Articles, Press, and More
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911 Project Harmony Helps First Responders Turn Trauma Into Music
First responders carry stories that can be difficult to explain and even harder to leave behind. Through 911 Project Harmony, those experiences are being transformed into original music with the help of professional songwriters, musicians, and producers. CBS Los Angeles recently visited the historic Larrabee Studios in Toluca Lake, where Pasadena Fire Captain Matthew Caffey…
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911 At Ease Responds to FireAid Report; Founder Mike McGrew Featured on CBS LA
A recent CBS News Los Angeles report covers a federal investigation led by House Republicans into the distribution of FireAid benefit concert funds, and includes a response from the nonprofit community, including 911 At Ease International. The report addresses claims about how money raised for wildfire relief was allocated, and highlights the role of vetted…
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KEYT News Shines National Spotlight on 911 At Ease International
KEYT News recently highlighted 911 At Ease International, the Santa Barbara‑based nonprofit dedicated to mental health support for first responders. The report focuses on the national attention the organization is receiving as CBS examines the FireAid benefit concert and how funds raised have been distributed, including a $250,000 grant awarded to 911AEI that helped provide…
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Project Harmony 2025 Retreat: December 12–14 — You Can Help
We’re pleased to share the dates for this year’s 911 Project Harmony Retreat, taking place December 12–14, 2025, in the Santa Ynez Valley. This unique weekend offers healing, connection, and creativity through the power of music—bringing together first responders, songwriters, and supporters in a powerful and restorative setting. If you or your organization are interested…
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Ret. Sergeant Mike McGrew Reflects on 9/11 and the Mission of 911AEI
In this powerful interview aired on September 11, 2025—the 24th anniversary of the attacks—Retired Sergeant Mike McGrew shares his personal reflections on the impact 9/11 had on first responders and explains how 911 At Ease International is working to provide the support they urgently need. Originally broadcast on NTD News, this segment sheds light on…
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Thank you, Budd Carr
Our friend and legendary music supervisor Harold “Budd” Carr, a guiding creative force behind Project Harmony and master of film soundscapes for titles like Platoon, The Terminator, and Natural Born Killers, passed away recently at 79. His visionary artistry and unwavering belief in music’s power to heal shaped our paths—and he remains a heartfelt inspiration…
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Sgt. Mike McGrew (Ret.) comments on anti-Fentanyl Act
911 At Ease International founder Sgt. Mike McGrew (Ret.) shares insight on the devastating impact of fentanyl in our communities and why he supports new legislation designed to hold traffickers accountable. Watch the full segment from KEYT.
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L.A. Times: For first responders, trauma could linger long after L.A. County wildfires are out
Mike McGrew, co‑founder of 911AEI, shares from personal experience how frontline trauma—like fighting the Eaton Fire—can linger long after the flames are extinguished. This timely feature highlights the trust and counseling support 911AEI offers to first responders dealing with lasting emotional stress.
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KEYT: 911 At Ease International provides counseling, mental health support for LA First Responders
KEYT News highlights the vital mental health programs provided by 911AEI to fire agencies, law enforcement, and their families—offered free and confidential to communities impacted by California wildfires.
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Harmony Brings Healing for Heroes
The Montecito Journal spotlights Project Harmony and the healing impact of music on first responders. The article covers the retreat experience, the emotional breakthroughs that took place, and how songwriting offered participants a powerful path to healing.
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Heroes Helping Heroes: 911 At Ease International Featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid
Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid highlights 911 At Ease International in a national TV segment focused on supporting the mental health of first responders. The piece explores how 911AEI is addressing trauma through culturally competent care and expanding its reach across the country. (viewpointproject.com) The commercial for our VIEWPOINT special is currently airing on CNN, HLN,…
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911 At Ease International hits healing notes for First Responders with 911 Project Harmony
KEYT covers Project Harmony, an initiative from 911 At Ease International that brings first responders and professional songwriters together to turn personal trauma into healing music. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and offer emotional support through storytelling and song.
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Emergency Tenders in Song and Spotlight
The Santa Barbara Independent features Project Harmony and retired Sgt. Mike McGrew in an inspiring look at how songwriting transforms trauma into community storytelling and healing.
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Fides Podcast “A Higher Call to Duty” Jerry Cirino Interviews Sgt. Mike McGrew About 911AEI
In this powerful podcast episode of Living the Next Chapter, 911AEI founder Mike McGrew shares his journey from police work to ministry and nonprofit leadership. He discusses how faith, resilience, and community support have shaped his mission to help first responders through trauma.
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Sgt. Mike McGrew Interview with Tudor Dixon of Real America’s Voice: Today’s First Responders
In this powerful interview, 911 At Ease International founder Mike McGrew shares what it’s really like to be a first responder during times of civil unrest and crisis. From pandemic stress to public scrutiny, McGrew speaks candidly about the toll on officers and the urgent need for mental health support—and how 911AEI is stepping in…
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Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina – Podcast 43 – Sgt. Mike McGrew shares his personal testimony and talks about 911AEI.
In this deeply personal podcast, retired Sgt. Mike McGrew opens up about the founding of 911 At Ease International—and the life experiences that shaped it. From battling addiction and cancer to the loss of a child, McGrew shares how faith and purpose gave him the strength to support others on the front lines.
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“A Cop’s Life: How Sgt. Mike McGrew’s Trauma and Grief Turned to Good”
Mike McGrew spent over 30 years in law enforcement, facing trauma most of us can’t imagine. In this powerful episode, he shares how his darkest moments—including personal tragedy and grief—led to the founding of 911 At Ease International, bringing hope and healing to first responders across the country.
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Group Offers Free Counseling, Emotional Support to Traumatized First Responders and Families
911 At Ease International is featured in this CBN News article highlighting how the organization is helping first responders and their families process trauma through free, confidential counseling. Founder Mike McGrew shares how his own experiences inspired the mission to bring healing to those who serve our communities.
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KEYT News: New program helps feed first responders and keep restaurants open in Santa Barbara
In the early days of the pandemic, 911 At Ease International launched a program that provided meals to first responders while helping keep local restaurants in business. This KEYT News story highlights how the initiative served those on the front lines and supported the community during an uncertain time.
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Santa Barbara Independent: Putting Traumatized Cops at Ease
This in-depth feature from the Santa Barbara Independent explores the origins of 911 At Ease International and founder Mike McGrew’s mission to support officers dealing with trauma. The story dives into McGrew’s personal experiences and how they led to creating a safe space for first responders to get the help they need.
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Fun with the Force – Santa Barbara Police Foundation Event Funds Critical Programs for First Responders
This Montecito Journal recap highlights a special fundraising event hosted by the Santa Barbara Police Foundation. Proceeds supported critical programs like 911 At Ease International, helping ensure first responders have access to confidential, trauma-informed care when they need it most.