East Hudson Valley News

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and Police Week, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino have lauded the nearly 200 local first responders who are participating in the inaugural series of “First Responder Resiliency Awareness” training courses. These courses aim to dismantle the stigma that often prevents first responders from seeking mental health support.

The life span of a first responder is, on average, 20 years less than that of the general population. Since 2018, more than 1,200 first responder suicides have been reported across the United States to 1st H.E.L.P., a site that tracks such statistics and provides training and support. The First Responder Resiliency Awareness course aims to combat these misconceptions and stigma.

The course empowers first responders with essential skills and strategies to bolster resilience amidst their demanding roles. Participants explore fundamental concepts and techniques aimed at stress management, maintaining well-being, and fostering mental resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. This crucial training will pave the way for further development into resiliency officer training, peer support, and critical incident stress management.

All Dutchess County first responders are encouraged to participate in this training. Three additional courses will be held at local fire departments over the coming weeks.

The course is a collaborative effort among the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response (DCER), and the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH). It is taught by Melissa Lawlor, DCER’s volunteer Deputy Coordinator for First Responder Health and Wellness, and DCSO Sergeant Alonzo Montanya.

Sheriff Imperati has prioritized peer support in the first responder community during his tenure as Sheriff. He has collaborated with Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County to employ an in-house behavioral specialist as part of the ECHO program to support the well-being of law enforcement officers. The MHA specialist, along with the existing Critical Incident Stress Management team, will be part of a formal Resiliency and Wellness Unit that the Sheriff is implementing soon.

Sheriff Imperati said, “As the Sheriff’s Office works together with these County agencies, the hope is to create a first responder matrix of services and a peer support network that will help our first responder community to get better together. Now more than ever, our first responders need to feel supported and have to know they’re not in this alone.”

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino also supports expanding access to mental health resources for first responders. She said, “Protecting the mental health of our first responders is vital. These dedicated men and women put their lives on the line in order to protect their community each and every day and witness unthinkable tragedies. It has never been more important to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to handle the stresses and emotional tolls of their roles.”

First responders interested in participating in upcoming training sessions can sign up online.