PILLAR: Safe
AGENDA DATE: December 10, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the Texas Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) for the First Responder Mental Health Grant (Grant No. 5411201, State Award ID No. 2026-PO-ST-0000) in the amount of $175,000.00 for services and assistance directly to peace officers and first responders to address direct and indirect trauma that occurs in the course of their normal duties either as the result of the commission of crimes by other persons or in response to an emergency for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $175,000.00 in the CJD FY26 First Responder Mental Health Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $175,000.00 in the CJD FY26 First Responder Mental Health Grant Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement with CJD and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $175,000.00 - Financing: CJD FY26 First Responder Mental Health Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The Dallas Police Department’s (DPD) Wellness Unit and the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department’s (DFD) Wellness and Resiliency (W.A.R.) Departments are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being of all department personnel, including sworn officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and professional staff. Since their establishment, both units have made significant strides in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by providing services such as spousal and family support, on-scene critical incident response, and post-incident follow-up.
Both departments seek to strengthen mental health and resiliency efforts across both agencies. While the stressors faced by first responders in both departments share commonalities, we recognize and respect the unique needs of each department. By combining our strengths, we aim to create a more comprehensive mental health support system that serves the diverse needs of police and fire alike.
This grant will support the growth of the Peer Support Program and fund the development of educational materials focused on trauma, mental health resilience, and stress management. These materials will raise awareness of both the Wellness Unit and W.A.R Department’s functions and available resources, helping to normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma within the first responder community. Through these collaborative efforts, the goal is to create a unified culture across both the Police and Fire departments where mental health support is normalized and accessible, ensuring that public safety personnel are equipped with the tools they need to maintain mental resiliency and well-being.
By working together, we aim to foster a culture of well-being and resilience that benefits not only the personnel of the DPD and DFD departments but also the 1.3 million constituents we serve. Through this proactive, collaborative approach, we strive to reduce burnout, enhance mental health, and ensure the long-term well-being of public safety professionals in Dallas.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Public Safety Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on December 8, 2025. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15006332&GUID=A54D6390-A629-4B1A-94FA-9917F1A5A060>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
CJD FY26 First Responder Mental Health Grant Fund |
$175,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |