About Us
A little bit about who we are, and what we do.
What We Do
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by first responders is crucial in addressing the rising rates of stress,trauma and suicide within that community. These brave individuals are repeatedly exposed to life-threatening situations and near continuous amounts of emotional stress, yet the stigma surrounding mental health can often prevent them from seeking the help they need. By promoting open dialogue and providing/promoting proper resources we can reduce the stigmas and encourage more first responders to get the mental health and suicide prevention resources they deserve. It’s time to normalize and prioritize the wellbeing of those that have and continue to sacrifice for their communities.
Comedy
Using Comedy to address first responders mental health is a powerful way to break down the stigmas surrounding their own emotional well-being. Humor can create a safe space for open conversations allowing first responders to feel less isolated and more comfortable discussing their own struggles. By using comedy as the backbone of our awareness campaign, we can shift the narrative from silence, shame and guilt to understanding, support and healing. Laughter not only provides relief, but it fosters connections and reminds these everyday hero’s that they are not alone.
Fundraising
Meet Our Team
Christopher Snyder
President / Founder Chris began his public service career in 2002, dedicating himself to the safety and well-being of his community. He found his home when he was sworn in as a firefighter with the City of Canton Fire Department in April of 2012. In 2024, he found his true calling, after he nearly ended his own life battling PTSD. Since then, Chris has worked to create something that could reach stubborn first responders like himself by sharing his story with a splash of humor. His love of comedy, commitment to service, along with his passion for helping others, continues to drive him in this endeavor. Wendy Heslink
Administrative Director Wendy worked in school administration offices in western New York State for over 30 years. Through her involvement with the New York State and National Associations of Educational Office Professionals as a member and Board member of both associations, Wendy has travelled across the country giving professional and personal development workshops, keynote speeches and other presentations to students, non-teaching staff and teachers, as well as being a planner and emcee for various events. Currently, Wendy works as a Human Resources Generalist for the City of Canton after relocating to Ohio to be closer to her family in 2022. Dave Sirl
Mental Health Outreach / Resource Director Dave is a former US Army Infantry Team Leader and retired firefighter paramedic with 31 years of service. He has served in a variety of roles; fire instructor, fire investigator, EMS instructor, SWAT medic to name a few. Dave currently works for a hospital system in Cleveland as an EMS Coordinator and delivers education and training to a variety of fire departments, EMS and law enforcement agencies. Dave is also a peer with a regional peer support team and a certified mental health coach. He specializes in trauma recovery, substance use and suicide prevention and awareness. Dave is also in long term substance use recovery and knows the challenges of recovery from post traumatic stress. Sad Team Six is on a mission! Trevor Scott
Event Director Since first taking the stage, Trevor has delighted audiences with his witty, slicing humor. All his life Trevor has battled serious medical problems but finds light in the darkness and shares his story in a way that not only inspires the audience, but leaves them roaring with laughter. He has opened for several national touring headliners such as Tom Cotter, Chad Zumock, Cam Bertrand, and many more! He is a regular at Funny Stop Comedy Club, Krackpots Comedy Club and Funny Farm Comedy Club and has performed at several others! Jennifer Cramer
Mental Health & Wellness Director Jennifer Cramer is a licensed independent counselor in the state of Ohio. She owns her own counseling practice in Green. Jennifer has spent over a decade traveling the country speaking at conferences and departments on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in first responders. Jennifer spoke to the senate in support of house bill 308 advocating for PTSD coverage in Ohio as well as advocating for peer support in our departments. Jennifer worked at the Safety Forces Support Center and was the director of the ASSIST 77 peer support team during her time there. Jennifer is married to her Husband Drew Cramer who is the Chief of the North Canton Fire Department and together they have 5 children. Daniel Greer
Tech Director Dan is a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic & Entrepreneur. He has been professionally marketing in one form or another since early 2008. Because he wholeheartedly believes in its members and its mission of mental health and healing through comedy, Dan joined SadTeam Six. He is a gigantic comedy fan, and for him, levity has absolutely been a primary cornerstone in his toolkit for maintaining mental strength and health. The humanitarian in Dan is very empathetic, and it brings him much joy to introduce this tool that has personally helped him so much to anyone that may have any level of difficulty with any type of mental health issue. Bill Mathews
Fundraising DirectorWould you like to contribute to our cause?
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