Rock of Refuge Counseling Center and Foundation for Learning

12/31/2025

We’re proud to share this powerful upcoming book from our client — After the Sirens — launching mid-January 2026! 📚
👉 After the Sirens offers a raw, honest look at what first responders carry long after the calls are over — and what healing really looks like when the sirens finally stop. It’s about resilience, vulnerability, and the unseen emotional toll that EMS, fire, police, and dispatch professionals carry with them every day.
after the sirens
💬 Early readers describe it as a courageous and deeply reflective story — one that gives voice to the silent impact of trauma and the journey toward healing with honesty and heart.
after the sirens
📌 Who this book is for:
✔️ First responders (EMS, fire, police, dispatch)
✔️ Families & partners who support them
✔️ Anyone trying to find steady ground after chaos
after the sirens
📅 Launching Mid-January 2026 — sign up now for launch updates, links to ebook/paperback/hardback releases, and speaking dates!
after the sirens
🌐 Learn more: https://afterthesirensbook.com

book launch page

12/23/2025

This week is heavy for first responders.

While Christmas music plays and calendars fill with parties, they will walk into moments most people never see.

They’ll respond to crashes on icy roads.
Medical calls that happen right in the middle of family celebrations.
Calls where grief, addiction, violence, or despair collide with a season that’s supposed to feel joyful.

They’ll carry images that don’t match the lights on the tree.
They’ll shoulder stories they won’t share at the dinner table.

And when the shift ends, they’ll come home.
Hang up the uniform.
Kiss their kids.
Sit down to Christmas traditions—
and try to be present while their hearts are still out there.

If you love a first responder, this week matters.
Extra grace.
Extra patience.
Extra prayer.

And to those serving: you are seen.
You are needed.
You are not alone.

Let’s cover them in prayer this week—and look out for one another.

10/19/2025

🚨 NC First Responder Mental Wellness Summit 🚨
📅 February 26 & 27, 2026
📍 Offered by Cape Fear Community College Public Safety
👨‍🏫 Presented By Pierce Foundation

Join us for a powerful two-day educational event designed to equip first responders with the tools they need to strengthen mental wellness, personal resilience, and agency culture around emotional survival.

✨ Featuring Keynotes by:
• The Salty Paramedic
• Paramedic Sophie

✅ Practical strategies for emotional survival
✅ Building resilience in high-stress environments
✅ Enhancing wellness for first responders and their teams

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the registration link to secure your spot today!

Let’s take care of those who take care of us. 💙🚑🚓🚒



https://cfcc-register.fundfive.com/filtered/course/Mental_Wellness

04/23/2025

Attention first responders, veterans, and active military members! 👋🏼 Rock of Refuge is accepting new clients. To schedule an appointment, please call, text 704-709-1147, or send us a direct message. We also welcome referrals through our website: https://www.therockofrefuge.com

02/27/2025

Andy will be missed! I learned so much from him.

On April 16th, 2007, the commonwealth faced an unthinkable tragedy. Specifically those in the New River Valley. Following those horrific events, the founders of our program were introduced to people who would change everything. People who showed up. People who cared. People who have survived their stories and used them to shape the stories of others.
They came with healing. They came with love.
Among them, was Andy Gruler. A retired secret service agent turned clinical social worker who became one of the nationwide pioneers of law enforcement mental health and wellness. It’s not beyond reach to claim that Andy helped tens of thousands. It is hard to tell how many lives continued living because of his approach to tough conversations. Andy would look you in the eye, tell you what’s wrong with you, and refuse to let you struggle alone.
He served as the clinical director for multiple Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS) in multiple states across the country. He among few others, is why we exist.

Andy. From all of us at VALEAP, your passing is one that will linger. In the essence of our work, you’ll always exist. Thank you for pouring into the hearts of many hurting cops. This one included.

Rest well. The world is better because you walked it.

12/24/2024

Our hearts are with Greensboro. Thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten. 💙

Statement from Chief MJ Harris:

"Thank you for being here with us.

First, we want to honor the life and service of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed in the line of duty this morning.

Together, we are mourning Officer Horan -- who was a husband, father, son, friend, and much more to his family. He became a sworn officer with the department in early 2018, and he served on the Patrol Bureau in District 4, on Squad A.

Officer Horan was hired in September of 2017 to start the 103 PBIC Academy. He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the Department and the community. We ask that you please keep his family, friends and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers.

Officer Horan responded to a call about a man with a firearm inside Food Lion in the 4700 block of Lawndale Drive. A shooting occurred inside the store at approximately 11 a.m., fatally wounding Officer Horan. The circumstances of what led to the shooting are being investigated.

The offender is in custody and there is no threat to the public. We will release more details about the suspect as the investigation continues.
Our department has requested the State Bureau of Investigation to be the lead investigating agency.

On behalf of the Greensboro Police Department, we want to thank our law enforcement partners across the state for your support and for your efforts today to quickly apprehend the suspect.

We also want to thank our community for continuing to support our officers and their families during this difficult time. We will be sharing more information with media after this news conference with details about a fundraiser for the officer’s family, and other ways in which we plan to honor Officer Horan’s life and service."

A memorial has been set up in his honor at police HQ. One will be located outside and the other in the main lobby.

Below you can find information on how you can donate to the family of Officer Horan:

https://helpahero.com/campaign/greensboro-police-officer-michael-t-horan

11/11/2024

The Thin Line Legion would like to extend a very special thanks to all of our veterans and active military who have served and continue to serve our country every day! As always, we understand there is a struggle among our veterans that they go through every day, and we are here for you.

10/28/2024

Today is ! We’re eternally grateful for all the first responders who serve their communities across our great state.

If you see a first responder today, please give them extra thanks 🚒🚓🚑

07/01/2024

Your life and service will NEVER be forgotten, and the mission you started to provide a place and support for other officers suffering from the incredible stress of the job will continue. WE PROMISE!!!!!

07/01/2024

CMPD K-9 Officer Brent Simpson passed away today from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Simpson was a graduate of the 148th Recruit Class and served with CMPD since 2006. Most recently, Officer Simpson was assigned to the K-9 unit and faithfully served alongside his K-9 partner, Levi, for six years. Prior to joining CMPD, Officer Simpson served in the U.S. Navy as an Operation Specialist with the Military Police for four years.

His life and service will never be forgotten. Please say a prayer for Officer Simpson's loved ones and fellow officers during this difficult time.

07/01/2024

Thoughts and Prayers for the CMPD family. I’m here if you need anything. ❤️