Coming out of the pandemic, many eyes have been turned to the behind-the-scenes heroes, the first responders of Santa Clarita who have previously remained in the shadows.
Guardians of Santa Clarita Valley (Guardians SCV) bring together first responders — police, fire, and military — and their families to create a community of support.
Santa Clarita is full of police, firefighters, and current and former service members — the glue of the community — and founders Tim and Susan Traurig saw a need and the urgency and growth of that need.
On June 4, in an episode of “Eye On The Valley” at KHTS, host Matt Watson spoke with the founders of Guardians SCV, Tim and Susan Traurig, about Guardians SCV and the work they are doing here in Santa Clarita.
Guardians SCV is a support group and resource for firefighters, military, and police members. The Traurigs saw a need, along with the growing and terrifying statistics. An average of 22 former military service members die by suicide every day. Firefighters and police are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. These statistics are only growing and becoming more threatening.
The team at Guardians SCV understand the struggle service members face. They recognize the emotional and physical stress of the job and how these can affect relationships with spouses, children, and friends.
Guardians SCV also understand that a key tool in processing stress and trauma is a community of people who have experienced the same things — a group of friends and colleagues you can share life with and who understand you.
Guardians SCV has also created a community for the spouses of first responders. Susan Traurig, cofounder, was a first responder’s wife herself before Tim retired and reflects how she wishes she could have had a community earlier in their journey, the community she now relies on and goes through life with.
To learn more about how to support Guardians SCV or join their community, visit their website by clicking here.