Over 100 first responders and military veterans gathered on March 26, 2026, for a powerful evening centered on resilience, faith, and healing. Hosted at First Presbyterian Church and coordinated by Upstate Warrior Solution, the inaugural Open the Roof: Faith in the Fire event featured testimonies from veterans, firefighters, and law enforcement about their experiences from the front lines—both at home and abroad.
More than a speaking event, Open the Roof confronted the often-unspoken realities of public safety and military service. Mental health clinicians and chaplains were on site, offering support and connecting attendees with ongoing resources.
“In firefighting, when smoke and heat oppress us, we use a tactic called vertical ventilation—we open the roof,” said Matthew Hughes, deputy chief of Taylors Fire Rescue and founder of the event. “A team above relieves the pressure so those on the ground can move forward. Spiritually speaking, Open the Roof aims to do the same—help first responders and veterans release the weight they carry through faith and move forward with hope and purpose.”
Organizers emphasized that the urgency of these conversations has never been greater.
“What we see day to day—especially around first responder and veteran suicide—makes this more than a conversation about wellness,” said Keith Dorman, First Responder Program Manager at Upstate Warrior Solution. “Mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness are about survival. This event is part of our commitment to making sure no one falls through the cracks.”
The evening featured powerful, personal stories from three men who have faced the intense realities of service and found strength through faith and community. Speakers included Sergeant Jeff Burdette of the Greenville Police Department, a combat veteran and K-9 handler; Jason Sautel, a retired Oakland firefighter, author, and national speaker; and Blake Cook, a Purple Heart Army veteran and CEO of Law Enforcement Operations at Black Flag.
Open the Roof was made possible by the generous support of Heroic Deeds Nonprofit, Greenville County Fire Chiefs Association, CC Logistics, Inc., and John Sims.
