Apogee Responders is an independent, voluntary leadership and professional development mentorship designed for first responders. The program focuses on self-leadership, identity, discipline, and decision-making under pressure through a structured 12-month curriculum.

No. Apogee Responders is an independent program and is not affiliated with any department, municipality, or governing body unless formally contracted.

No. Apogee Responders is not a mental health program, wellness program, or clinical service. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy, counseling, or peer support services.

No. Apogee Responders does not replace or compete with EAP, CISM, peer support teams, chaplain services, or licensed mental health providers. Participants are encouraged to continue using all department-approved resources.

No. Participation is strictly voluntary. Enrollment or non-enrollment has no impact on evaluations, assignments, promotions, discipline, or standing within the organization.

Participation structure is determined by the department. Many departments support off-duty participation, while others allow limited duty-time participation. Apogee Responders does not require on-duty involvement, however it may be in the department’s best interest to allow some form of limited on-duty time for involvement in the program.

Departments do not assume clinical, counseling, or treatment-related liability through participation. Apogee Responders operates as a professional development vendor providing leadership mentorship, not medical or mental health services.

Participants engage in reflective exercises and leadership challenges within a private cohort environment. Departments do not receive individual data, personal disclosures, assessments, journals, or scores.

Departments receive only aggregate, anonymized data, such as participation rates and program completion metrics. No individual-level data is shared.

Apogee Responders is not a monitoring or reporting body. The program encourages participants to seek appropriate professional or departmental resources when needed. Immediate safety concerns are addressed according to standard ethical obligations.

No. Coaches operate as leadership mentors and facilitators, not clinicians. They do not act as therapists, counselors, or peer support officers.

Participant discussions occur within a closed cohort environment. Personal disclosures remain within the cohort and are not shared with departments or third parties.

Topics include self-leadership, identity development, time and discipline management, communication standards, family leadership, financial responsibility, physical readiness, and long-term professional sustainability.

Apogee Responders does not provide suicide prevention services. It encourages participants to utilize department-approved and licensed resources when experiencing distress.

Departments that support voluntary cohorts may benefit from improved leadership presence, accountability, professionalism, and retention without assuming clinical or evaluative responsibility.

Success is measured through participation consistency, completion rates, and qualitative leadership development indicators. Outcomes are developmental, not diagnostic or evaluative.

The core curriculum remains consistent to preserve program integrity. Scheduling and participation logistics may be coordinated with the department.

Departments may choose to fund participation fully, partially, or not at all. Funding decisions are made independently by each organization.

An initial inquiry and informational discussion. All discussions are exploratory and non-binding.

Yes. Departments that move forward typically utilize a simple agreement outlining scope, boundaries, and responsibilities.

Questions may be directed to Apogee Responders through the Department Leadership Cohort inquiry page.