to honor the victims through random acts of kindness on the day of the anniversary. 

Locals put a special focus on thanking the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders who came to the rescue of marathon runners and bystanders and have since continued to play a major role in the city's recovery.

The news source showed pictures of posters created by local school children who wanted to show their gratitude to Boston's first responders. Littered with traces of their hand prints and notes reading, "Thank you to all the helpers who lent a hand and who were so brave," the colorful displays lined the streets of the city. 

Local news station donates to city's firefighters
7News, a local news station in Boston, wanted to give a special thanks to the first responders who protected the lives of thousands during the incident two years ago. The news team partnered with Lowe's and Legal Seafoods to provide Boston Police District 4 with new furniture for their community living space, including eight brand new tables and 56 chairs from Lowe's.

The Civilian Operations Dispatchers who work with the Boston Fire Department gathered for a free lunch from Legal Seafoods. The first responders were able to indulge in delicacies like lobster and shrimp cocktail. 

Peter Clifford, the superintendent of the Fire Dispatch Center, explained to WHDH that the 911 dispatchers have an equally important role as the firefighters, as they are the eyes and ears of the operations during emergencies. 

Other departments across the city were shown thanks with flowers and cakes from grateful civilians and schools.

Every year during the second full week of April, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week takes place as a way to honor first responders who handle emergency calls. Whether it is the firefighters who rush out to extinguish a fire or the brave men and women who escort injured citizens to the hospital, all public safety servicemembers need a reliable dispatcher to get to the scene as fast as possible.

The week was introduced by Congress as a bill in 1991 and was approved by President Clinton in 1994. It has since been celebrated on a national scale. The ability of first responders and their dispatchers to handle a call with efficiency and care can mean the difference between life and death in many emergency situations. 

According to Jacksonville Progress, civilians across the country are reaching out to their public safety responders through letters and cards. However, a gesture as simple as a "Thank you" can go a long way in letting local public safety dispatchers know how valued they are throughout the community.

This year's National Public Safety Telecommunications Week will take place from April 12 to 19. 

A plane crash that occurred on Dec. 8, 2014, took the lives of six people when it struck a home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Within minutes of the incident, first responders were at the scene of the crash to put out the fire and save any survivors they could find.

To honor their courage and commitment to protecting the lives of others, Montgomery County presented the servicemen with an award at Montgomery County's 41st Annual Public Safety Awards.

Quick response earns praise
Montgomery County Police Officer Michael Simpson was one of the first responders to arrive at the scene. He told WUSA9 that as soon as they received the call that a plane had crashed into the house, they sent as many units to the address as fast as they could. He noted that they never had a call like that one before and knew they had to act quickly. 

"I went into the garage, cleared out a way for the fire department who was coming very quickly behind me, kicked out the garage door and had to be turned back by intense smoke and flame," Simpson explained to the news source. 

The combination of the intense fumes and smoke released by the jet fuel and the destruction done to the home made it nearly impossible to do anything until a good number of firefighters had made it to the scene. After an hour, the servicemen had extinguished the fire enough to bring victims who were nearby the house when the aircraft struck to safety. 

A team effort 
The officials who were recognized at the ceremony said that they were honored to receive such an award. However, they remained humble and noted that they were only doing their jobs, wishing that they could have done more. 

Those who were honored included members from Paramedic Engine 728 Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, 6th District Station Montgomery County Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, according to WJLATV. 

"If it wasn't for the quick response of fire and rescue, if it wasn't for all the other units there … we couldn't have gotten there as fast as we did. I just wish we could have done more," Simpson told WJLATV.

Ken Gemmel lost his wife and two young sons as a result of the crash. He issued a statement praising the responders for their bravery and efforts on Friday, according to WUSA9.

"I am pleased that the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has recognized the great efforts of the various divisions of Montgomery County Pubic Safety made on the day of the tragedy. I have nothing but respect for what they tried to do that day and I am proud of their outstanding efforts especially considering how dire the situation had become for themselves," said Gemmel in the statement.

The recipients of the award said that it was a team effort that required the courage of every servicemember on site that day and stated that they would like to share the award with all of the first responders involved.