Mesa Fire Calendar raises money for first responder suicide prevention

MESA, AZ – Mesa firefighters pose for the new 2025 firefighting calendar to raise money for the Arizona-based organization Stop Our Stigma, or SOS

The Arizona-based organization’s goal is to reduce the suicide rate among first responders.

“For the last 50 years, we have taught the community to call 911 when they need help with anything. Whether it is a pediatric emergency call, child death, drowning, car accident or suicide,” said Mesa Fire Capt. Dale Crogan. “In 2017, we conducted a study at the University of Arizona that showed that the risk of suicide among first responders in the state of Arizona was 39% higher. Our goal is to reduce this percentage.”

The fire department calendar is now available at Birdcall restaurants throughout the valley for $15, and $10 will be donated to SOS with every purchase. SOS not only educates first responders on how to deal with work-related stress and trauma, but also educates family members on how to recognize depression and suicidal thoughts in their loved ones.

Birdcall’s Chief Marketing Officer, Brent Phillip, says: “We see these local first responders, paramedics, firefighters and paramedics as everyday heroes and we thought, ‘Wow, is there a way we can bring some attention to what SAUCE? act?'”