Florida Institute of Technology has received the Veteran Safe Place designation from The Fire Watch, recognizing the university’s efforts to strengthen suicide prevention awareness and support military-affiliated students.
More than 70 Florida Tech faculty and staff members completed specialized training through The Fire Watch’s Veteran Safe Place Program, preparing them to recognize signs of distress and help connect veterans and service members with appropriate resources. Participants who complete the training become known as Watch Standers.
The designation is particularly significant for Florida Tech, where more than 12% of the student population has military connections, including active-duty service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans.
Florida Tech Expands Support for Military-Affiliated Students
The university’s military-affiliated student population includes 414 active-duty service members, 330 veteran dependents and 220 veterans, according to Florida Tech.
The campus training initiative was spearheaded by Deanna Perez, the university’s director of student outreach and support, who is also a veteran spouse. Drawing on her personal experiences living on a military base and hearing veterans discuss the challenges associated with their service, Perez advocated for bringing the suicide prevention program to campus.
Perez said the training gives university employees an opportunity to help create a more informed and supportive environment for the military community.
The one-hour session equips participants with information to identify potential warning signs, approach people who may be struggling, and direct them toward available support services.
What Is The Fire Watch’s Veteran Safe Place Program?
The Fire Watch launched its Veteran Safe Place Program in 2021 to expand suicide prevention awareness and encourage communities across Florida to support veterans and military-affiliated individuals.
Since the program began, the organization has mobilized more than 15,400 people statewide to complete its training and become Watch Standers.
Henry Angulo, a 12-year Marine Corps veteran and regional programs director overseeing The Fire Watch’s southeast Florida operations, led the training at Florida Tech. The program emphasizes that supporting veterans is a shared community responsibility, extending beyond health care providers and military organizations to include colleagues, friends, family members, and neighbors.
By training employees to recognize distress and connect individuals with help, Florida Tech aims to make support more accessible to members of its military-affiliated community.
How to Become a Watch Stander
The Fire Watch offers its one-hour training free of charge to people interested in learning how to support veterans and recognize potential suicide risk.
Individuals who want to become Watch Standers can find additional information about the training and program through The Fire Watch’s official website.
Florida Tech’s designation highlights how educational institutions can contribute to suicide prevention by equipping employees with practical knowledge and encouraging a campus culture that prioritizes awareness, connection, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Veteran Safe Place designation?
The designation is part of The Fire Watch’s initiative to expand suicide prevention awareness and support for veterans. Participating organizations train faculty, staff, or community members to recognize signs of distress and help connect veterans with appropriate resources.
How many Florida Tech employees completed the training?
More than 70 faculty and staff members completed the specialized training required for the university’s designation.
How many military-affiliated students attend Florida Tech?
More than 12% of Florida Tech’s student population is military-affiliated. The university reported 414 active-duty service members, 330 veteran dependents, and 220 veterans.
What is a Watch Stander?
A Watch Stander is someone who has completed The Fire Watch’s training to help recognize potential suicide risk among veterans and connect people with appropriate support.
Is The Fire Watch training free?
Yes. The one-hour training is offered free to individuals interested in learning how to support veterans in their communities.
