September 23, 2025
Mayor's Office
DATE: September 23, 2025
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda, Co-sponsor
Councilmember Soheila Bana, Co-sponsor
Subject:
Proclamation Recognizing September as Suicide
Awareness and Prevention Month & Honoring the
Richmond Fire Department’s Peer Support Team
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact on receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 24, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
This agenda item seeks City Council approval of a
proclamation declaring September 2025 as Suicide
Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of
Richmond. The proclamation highlights the importance of mental health awareness, suicide prevention efforts
across the community, and the Richmond Fire
Department’s leadership in advancing behavioral health
support for first responders.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: PROCLAMATION recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and honoring the
Richmond Fire Department’s Peer Support Team - Mayor
Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), Vice Mayor Cesar
Zepeda (510-620-6593), and Councilmember Soheila
Bana (510-620-6743).
DISCUSSION:
According to the CDC, 49,000 lives were lost due to suicides in 2023. In Richmond, residents face behavioral health challenges that can be intensified by trauma, economic AGENDA
REPORT
September 23, 2025
hardship, and stigma. Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month provides an opportunity to promote resources, reduce stigma, and foster community resilience.
The Richmond Fire Department has taken significant steps to address mental health within its ranks. Over the past 18 months, the department launched a comprehensive Behavioral Health Program, including a Critical Incident Stress Management / Peer Support Team composed of twelve trained fire personnel. These members provide confidential peer support and psychological first aid to fellow firefighters.
The Department’s program meets the standards outlined in Assembly Bill 1116, the California Firefighter Peer Support and Crisis Referral Services Act, and has received official approval from the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal- JAC), making Richmond one of only two departments statewide to earn this distinction.
This proclamation affirms the City of Richmond’s commitment to behavioral health and suicide prevention for all residents. It also recognizes the Richmond Fire Department’s proactive leadership in supporting the mental wellness of its personnel. By joining the statewide Stand Down for Behavioral Health initiative, the department is setting a powerful example of prioritizing mental health alongside physical safety.
The proclamation honors the following Peer Support Team members for their service and dedication:
Captain Nick Bartesch
Captain Jeremy Booth
Captain Rachel Gomez
Captain Frank Marin
Captain Tom Phelps
Captain Brandon Perry
Team Coordinator Amy Aaronson
Firefighter Lauren Powers
Engineer Trevor Rogers
Engineer Anthony Santos
Captain Alexander Schindler
Engineer Josh Tate
Firefighter Cody Thie
This recognition encourages all Richmond residents to engage in open dialogue, utilize available resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and support efforts to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation Recognizing September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month & Honoring the Richmond Fire Department’s Peer Support Team