Responder Care™ | Bringing Responders Help
responders dedicated to the protection and care of responders and their families
Alexandria Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian R. Hricik was diagnosed with cancer in November 2022. Despite the Hricik Family having comprehensive health insurance, workers compensation, and all the traditional services available to Responders, gaps in medical coverage were quickly identified. In early December, amid family, friends, colleagues rallying around Brian to show their support, two ideas emerged:
Refusing to waste precious time, the decision was made to jump on the first idea and to extend to Brian and family medical support not traditionally available. From December 2022 until March 2023, a team of paramedics were organized under a private EMS infrastructure to provide EMS & MIH-CP, preventing numerous trips to the Emergency Department.
In March 2023, with the support of the Hricik family, friends, and EMS colleagues, Responder Care™ officially launched as an EMERGILITY™ Special Program with Fiscal Sponsorship provided by Global Impact, a 501(c)(3). Established in honor and loving memory of Deputy Chief Brian R. Hricik (B.R.H.), the aim of the program is “Bringing Responders Help.”
The idea behind Responder Care™ is relatively simple. EMS MIH-CP services are delivered by a professional EMS cadre (career & volunteer), with medical operations falling under an existing private EMS Agency infrastructure. These services neither supplant nor compete with existing public emergency 9-1-1 services or private medical resources but rather provide enhanced and alternative access to care not otherwise available. In the case of Deputy Chief Hricik, this is exactly what was accomplished. The goal now is doing the same for others, in honor of Brian.
“My dad is possibly the best dad out there. He has been there for me since I was born, and some of the things that my sisters and I needed him for, I would have gone crazy. He has been there for us every step of the way, from the first day of school to graduation, he was always there. Every musical, concert, or competition, he would be my biggest cheerleader.
One thing I love about my dad is his positive outlook on life. My family likes to call him a ‘man child’ because he loves to goof around with us all the time. Even in the worst of times, he can still tell a stupid joke to make us all laugh. He would give anything to see his girls grow up happy.
I don’t think I can describe how thankful I am for my father. He is a kind soul to everyone he meets, he always puts his family first, and I can count on him for anything. He is always a light whenever he walks into a room, and makes everyone happy.
I know my father will forever be cheering me on, and watching over me and my family in his heavenly body. I love you now and forever, dad.”
❤️ Anna Hricik
The City of Alexandria invites the public to view a virtual remembrance ceremony to mark the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The annual ceremony was prerecorded to avoid a large gathering and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The virtual ceremony honors those who died and pays tribute to those who fearlessly responded and gave their lives to save others. The ceremony features remarks from Senator Mark Warner, Mayor Justin Wilson, City Manager Mark Jinks, and representatives from the Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office.
2021 marks 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks. Current members of the Alexandria Fire Department recall vivid memories of responding to the Pentagon and explain the importance of reflecting each year and honoring those we lost on that day. #NeverForget
For 2022 EMS Week, Deputy Chief of Medical Services Brian Hricik recognizes Alexandria Fire Department's EMS providers for their consistent and diligent work to serve the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hricik also shares some tips with the community on how they can honor and help our first responders: learn hands-only CPR, participate in Stop the Bleed training, and/or learn the signs of a stroke or heart attack.
Medical Services Deputy Chief Brian Hricik began his career with the Alexandria Fire Department in 1997 after volunteering in Prince William County. Over the past 25 years, Brian proved himself as an outstanding leader and advocate for a high performing EMS system. Prior to becoming the Medical Services Deputy Chief, he served in various capacities including medic, EMS Training Coordinator, and EMS Supervisor.
Medical Services Deputy Chief Brian R. Hricik began his career with the Alexandria Fire Department in 1997 after volunteering in Prince William County. Over the past 25 years, Brian proved himself as an outstanding leader and advocate for a high performing EMS system. Prior to becoming the Medical Services Deputy Chief, he served in various capacities including medic, EMS Training Coordinator, and EMS Supervisor.
After a battle with cancer, Chief Hricik died on Thursday, February 23, 2023, with his family and loved ones by his side. Over the years, he has mentored and inspired many and his impact on the EMS system will continue to be felt and recognized at AFD and throughout the Northern Virginia region. Before his passing, Chief Hricik agreed to tell us more about his career and his passion for EMS and helping others. He also shared some advice for those interested in advancing their careers as first responders. Even during his battle with cancer, he continued to encourage and inspire others.
The Alexandria Fire Department has not only lost an outstanding employee and Medical Services Deputy Chief, but a dedicated and well-respected colleague and friend.
Videographer: King Productions
This funeral was for Chief Hricik who died on February 23, 2023, with his family and loved ones by his side. Brian began his EMS career with the Alexandria Fire Department in 1997 after volunteering in Prince William County. Over the past 25 years, Brian proved himself as an outstanding leader and advocate for a high performing EMS system. Prior to becoming the Medical Services Deputy Chief, he served in various capacities including medic, EMS Training Coordinator, and EMS Supervisor.
Medical Service Deputy Chief Brian Hricik died on February 23, 2023.
Brian R. Hricik was born Saturday, August 14th, 1971. He burned with a desire to serve his community by helping others in need. He lived by example and was the consummate leader, first responder, and public safety professional. On Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, surrounded by family and friends, Brian died in his home from complications of occupation-related pancreatic cancer. He was only 51 years old.
Brian was passionate about reducing health care disparities and being proactive instead of reactive. Brian shepherded innovative programs to include, but not limited to:
Brian would wryly quip “The fire service was hundreds of years of tradition unencumbered by progress” before suggesting we explore and find new solutions to old problems. Brian bore the weight of change and never complained about what he didn’t have. He encouraged us to look forward, and to strive to be more than others expected.
While Brian is no longer here in person, he continues to live through others who carry the torch that Brian ignited, one that will never be extinguished. Rest in Peace Brian. We will take it from here.
Responder Care™
Thank You all for all the time and attention to get this [Responder Care™] rolling in such a short window to honor Brian along side his services coupled with aligning donations at the same time! While we never wanted to use this service it was the exact life line that both he and I desperately needed, and if we can pass that on to others and spare trips to ER, reduce their fears and increase time at home; I know we will be honoring everything Brian stood for!!❤️ - Cindy Hricik, March 15, 2023