Yesterday, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attended One805Live!’s annual event that shines a light on the incredible work of first responders in Santa Barbara County.
During the event, Prince Harry, mental fitness advocate and champion of the first responder community, presented the Heart of the Community Award to the County Fire Department’s Peer-to-Peer mental health program. Firefighter Sam Dudley, accompanied by his rescue dog, Rhonda, accepted the award with Chief Mark Hartwig after they spoke with Prince Harry about the importance of removing stigma around mental health, proving that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, also praised retiring County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig: “The department doesn’t work without leadership like yours. You have managed to completely destroy any stigma that exists, and the leadership you’ve shown your team is exemplary.”
Chief Hartwig was appointed as the Fire Chief of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the County Fire Warden in February of 2019. He previously served as Fire Chief/Fire Warden of the San Bernardino County Fire District. Mark worked as an EMT through college and was hired as a firefighter/Paramedic in April of 1992. He rose through the ranks at San Bernardino County Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, and Santa Barbara County Fire Department. While at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Mark has led with a profound commitment to the people of Santa Barbara County. He helped guide and support the County through the Covid-19 response and has championed the improvement of the County’s Emergency Medical Services. Chief Hartwig worked on strengthening the relationships with other local fire agencies and launched the countywide joint Fire/EMS Regional Dispatch Center. Mark grew up in fire service when a firefighter was considered weak and unpromotable if he/she sought professional help to deal with the repeated trauma associated with the job. Mark has worked together with his fire chief colleagues in the county and One805 to support anonymous 24/7 local counseling for firefighters. Together with his colleagues, he has helped to remove the stigma associated with seeking help.
Sam Dudley has dedicated nearly two decades to protecting lives and strengthening communities. With seven years of experience as a US Forest Service wildland firefighter and 11 years serving with Santa Barbara County Fire, Sam’s commitment to safety extends beyond the front lines as he is the Peer Support Team Coordinator for Santa Barbara County Fire, where mental health and resilience among fellow first responders are championed. As a certified handler for an emotional support canine, Rhonda, Sam blends compassion and tactical skill to offer comfort in high-stress situations and to foster trust across the department. His leadership shines throughout the community.
The Duke and Duchess would like to thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful event in celebration of Santa Barbara’s local heroes. This annual event highlights the importance of supporting first responders in Santa Barbara County, serving as a reminder of the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to protect our community.