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The annual Legends Never Die 5K in Madeira Beach raises vital funds and awareness for mental health support services catered to first responders and military personnel.Madeira Beach Today
The Legends Never Die 5K in Madeira Beach, Florida raised funds and awareness for mental health issues affecting first responders and military personnel. The event, now in its fifth year, has grown as organizers work to break the stigma around seeking help and provide free access to counseling services through the Franciscan Center.
Why it matters
First responders and military members face high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide due to the trauma they experience on the job. Events like the Legends Never Die 5K aim to destigmatize mental health support and ensure these critical public servants have access to the care they need.
The details
The 5K run drew hundreds of participants to Madeira Beach on Sunday. Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk, who has personally sought help, said the event is important to ‘break that stigma’ around mental health issues in these professions. Sgt. Anthony Patrick of the Muhlstadt Foundation noted that military training can make it difficult for service members to ask for help, while Pinellas-Suncoast Fire Rescue Chief Ken Grimes explained that first responders ‘don’t just see the worst moments in people’s lives, but they participate in those moments’ which leads to trauma.
The Legends Never Die 5K is in its fifth year.The event took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The players
Clint Belk
Chief of the Madeira Beach Fire Department who has personally sought mental health support and works to destigmatize it for his staff.
Anthony Patrick
Sergeant with the Muhlstadt Foundation, which focuses on mental health issues affecting the military.
Ken Grimes
Chief of Pinellas-Suncoast Fire Rescue, who discussed the trauma first responders experience on the job.
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What they’re saying
“Back in the day when I first started, it was, ‘Suck it up, buttercup, don’t talk about anything, you’ll be fine, just go to the next call.’ Well, we’re losing too many of our brothers and sisters to this, and this has got to stop.”
— Clint Belk, Madeira Beach Fire Department Chief
“Through their military training, a lot of what they do is to make them tough, and that ideal image of what tough is doesn’t really align with asking for help.”
— Anthony Patrick, Sergeant, Muhlstadt Foundation
“They don’t just see the worst moments in people’s lives, but they participate in those moments. Not only that they feel responsible for those moments, and with that comes a lot of trauma.”
— Ken Grimes, Pinellas-Suncoast Fire Rescue Chief
What’s next
The Legends Never Die 5K will continue to be an annual event, with organizers working to expand participation and raise more funds for mental health services for first responders and the military.
The takeaway
Events like the Legends Never Die 5K play a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues and ensuring those who serve our communities have access to the support they need. By providing free counseling and creating open dialogues, these initiatives can save lives and strengthen the resilience of our first responders and military members.