The inaugural Badge for Resilience walk was held Saturday at Lake Papaianni in Edison – a chance to remember first responders who have died by suicide and raise awareness that help is available.

The event was organized by Edison police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office as part of a state and local effort to help officers in need.

"They see the worst things in humanity, and to carry that with them is a heavy load – so we want to provide the assistance. We can get them through it and their families and help them out," said Chief Thomas Bryan.

In 2019, the Attorney General's office implemented, the Resiliency Program, which recognizes the unique stressors of police work and provides support to the mental and emotional well-being of officers.

Organizers hope as the event grows, the number of suicides in first responders goes down.