Announcing Erin O. Smith as the New Director for the First Responder Resilience Project

The Quell Foundation is excited to announce Erin O. Smith as the Director of the First Responder Resilience Project (FRRP). In her new role, Erin will have direct oversight and accountability for the licensing and distribution of The Quell Foundation’s documentary, First Responders Sound the Alarm, the development, funding, and distribution of the FRRP training program, and further national expansion of all FRRP programs.

Ms. Smith, the widow of Officer Jeffrey L. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C., has a personal connection to the challenges faced by first responders. Officer Smith tragically lost his life in the Line of Duty on January 15, 2021, due to injuries sustained at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Her advocacy led to the recognition of Line of Duty Designation for his death and played a key role in the passage of the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022 by the U.S. Congress. She has been a tireless advocate for raising awareness that silent injuries can also be considered Line of Duty Deaths. “Erin brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our mission of supporting the mental health and resilience of first responders,” shared Quell Foundation CEO, Kevin M. Lynch, “She is an exceptional addition to our team.”

“I could not be more excited and honored to join The Quell Foundation and The First Responder Resilience Project. Quell exemplifies what every department must do – normalize mental wellness and accept that silent injuries are just as important, if not more important, than physical injuries. Good physical condition makes a department strong; good mental health makes it even stronger. This cannot happen until every department implements a mental wellness program and training – we are here to help you accomplish that goal. Starting the conversation is the first step to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health; we are ready to have that conversation with every First Responder in every department across the U.S.”

Originally from Georgia, Erin holds degrees from Florida State University and Bowling Green State University. Notably, Erin was one of the first female Directors of Football Operations at the Division I level while working at institutions such as the University of Virginia, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Richmond. Erin currently resides in Virginia.

For more information on Erin and The Quell Foundation’s First Responder Programs, visit our website at quellfrrp.org.