Community-Based Approach by Florida Nonprofit Decreases Veteran Suicide Rates by 25%

A charitable organization in Florida is addressing the issue of veteran suicide by fostering relationships within the community and strongly believing that the current crisis faced by American veterans can be averted.

The Fire Watch functions based on three key beliefs: the belief that suicide can be prevented, the importance of timely access to support services in saving lives, and the necessity for communities to be actively involved in prevention efforts.

“It takes the community to get involved in suicide prevention,” Executive Director Nick Howland told Fox News Digital.

Having observed significant positive outcomes, The Fire Watch aims to expand its operations across the country by introducing a unique strategy centered around targeted treatment initiatives and active local participation.

As of the latest data released May 1, veteran suicides in the region fell to 61 in 2023—25% below the 2019 baseline for the fourth straight year. 

Statewide, veteran suicides are down 5%, and in areas where The Fire Watch has a foothold (Northeast Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Escambia County), the decline has been 12%, compared to just 2% elsewhere in the Sunshine State.

“Where we’re building our network of community members who care, who get veterans to the help they need, veteran suicidality is decreasing,” he said. “It’s remarkable.” 

A trainer shares the mission of The Fire Watch with a group of volunteers learning about the nonprofit. The Fire Watch has 9,074 Watch Standers as of May 2025. (The Fire Watch)

For volunteers like Ryan Haczynski, the program’s impact is deeply personal. After losing a Vietnam veteran friend to suicide in late 2022, Haczynski searched for a way to honor his memory and prevent further loss. 

“I didn’t recognize the signs,” he reflected, telling Fox News Digital that his friend had even asked him to be the executor of his will just weeks before his death. 

Following the vet’s suicide, Haczynski’s online search led him into Watch Stander and Ambassador trainings, where he has since certified others and even helped arrange a proper military funeral for his friend.

Haczynski now uses every community interaction to check in on veterans, validate their experiences, and point them to Fire Watch’s free 24/7 crisis resources.

“We want to give back, we want to help, especially people who have done so much [for our country] to go and serve us,” he said.

Learn more about The Fire Watch at thefirewatch.org.