The Fire Watch is Northeast Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide. They are uniting War Fighters and allies to swiftly activate local assets, stand watch, and build a life-saving network. They call it their ‘Watch Stander’ program. To date, no city, county, or state has systemically reduced its veteran suicide rate. This effort is the first of its kind in the country.

A nonprofit organization in Jacksonville is making it its mission to reach veterans who need help with mental health and homelessness.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry made a pitch Wednesday to state lawmakers to bring more money into Jacksonville in order to keep pedestrians safe, help fight violence and work to prevent veterans from committing suicide. Curry asked for an additional $2 million to fund three programs that he believes are important to Jacksonville: pedestrian crossing installation, Cure Violence and “The Fire Watch." We’re seeking funding for pedestrian safety, funding for Cure Violence, which helps intervene in stopping violent crime, and money to help us in preventing veteran suicide,” Curry said. The mayor also wants an additional $750,000 from the state to fund an expansion of the Cure Violence program that began in June. The city will also plug in an additional $2.4 million to add an additional Cure Violence site between Edgewood Avenue and Interstate 295.

The Fire Watch: A new program for those who have served our country. Also, what 50 years of consolidation has meant for the city of Jacksonville with Chris Hand and Rick Mullaney.

The Fire Watch: A new program for those who have served our country. Also what 50 years of consolidation has meant for the city of Jacksonville with Chris Hand and Rick Mullaney. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.