Bluerydge Celebrates Thank a First Responder Day

Bluerydge Celebrates Thank a First Responder Day with Gratitude and Support

Recognising the Sacrifices of First Responders

Bluerydge proudly celebrated Thank a First Responder Day (TAFRD), an initiative dedicated to honoring the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of first responders across Australia. To mark the occasion, Bluerydge hosted a special morning tea, providing a space for team members to share personal stories, express gratitude, and discuss the impact that first responders have on our communities.

First responders—police, paramedics, firefighters, and emergency service workers—face immense physical and psychological challenges in the line of duty. Their work often involves exposure to trauma, high-risk situations, and extreme stress, which can have lasting effects on mental health and overall wellbeing.

During the event, Bluerydge reinforced its commitment to supporting first responders, not just through words of appreciation but through practical career transition opportunities, helping them build new futures in cybersecurity and IT.

Creating Career Pathways for First Responders

A key part of Bluerydge’s involvement in Thank a First Responder Day was the discussion on how first responders can transition into cybersecurity and technology careers through Bluerydge’s Policing Pathway Program.

Many first responders develop highly transferable skills that make them well-suited for cybersecurity, including:

• Threat assessment and risk management
• Incident response and crisis decision-making
• Leadership and problem-solving under pressure

Bluerydge’s Policing Pathway Program provides structured support, training, and career guidance to help first responders apply their expertise in new and impactful ways within the cybersecurity industry.

Highlighting Mental Health in Policing

In support of mental health awareness in first responder communities, Bluerydge also shared a non-fiction article addressing professional trauma in policing, which explores the psychological toll of the profession and the importance of seeking proper mental health support. The article can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/gP9tKenF.

By shining a light on the mental and emotional burdens first responders carry, Bluerydge continues to advocate for better wellbeing resources and transition support for those leaving frontline roles.

Supporting Fortem Australia’s Matched Giving Day

Thank a First Responder Day is also a Matched Giving Day, with all donations made before midnight on 7 June 2023 being matched by Fortem Australia’s sponsor up to $150,000, potentially raising $300,000 for first responder mental health and wellbeing programs.

As a proud supporter of Fortem Australia, Bluerydge encourages donations to help fund critical wellbeing initiatives that provide first responders and their families with specialised mental health care and career transition support.

Donations can be made through this link: https://lnkd.in/gtmXY2kp.

Looking Ahead

Bluerydge remains committed to recognising, supporting, and empowering first responders, whether through career opportunities, mental health advocacy, or direct contributions to organisations like Fortem Australia.

Thank a First Responder Day is not just a one-day event—it is a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities.

Bluerydge will continue working alongside Fortem Australia and other organisations to ensure that first responders receive the support, opportunities, and recognition they deserve.