Latest news with #Noakes
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. "I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step," commented Noakes. "The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team." Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. "Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team," said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. "He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3." Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 orBrooke Goggans, 617.680.1048;The Collaborative Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. Share 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. 'The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.' Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. 'Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,' said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. 'He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.' Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89 th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit:
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes ordered for vacant WBO lightweight title
Abdullah Mason (L) could fight for his first world title after the WBO ordered a bout between Mason and fellow rising contender Sam Noakes for the vacant lightweight belt. (Photo by) The WBO has now officially ordered Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes to contest the vacant WBO lightweight title. Unbeaten contenders Mason, 21, and Noakes, 27, occupy the No. 1 and No. 2 positions in the governing body's rankings. The pair have 20 days to reach a deal, or purse bids will be called. Mason, Uncrowned's runner-up for 2024 Prospect of the Year, is represented by Bob Arum's Top Rank, while Noakes is with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. Advertisement The development comes as a result of Keyshawn Davis being stripped of his WBO title Friday after he missed weight by over 4 pounds for his title defense against Edwin De Los Santos. The bout was subsequently canceled just 24 hours before it was scheduled to take place, and ironically it was Mason who was upgraded to the headliner for the event. Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) stopped Jeremia Nakathila at the beginning of Round 5 in their ESPN-televised main event bout Friday in Norfolk. Mason voiced his desire to fight for a world title immediately afterward. Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) last fought in May, when he knocked out Patrik Balaz in three rounds in a tune-up bout. The Brit was planning a fight with Ireland's Jono Carroll in August, sources close to the situation told Uncrowned. But after Davis missed weight and it was apparent that Noakes would be in line for a title shot, the bout with Carroll was scrapped. On Tuesday evening, boxing financier Turki Alalshikh named Mason among a list of fighters he wanted to feature on the Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card, which is scheduled for Sept. 13 and is to be streamed live on Netflix. Mason's maiden title shot against Noakes carries a real possibility of landing on the aforementioned show.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'It's nauseating': Residents in Kentville, New Minas raising big stink about recurring sewage plant odour
Spring is in the air and so is a familiar stench in New Minas and Kentville. Some residents in the neighbouring Annapolis Valley communities are fed up with the recurring pungent odours from the regional sewage treatment plant in New Minas and say it's time for the Municipality of the County of Kings to come up with a solution once and for all. "It's nauseating, it's overwhelming. I'm sure it's not good for our physical health. And it's been going on for too long," said Sue Smiley, an avid cyclist whose outings frequently take her past the plant, which sits adjacent to the Harvest Moon Trail that connects several Valley communities. The regional treatment plant in New Minas is the municipality's largest, and services Kentville, New Minas, Coldbrook, Greenwich and several private industries. The smell comes and goes, residents say, but when it arrives, it makes outdoor activities unbearable. It is particularly troublesome in hot, humid weather. Dawn Noakes of New Minas, who owns a dog grooming business in Kentville, said she started smelling the odour about a year after she moved to the area. "In 2018, we noticed an outhouse type of odour. It went on for a few days and we didn't think much about it, but then it went on for a month," said Noakes. Seven years later, the smell persists. "We've settled in this subdivision and we love it there. Our neighbours are great. The properties are lovely. I love where I live, but I can't enjoy where I live," said Noakes, who created a Facebook group where residents have taken their complaints about the situation. Kristin Lohnes, a student at the Nova Scotia Community College in Kentville, is a member of the Facebook group. She describes the odour as being similar to rotting food. "It can get to a point where it's making people physically sick, myself included. We get headaches and nausea and it's not a good scene. And where I myself have asthma, it's been rough," said Lohnes. In a statement to CBC News, chief administrative officer Scott Conrad said the municipality is working with "outside experts" to determine the cause of the odour and resolve it as quickly as possible. The municipality has identified a problem that "appears to be a lack of oxygen in the first of five lagoons wastewater cycles through during the treatment process," the statement said. "The community is understandably asking for prompt action and long-term improvements, and the Municipality is determined to deliver." But Kentville resident Robyn Joys questioned whether the system is equipped to handle a slew of new housing developments. "They don't have the infrastructure in order to upkeep all the 200 more or so toilets that are flushing and they should have never been approved before they addressed the sewage system," said Joys. The municipality's website details a number of upgrades to the treatment plant amounting to $9 million in improvements since 2017. It's not enough for Noakes. "It's the same rhetoric. It's like this is what the problem is and this is what we've done, but we haven't resolved the problem yet," she said. The municipality posted another update after a recent council meeting. It said it is working with "engineering firms with experience in wastewater treatment" to get the odour at the plant "under control," and outlined short- and long-term solutions. But residents like Joys are still waiting for results. "It's been too many years where we've had this issue.… And I'm very tired of excuses and I just would like to stop smelling the stink," she said. MORE TOP STORIES
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
New proposed changes to sick pay rules could provide help to over one million workers
The new Employment Rights Bill would see sick pay kick in from the first day of absence for all workers. Employers will struggle with growing staff absenteeism under proposed UK Government plans to introduce sick pay from the first day of illness, critics have warned in Parliament. Concerns were raised in the House of Lords on Tuesday over the impact of scrapping the current three-day waiting period and removing the lower earnings limit to qualify for the payment. The measures relating to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - worth £118.75 per week - form a key part of flagship workers' rights reforms. Labour argues the existing situation can force people to work when they are unwell, leading to the spread of infection and poorer productivity for businesses. Under the changes proposed in the Employment Rights Bill, sick pay will kick in from the first day of absence - while around 1.3 million on low wages would become eligible. However, Conservative shadow business minister Lord Hunt of Wirral argued the legislation brought with it 'a raft of unintended consequences'. He said: 'Absenteeism is a critical issue for many businesses especially those in hospitality, retail and other service-based industries, where staff shortages can lead to disruption, cancellations and even closures. 'With the removal of waiting days for SSP and the expansion of eligibility it is essential that all of us should understand fully how these changes are going to affect absenteeism patterns across various sectors. 'One of the sectors most concerned with the potential rise in absenteeism that these changes will cause is of course hospitality.' He added: 'The concern is that the reforms could result in workers taking sick leave when it may not be strictly necessary as the financial implications of their doing so would be mitigated by the statutory sick pay payment.' 'We believe it is essential that the Government thoroughly evaluates how these statutory sick pay provisions would affect absenteeism. 'When workers can call in sick and expect SSP from day one businesses will inevitably be forced to deal with more absences at short notice.' Fellow Conservative peer Baroness Noakes said: 'Extending the days for which payment is made is likely to increase the number of days lost to sickness, as the current incentive to work if the illness is mild will simply disappear. 'The Government say they have no idea what the behavioural impact of the changes will be – whether positive or negative – but I am prepared to bet that there will be far more short-duration absences, which will qualify for statutory sick pay, than there were before.' However, former general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Labour peer Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway said: 'The Covid pandemic exposed just how precarious life is for those in insecure, low-paid work, and we do not know how many preventable illnesses were caused by people struggling into work and spreading the virus because they could not afford to stay home. 'But we do know, as we have heard, that forcing people back to work when they are ill is bad for workers and bad for business, puts pressure on the NHS and is costly for the economy.' She argued SSP had failed to keep up with the cost of living or increases in the living wage. Business minister Baroness Jones of Whitchurch said the proposed changes to sick pay would cost businesses around an extra £15 per employee, which she described as 'a relatively modest amount'. She added: 'I assure the House that the Government remain committed to monitoring the impact of these SSP measures.' Lady Jones went on: 'Our proposals have to be seen in the wider context of the Bill. The Bill is intended to improve the experience of employees at work, so measures such as flexible working, guaranteed hours and protection from harassment could – we believe will – reduce stress at work, potentially leading to fewer incidents of burn-out and better employee mental health, and therefore fewer related absences. 'For us, that is an important challenge that we intend to monitor.'
