Late Alexandria Deputy Fire Chief Inspires Medical Support Program for All Area First Responders

ALEXANDRIA, VA-The charitable organization Responder Care originated from friendship, admiration, and even love for a colleague. In late 2022, Alexandria Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian R. Hricik received a life-threatening diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He died on Feb. 23, 2023. Born and raised in Alexandria, he began his Emergency Medical Services (EMS) career at Alexandria’s Fire Department in 1997. As the news of his illness spread, many of Hricik’s first responder friends and colleagues gathered to support him, his wife, and their daughters.

Dr. Benji Marfori, who knew him well, defined him as a man who worked hard, was a leader who led by example, and was an inspiration to all his colleagues. Hricik was also known as a protector and comforter to all he encountered and helped as a first responder.

The term first responder first appeared in Boston newspapers in 1973. It is now legally defined as including law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or other individuals, including employees of a legally organized and recognized organization. According to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the group has higher rates of many types of cancer compared to the general population. For example, firefighters have a higher rate of lung cancer at 60 percent. Female firefighters are six times more likely to develop breast cancer. “The longer you’re on the job, the greater you’re risk,” the website says.

Around the time of Hricik’s illness, first responder Tony Barone founded Emergility, a private company that offers emergency medical services through a mobile integrated healthcare infrastructure. Barone was one of the many EMS professionals who came to the chief’s home and immediately realized more was needed than bringing a casserole, volunteering to mow the lawn, and walking the dog. In a heartfelt eureka moment, Barone told the venerated deputy chief that he wanted to offer the services of Emergility to him for free. He also added the EMS support services would continue for Hricik’s wife and daughters for free throughout their lifetimes. Barone and colleagues wanted to “pay it forward” to their mentor.

As many people know, and as the volunteer team learned very quickly, comprehensive health insurance often falls short when facing chronic and life-threatening health issues. The EMS, Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH), and Community Paramedicine services given to Hricik for free prevented many emergency room visits, allowing him to stay in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, and be assessed and treated by devoted colleagues.

Hricik’s urgent care needs throughout his illness became, in effect, a pilot program for meeting the mental and physical health needs of current first responders and their families.Hricik’s experience serves as a powerful lesson that has enlightened his colleagues about the gaps in the healthcare system, even with comprehensive health insurance in place. Barone and his colleagues envisioned expanding the ad-hoc program to all first responders and their families throughout Northern Virginia.

With the support and blessing of the Hricik family, Barone founded Responder Care as an Emergility “Special Program.” It is a charity for professional first responders facing serious illnesses, needing EMS services, or needing at-home urgent care assessments and treatment. Men and women trained and licensed in medicine provide volunteer support for their colleagues. They use their skillsets provide care. More importantly, these individuals understand the stress and pressures a fellow first responder endures on the job. Therefore, they are better equipped to treat the whole person and not just the illness.

The services provided by Responder Care are not there to replace or even compete with 9-1-1 emergency services. However, like the services performed in honor and loving memory of Hricik, they enhance and provide free alternative access to needed care.

Besides giving thanks when we see first responders in public, how else can Alexandrians come together to show our appreciation and support for these vital heroes who work tirelessly to keep us safe?

Consider referring a friend who works as a first responder, and their family, to Responder Care. Volunteer or donate to the charitable organization.

Responder Care is designated as an Emergility Special Program. Global Impact, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides fiscal sponsorship. Donate HERE.

This story has been updated to include Hricik’s date of death.

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