Jacksonville community honors fallen hero with fundraiser for first responder mental health

May 23, 2026 - 04:52

He ran toward danger for a living. As a Marine, a firefighter and a lifeguard, Garrett Opper spent his life in service to others. But like so many who dedicate themselves to protecting their communities, the battles he fought on the inside were the hardest ones of all. Opper lost his life to suicide in 2023, leaving behind a family, a fire station, and a community that refused to let his sacrifice be forgotten.

This weekend, Jacksonville came together for a fundraiser in his name, with all proceeds going toward mental health resources for first responders. The event featured a charity softball game, a silent auction, and a barbecue cook-off. Local businesses donated prizes, and dozens of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics showed up to play ball and share stories.

Organizers said the goal was simple: break the stigma around seeking help. "Garrett was the guy everyone looked up to," one fellow firefighter said. "If he could struggle, anyone can. We need to make sure people know it's okay to talk about it."

The funds raised will go to a local nonprofit that provides confidential counseling and peer support for emergency personnel. The group has seen a sharp rise in demand over the past two years. For the Opper family, the turnout was a bittersweet reminder of the man they lost. His mother stood near the pitcher's mound, holding a framed photo of her son in full turnout gear. "He would have loved this," she said quietly. "He just would have wanted everyone to have a good time."