Minds on the Frontline Podcast

Building Michigan’s First Responder Support System, with Mike Sauger

• Geoff Lassers and Mike Mattern • Episode 74

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In this episode, we welcome Mike Sauger, a Warren police officer and President of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, to discuss how Michigan identified gaps in mental and behavioral health support for first responders and how those gaps led to the creation of Frontline Strong Together 5. Drawing on decades of experience in dispatch, patrol, and statewide labor leadership, Mike shares the law enforcement perspective on how critical incidents were historically handled and why many officers and dispatchers navigated trauma with limited formal support. We discuss how leaders within the Fraternal Order of Police, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union began recognizing the same warning signs across disciplines and how early conversations, supported by state funding, helped shape a coordinated, statewide system to support first responders and their families.

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.

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