FAQs

  • What is a Watch Stander?

    A Watch Stander is a dedicated individual trained to identify the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to direct those veterans to the help they need. 

  • How do you become a Watch Stander?

    Any individual can become a Watch Stander by completing our online training at www.thefirewatch.org OR in person with a Regional Programs Director. The training is comprised of watching 2 to 3 short videos, familiarizing yourself with our resource guide and signing a pledge. 

  • I have qualified as a Watch Stander. What’s next?

    Thank you for completing the training and standing watch with us! Now that you know how to recognize the warning signs of a veteran in crisis and to connect a veteran to the help he or she needs, we ask that you get out in the community, attend 2 or 3 veteran events per year, and stand vigilant to the concerns of our nation’s heroes. If you encounter a veteran in crisis, please call 911 or the Veterans Crisis Line at 988. If a veteran just needs help or resources, please call 211 or visit our resources guide at thefirewatch.org/resources. And remember, a veteran at any time and for any reason can call 1-844-MyFLVet.

  • How do you qualify as a Veteran Safe Place?

    Your business/organization must have 50% or at least 50 employees (whichever is less) receive Watch Stander training. If your organization is interested in becoming a Veteran Safe Place, send an email to vsp@thefirewatch.org.

  • Why should my organization sign up to become a Veteran Safe Place?

    There are several benefits to becoming a Veteran Safe Place, including:

    • The opportunity to educate your staff on the challenges that veterans face daily.

    • Show your company’s support to the veteran community. 

    • Your business will be recognized on The Fire Watch social media, website, and app.

    • Your business will receive a certificate and Veteran Safe Place sticker to display in your facilities.

    • Contribute to our life-saving network of community members trained to recognize warning signs and connect veterans to resources.

    • Help in the fight to end veteran suicide. 


  • Is VSP training in-person or virtual?

    Veteran Safe Place training is facilitated by a Regional Programs Director and can be conducted either in-person or virtually. 

  • What are the requirements if my organization hires new staff?

    There are no requirements for training new staff. However, we encourage Watch Stander training to become part of your hiring/onboarding process for each new employee.

  • What does my organization need to provide to receive training?

    • Commitment to 1 hour of training 

    • Organization Point of Contact 

    Watch Stander training is free, and all training materials will be provided by the Regional Program Director conducting your training