PSAC Event To Bring First Responders, Families Together For ‘Night Of Connection’

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – The Public Safety Action Committee (PSAC) will bring together first responders, public safety professionals, families and community leaders in October for an evening focused on cumulative trauma, wellness, healing and resilience.

The organization’s “Night of Connection” will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Barbour Springs Event Center, 2035 Sanders Road, Willow Spring.

According to PSAC organizers, first responders from the Triangle and beyond are expected to attend, along with public safety professionals and community leaders from across North Carolina. The evening is designed to create conversations about the cumulative impact of public safety work while also giving those who serve an opportunity to recharge and connect.

‘The Weight Of Our Communities’

Adam Williams, board chair of the Public Safety Action Committee, said, “The wellbeing of our public safety professionals extends far beyond physical safety. First responders carry the weight of our communities on their shoulders, and over time, that cumulative trauma takes a toll. The ‘Night of Connection’ is about creating a space for healing, honest dialogue, and shared resilience. It’s an opportunity to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to protecting us have the support, understanding, and resources they need to thrive both on and off duty.”

The event will include a series of 15- to 20-minute fireside chats with first responder leaders and health officials. Discussions will focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing and available health resources, followed by an open question-and-answer session with the audience.

Public Safety Affects The Entire Family

Garner Police Chief Chris Adams and his wife, Pamela Adams, founder and president of She Leads NC, are among the scheduled speakers.

The Adamses, both Johnston County residents, said the demands of public safety work are experienced not only by the person wearing the uniform, but also by those waiting at home.

“This event is an opportunity to discuss the impacts of a life in public safety and how that expands beyond the person wearing the uniform. I certainly could not have survived nearly three decades in this profession without the support of my wife and my family. They have experienced this journey with me in many ways and I’m blessed to have their love, patience, and prayers,” the Adamses said.

Other scheduled speakers include Nicole Tuomi Jones, Ph.D., LP, CTM, and Margot M. Williams, Ph.D., LP, CTM, psychologists with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit; Wake County Sheriff’s Office Major Chris Creech and Creech’s husband; and Diane L. Miller, MD, MS, FAEMS, FACEP, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine and medical director for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Major Michael Baker To Serve As Master Of Ceremonies

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Major Michael D. Baker will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

Baker, a Johnston County resident, was promoted to major in November 2025 by Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr. and currently serves as director of training for the State Highway Patrol.

He is a 25-year veteran of the Highway Patrol and previously served one year with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Baker holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of the Cumberlands. He is also a graduate of the 292nd Session of the FBI National Academy and the 75th Session of North Carolina State University’s Administrative Officers Management Program.

Baker and his wife, Shannon, have been married for more than 25 years and have two children, Alexis and Dylan.

Food, Music And A Different Kind Of Dress Code

In addition to the discussions and question-and-answer session, the evening will include a cocktail hour, catered meal, DJ and dancing.

Organizers are also encouraging attendees to dress as their favorite icon or duo, past or present. The theme can include a legendary pair, pop culture icons or another classic combination.

The event is intended to provide public safety professionals with an opportunity not only to discuss the challenges associated with their work, but also to spend time with others who understand those pressures.

Organizers said the goal is to recognize the dedication of first responders while creating an environment where conversations about wellness, trauma and family support can take place openly.

Additional information about the Public Safety Action Committee and the “Night of Connection” is available by contacting the organization at 919-275-0426 or info@publicsafetyactioncommittee.org.