In the News

There will be no other service dog quite like him

This story highlights the powerful bond between Andrew and Riggs, and how their partnership has helped break stigma around PTSD while demonstrating the life-changing impact a service dog can have for first responders and veterans. As Riggs enters a well-earned retirement, we honour his incredible service and thank Andrew for continuing to give back through his ongoing commitment to supporting others.

A Retired Fire Chief on the Critical Need for Thermal Imaging Training

Retired Fire Chief and BOTG Volunteer, Manfred Kihn, speaks with on the importance of thermal imaging training in fire departments and his volunteer efforts with Boots On The Ground. Listen to the full podcast episode below.

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 83 - Healing Through Awareness: World Mental Health Day

In this episode of TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers, host Julia Vellucci discusses World Mental Health Day and chats with mental health advocate Leo Petrilli, a former first responder, about supporting mental well-being and his work with The Addictions Academy and Boots On The Ground.

Learn about why BOTG started and the support that they offer

Boots On The Ground is an anonymous Ontario-based helpline where First Responders can talk to someone who’s been through it …

Local Legion branch recognizes the contributions of service dogs through honorary memberships

BOTG service dog Zoe, with her handler—have been granted honorary membership at a local Legion branch. While dogs do not meet standard membership requirements, the branch created this special recognition to honor the vital support these animals provide to their handlers. The Legion’s efforts highlight its commitment to veterans and the broader community, showcasing the important role service dogs play in daily life and well-being.

Jamie Davis the recipient of Canada Beyond the Blue, Champions of Change Community Partner Award

Jamie Davis, Therapy Dog Manager and retired Staff Sergeant from Peel Police, is the recipient of this year’s Canada Beyond the Blue, Champions of Change Community Partner Award.

Ontario expanding mental health supports to ensure first responders and public safety personnel have access to mental health resources

The new Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program (MHS4PSP) will provide specialized services for police officers, firefighters, correctional workers, paramedics and others who support Ontario’s public safety system.

From Paramedic to Breathwork Coach: Unlocking The Power of Your Nervous System

Dan Hearn, a former paramedic turned breathwork coach, and BOTG Wellness Manager, shares his personal transformation and how breathwork can help you shift from chronic stress to a state of calm and clarity. Listed to the full episode on The Positive Perspective Podcast below

Supporting First Responders: A Conversation with David Common on Mental Health and Boots On The Ground

Rob Leathen, retired Fire Services, and a helpline volunteer for BOTG, chats with David Common from CBC Metro Morning 99.1 about this time of year and some of the struggles that 1st responders experience and how Boots On The Ground helps struggling 1st responders.

‘Very valuable to members’: Boots on the Ground now offers support for military personnel

Former service member at Canadian Forces Base Borden big supporter of peer support helpline

New peer support line offers help for Alberta first responders

President of Boots on the Ground in Alberta says in the week the helpline has been open, it has received more calls than expected

Peer support organization becomes available to first responders in Alberta

One of Canada’s leading independent peer assistance groups for first responders by first responders has opened its doors in Alberta.

630 CHED Radio: Launch of BOTG Alberta

Dave McLennan announces the launch of Boots on the Ground's Alberta Division with 630 CHED Radio.

Launch of BOTG Alberta

CBC radio call in show with Mo Shaukat and Dave McLennan about the launch of BOTG Alberta.

900 CMHL interview: Comrades in Wellbeing program

900 CMHL interview with CAF Veteran Sean Maher and Psychologist Tiffany Hunt about the Comrades in Wellbeing program.

Firefighting in Canada Boots on the Ground expands to Alberta

Three years ago, when Airdronian Mo Shaukat, reached out to Boots On The Ground, an anonymous helpline that provides peer support to other first responders, he was hoping to volunteer as a peer support individual himself. However …

An officer with PTSD

This list was compiled by spouses of officers for spouses of officers. The London Spousal Support Group is a group of individuals who meet twice per month to offer support to spouses and partners of officers with PTSD. This series of tips …

Police Association of Ontario’s inaugural charity golf tournament for PTSD awareness raises $20,000

The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) held its inaugural charity golf tournament at Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton, raising $20,000 for the three charities it chose to support …

First Responders to be honoured as COVID-19 heroes

Organizers of a special pre-Canada Day celebration are hoping to send a loud message to first responders to honour them for the work they’ve been doing as COVID-19 frontline heroes.

First Responders to be Honoured as COVID-19 Heroes at Community Event

Organizers of a special pre-Canada Day celebration are hoping to send a loud message to first responders to honour them for the work they’ve been doing as COVID-19 frontline heroes.

Boots on the Ground to hold picnic to thank First Responders to all their efforts during the pandemic

What could be better than a free BBQ? Oh, that’s right, a free BBQ with puppies around.Boots On The Ground, a volunteer organization that runs a 24-hour helpline for first responders in Ontario, is hosting a free BBQ …

Government of Canada announcement of funding for Boots on the Ground

Supporting the mental health and well-being of people in Canada, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a priority for the Government of Canada …

Feature on Boots on the Ground paramedic finding a way to support mental health

Though working as a First Responder is undoubtedly fulfilling, it doesn’t come without a price. The mental health and well-being of First Responders and front-line workers is more important than ever as they face unprecedented stress …

Anonymous helpline provides confidential peer support

For 30 years, Dave McLennan was a dedicated police officer with Peel police. Yet upon retirement, McLennan felt the need to continue to serve his community and started Boots on the Ground …

Boots on the Ground supports mental health of first responders across Ontario

To raise awareness about PTSD for first responders, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks Caledon firefighters took to the Elora Cataract Trail for a 15-kilometre hike. The goal was

Boots on Pedals supports first responders helpline

When Ontario Provincial Police Const. Richard Martin stayed late and responded to call on Highway 401 near Odessa in November 2016 to provide extra visibility to a tow truck driver helping …

A chat with Dave McLennan: Career Law Enforcement Officer and Founder of Boots on the Ground.

An organization that provides peer support for First Responders, delivered by First Responders. This is what peer support should look like …

Mental health groups offer support to family of fallen officer

Support groups are reaching out to Toronto police officers and their families with mental health and counselling resources this weekend as they deal with the death of one of their own in the line of duty …

By First Responders, for First Responders: Boots on the Ground Offers Anonymous Peer Support

Feature interview with BOTG founder and firefighter Rob Leathen

Feature on firefighter and Boots on the Ground volunteer Rob Leathen

After 29 years in the fire service, Acting Platoon Chief Rob Leathen would have seen it all and nothing would affect him any longer. This couldn’t be further from the truth …

Canadian Press story about calls spiking for Boots on the Ground during the pandemic

Business is, unfortunately, booming for an Ontario peer support organization for first responders. Calls are way up to the 160 volunteers at Boots on the Ground who offer an ear to first responders struggling …

Retired Peel police officer starts charity for peer mental health support for first responders

With Boots On The Ground, there’s now help for those who answer calls for distress on a daily basis, thanks to former Peel police officer Dave McLennan.“First responders are used to being helpers, not asking for help,” …

Boots on the Ground Founder Dave McLennan interviewed by John Moore

Taking aim at the stigma around mental health

Over a 30 year career, McLennan says he’s seen first-hand the toll that dealing with trauma on the job and not speaking about it has taken with suicide, alcoholism, divorce, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting First Responders …

Taking aim at the stigma around mental health

Retired police officer Dave McLennan said over his 30-year career, he saw that stigma prevents police from coming forward and talking about the mental health issues they face …

Boots on the Ground in Thunder Day

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and corrections officers can’t simply turn off what they see on a daily basis …

The not-for-profit organization provides support for anyone who needs someone to talk to about whatever it is they might be experiencing …

Fundraiser supports mental health initiatives for first responders

There is no doubt out emergency response and front line workers have a mentally taxing job. Corrections officers, EMS, firefighters and police have to deal with some of the most difficult situations …

Story about the launch of Boots on the Ground

When Dave McLennan became a police officer in the 1980s, no one talked about the toll the job can take on the mind. Unacknowledged and dismissed as part of the job was the impact of …

The launch of Boots on the Ground

A confidential, 24-7 phone line staffed by a team of volunteer police officers has been established to provide a safe space for officers in distress to seek help …

The launch of Boots on the Ground

Tired of seeing colleagues suffer, this cop created a help line for first responders …

Boots on the Ground non profit celebrates launch

Police officers in Ontario have organized to incorporate a new non-profit geared to offering over-the-phone and in-person support to first responders throughout the province.It goes live Nov. 26, 2018, and celebrated a launch party in Brampton, Ont. on November 23.

The launch of Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground- a 24 hour support line by first responders for their colleagues in need …

Feature story on Boots on the Ground volunteer Rob Leathen

”I won’t lose my life to PTSD. Not Today.”- Rob Leathen on living with an invisible injury.