First Responder Wellness Week Webinar Series 2026

Please note: This training can be found on our Benchmark Learning Management System. To register, create your account or log in here, then either search for your desired training under “Available Training” or return to this page and click "Register" below to be taken directly to the event page. For more information or help, please refer to this page. 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the 3rd annual First Responder Wellness Week Webinar Series, being held March 23-27, 2026.

Description:

DCJS is committed to increasing the resources and training available for first responder wellness. As part of this initiative, this series of webinars will train first responders in various wellness topics. Please register to join us for one or all of these important events as we continue to improve the health and wellness of the most important pieces of our safety and well-being.

Please note that you must register for each session you plan to attend.

Webinars:

Monday, March 23, 2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
High Standards, Smart Execution: Shifting from Perfectionism to Practical Excellence

First responders work in environments where precision and speed are critical, but the relentless pursuit of perfection can create hesitation, unnecessary stress, and burnout. While striving for high standards is essential, learning to balance excellence with efficiency allows teams to operate at their best—making quick, confident decisions without getting stuck in overanalysis or self-doubt.

Drawing from John Mollura’s 15 years of experience leading test operations for NASA and elite U.S. military programs, this webinar will explore how to shift from perfectionism to execution, adaptability, and continuous improvement—enhancing both performance and resilience in demanding situations.

This practical session will cover:

• Decisive Action Under Pressure – How elite teams make quick, effective decisions without overthinking, and how first responders can apply these strategies in the field.
• The Excellence vs. Perfection Framework – Understanding the difference between striving for high performance and getting caught in the perfectionism trap – plus tactical ways to maintain high standards without unnecessary stress.
• Efficiency Without Compromise – Structuring your workflow, decision-making, and communication to maximize effectiveness without sacrificing precision.
• Continuous Improvement Over Constant Criticism – Shifting from constant criticism to a mindset of growth and learning, helping you build confidence and resilience without the burden of perfectionism.

In emergency response and personal resilience, perfectionism isn’t the key to success—smart execution of excellence is. By shifting the focus from flawless outcomes to efficient, high-impact actions, first responders can enhance performance, reduce stress, and build the confidence needed to excel under pressure. This webinar will provide tools to make faster decisions, trust your training, and perform at your highest level—without the stress of perfection.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Sound for Healing: Sound Bath Meditation for First Responders

First responders regularly face high-stress situations that can take a toll on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. “Sound for Healing: Sound Bath Meditation for First Responders” offers a powerful, restorative experience using sound frequencies to promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and mental clarity.

This session introduces the practice of sound bath meditation, in which participants immerse themselves in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, chimes, and other healing instruments. The session is designed to help first responders reduce stress, improve sleep quality, lower anxiety, and enhance overall resilience. Guided by an experienced practitioner, attendees will explore how sound therapy can support emotional regulation, nervous system recovery, and mindfulness, providing a much-needed reset from the demands of their profession.

No prior meditation experience is required, just a willingness to relax and receive the healing power of sound. By the end of this session, first responders will leave feeling rejuvenated, centered, and equipped with a new tool for ongoing stress management and well-being.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
How to Effectively Handle an Officer in Crisis

The stress of a law enforcement career, along with personal and family issues, can often lead to a crisis when coping mechanisms, resources, and support are not in place. When a crisis happens, how an agency responds is critical to saving officers’ careers and ensuring the proper help is secured. This breakout session will discuss how to voluntarily refer your officer to the appropriate resource, how to build trust and cooperation with peer resources, how to enact treatment diversion policies when behaviors are exposed in the workplace, and how to assist in managing the issue moving forward in their career.

Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Navigating Relationship Struggles as a First Responder

This course explores the unique challenges that first responders face in maintaining healthy personal relationships. Participants will learn to identify the professional demands—such as shift work, trauma exposure, and high stress—that often impact relationships and personal well-being. The session will provide practical strategies to strengthen connections with loved ones, improve communication, and foster resilience. Additionally, participants will gain insights into available resources and tools to support themselves and their relationships while balancing the rigors of their professions.

Friday, March 27, 2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lethal Means Safety

Lethal means are objects (e.g., medications, firearms, sharp instruments) that can be used to inflict self-directed violence. Lethal Means Safety (LMS) is an intentional, voluntary practice to reduce one’s suicide risk by limiting access to those lethal means. LMS focuses on ensuring time and space between a person in crisis and their access to lethal means, including firearms and medications. Join us as we review the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report and explore resources that can be used to create time and space between thought and action during times of crisis.

Who should attend:

This training is open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, retired first responders, civilian peer support, allied professionals who work with first responders, and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness are encouraged to attend.

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers will not be available.

Cost and Registration:

There is no cost to attend this training; however, pre-registration is required.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS-assigned course coordinator to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Denied registrants will be notified via the email address provided during registration.