Ahead of this Veterans Day, Wake County unveils Lock. Call. Live. , a public awareness campaign that highlights the importance of secure firearm storage and mental health support. This effort unites multiple veteran organizations, focusing on preventing suicide by creating separation between firearms and individuals at risk while encouraging them to seek support.
“Suicidal thoughts are often brief but having access to a gun in those moments can turn a passing thought into an irreversible tragedy,” said Don Mial of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This campaign is about creating space for second chances by locking firearms and seeking support.”
At the heart of this campaign is Michael Rimar, a survivor of a firearm suicide attempt. A lthough Rimar is not a veteran, his story resonates with the reality faced by many who serve. His candid testimony serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly despair can lead to life-threatening actions— and how critical it is to intervene before it’s too late.