VAN WERT, Ohio (WLIO) – First responders are often focused on saving others, but they don’t always take the time to care for themselves.
The Van Wert Firefighters Union and the Van Wert Fire Department are addressing that concern by bringing in internationally recognized speaker and author Travis Howze for a talk on Nov. 1st.
Howze is a former firefighter, police officer and Marine who shares his personal perspective on post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness—using humor to break the stigma.
The goal of the event is to make mental health a priority for first responders, not a stigma.
The event featuring Travis Howze will be held Nov. 1st at 9 a.m. at LifeHouse Church in Van Wert. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now.
Event Details:
First Responders’ Mental Health Event
Date: November 1
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: LifeHouse Church, 719 Fox Rd, Van Wert
Tickets: $20
or visit TravisHowze.com
Media Release Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681/ Van Wert Fire Department
Mental Health Awareness Event for First Responders to Feature Renowned Speaker Travis Howze
Van Wert, OH - In an effort to address the growing mental health challenges faced by first responders, Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681in conjunction with the Van Wert Fire Department is proud to host a powerful and inspiring event featuring internationally recognized speaker, author, and former first responder Travis Howze. The event will take place on November 1, 2025 at LifeHouse Church.
This impactful gathering will bring together firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, dispatchers, military veterans, and mental health advocates to open up honest conversations about trauma, burnout, and resilience in public safety professions.
Travis Howze, a former firefighter, police officer, and U.S. Marine, brings a uniquely raw and personal perspective to the issue of post-traumatic stress. After surviving career-ending injuries and the loss of several colleagues, Travis turned to comedy and public speaking as a way to cope—and to help others heal. Today, he shares his journey across the country, encouraging those in uniform to speak up, seek help, and reclaim their mental well-being.
“We spend our entire careers saving others. It’s time we start saving ourselves,” says Howze. “Mental health should be a priority, not a stigma.”
Event Details:
📅 Date: November 1, 2025
🕒 Time: 9:00 am (doors open at 8:00)
📍 Location: LifeHouse Church 719 Fox Rd., Van Wert, OH 45891
🎟️ Admission: Tickets are $20 available August 1, 2025 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/travis-howze-live-tickets-1253062536779?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or at https://www.travishowze.com/2025tour .
This event is made possible through the support of many local donors, and aims to create a safer, stronger, and more supported community for those who protect and serve every day.
Registration is open now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/travis-howze-live-tickets-1253062536779?aff=ebdssbdestsearchor https://www.travishowze.com/2025tour.
About Travis Howze
Travis Howze is an international touring speaker, author, and motivational wellness educator who spent 14 years in the military and emergency services as a U.S. Marine, Police Officer and Firefighter.
From taking human life to being assigned to the body recover team of 9 brother firefighters, including one of his best friends, Travis was plagued with extreme Post Traumatic Stress dating back to early childhood. With little to no resources available during his recovery, he decided to become a resource by developing "Post Traumatic Purpose - an empowering, educational course and keynote presentation on Leadership, Mental Wellness and Resiliency."
Authentically raw and uncensored, Post Traumatic Purpose gives a realistic view of the mental health epidemic that plagues our first responders and their families. Travis' transparent approach builds a relatability that not only connects with the individual responder but their families; including spouses who are always encouraged to attend in hopes of promoting career and family longevity.
His motivational message focuses on mental health; targeting in on signs and symptoms affected personnel may be displaying through various behavioral patterns and changes, ways of coping with trauma as it applies to the individual, the family and the team. Travis provides a holistic talk by covering various available resources, the culture and why many never seek help. He is the author of the Best Selling book and top ranked Podcast both titled, "Create Your Own Light."
For over a decade, he has had the pleasure of speaking and teaching to departments nationwide and countless emergency services and mental health conferences, including law enforcement, firefighters, clinicians, the FBI, SWAT teams, private mental health organizations, and the top nationally ranked university student veterans' program.
