Lawton, OK Chapter

First Responders Foundation Lawton, OK Chapter

First Responders Foundation Lawton Chapter
The mission of the First Responders Foundation Lawton, OK Chapter is to serve and honor all our first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. 

The Lawton Chapter is an extension of the First Responders Foundation. The Chapter is led by local community members who are best equipped to address the needs of First Responders. Funds raised here stay in Lawton and are used to further our mission. The Lawton Chapter is dedicated to fostering resilience, wellness, and hope within our first responder community by improving access to mental health resources, peer support, and trauma-informed care. We commit to breaking stigma, strengthening emotional health, and standing alongside those who serve in Lawton and beyond—so no First Responder ever faces the burden of their service alone, and every hero has the support they deserve.

EMS Mental Health Resources

Coming Soon!

News & Events

Coming Soon!

The Lawton, OK Chapter Supports

Douglas County Correctional Center was opened in July 1979. In June 2005, construction of the Correctional Center was completed, bringing our total capacity to 1,449 beds.  In 2016, Douglas County voters approved a public safety bond, a portion of which was allotted for the renovation of identified areas within the Correctional Center to include projects for painting, plumbing, windows, and lighting to create a more energy-efficient and safe environment.

We are committed to…

  • Preserving life, and enhancing the quality of life.
  • An environment that encourages problem solving, by both ourselves and the community.
  • Being responsible for our actions and taking ownership of our work.
  • Our community, our profession, and to each other.
  • Educating ourselves and our community about the causes, resolution and prevention of crime and disorder.
  • Human dignity and the worth of all individuals.

Goals

The current 3-year plan will contain the primary focus of fundraising into the following:

  • Resilience funding
    Wellness areas that can provide assistance for the first responder and their family.
    Assistance for working conditions to better supply stress release items for first
    responders.
  • Line of Duty Death
    At a time if an active line of duty death would occur.
    Within five days of the death a donation will be made to the family.
    Our goal will be to set aside $50,000.00 in the P&L by the end of 2025.
  • Advocation
    Public relations to continue show our first responders in a positive manner.
    Through events for the first responders and their families.
  • K-9 Funding
    Assistance in any or all K-9 funding to include the following.
    Working police/fire K-9 officers
    Therapy k-9 assistance
  • Innovation
    This area of funding can include equipment needs, technology and employee training.

We Accomplish Our Mission By:

  • Recognizing and showing support for Correctional Officers and encouraging respect and appreciation from the public.
  • Supporting Correctional Officers their families in handling job-related stress, trauma, and unique health challenges.
  • Supporting unique programs and events designed to recruit, retain, and foster awareness and appreciation for Correctional Officers to enhance public safety.

Chair

Linda Pleger
Paramedic and Kirk’s EMS Training Officer

Treasurer

Marilyn Sikes
Accountant

Secretary

Katlyn Vandever
Advanced-EMT, Lawton Fire Department & Commanche Community Hospital

Directors:

Terry Mendez
Program Director of EMS, Division of Health Professions, Oklahoma
City Community College

Cartessa Smith
MSBS, LPC, Trauma and PTSD Counselor at Amity Counseling, military veteran, doctoral
Candidate

Make a Difference

Giving HeartHelp us support the people we turn to in our greatest times of need. Your gift to the First Responders Foundation – Lawton, OK Chapter will help us fulfill our mission. Thank you for your support.

Donate Now

Together we can make Lawton, Oklahoma a safer, better community.

Contact Us

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Supporting correctional officers makes DCC a better, safer place for all.

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