Wasatch Behavioral Health’s Post

This should be a headline news item on every broadcast and print news medium on the planet. The extraordinary bravery and presence of mind of Michele Archer is commendable. Beyond the accolades for this incredibly heroic Vermont State Trooper, there are takeaways for every LEO seeing this piece. My .02, FWIW; 1. That's a rural area. Backup is not close nor plentiful, and neither is fire/ rescue or EMS. Drowning child, domestic violence, car wreck with trapped occupants, bar fight, whatever- you will be dealing with everything, on your own, for quite some time- maybe for the rest of your life. Let that one marinate for a while. 2. Water rescues are a thing. Has your agency approved you to wear external armour in an LBV, so you can get everything off in a hurry, before you go into the drink? LBV's are great for your physiological health, too. 3. Water rescues are a thing. Can you swim? If not, why not? 4. Whether you can swim or not, you can be Jason Samoa and a panicked 10-year old 80-pound girl will still drown you. You'd better be ready to fight someone in the water before you drag them out. Or you will spend the rest of your life wishing you had. 5. You'll likely have to pay for it yourself, but you can't go wrong investing in a throw bag and a rescue ring for your upcoming victims, and a robust PFD for yourself to throw on before you get into the water. Have all that shit ready to go for when you need it, not at the bottom of your vehicle trunk. 6. 'Gear < skills'. Don't go all 'Part Five' of this and not first and fully invest in parts 3 and 4. Train until you get it right, then train until you can't get it wrong. 'In Omnia Paratus'- 'Ready For Anything'. 7. Everyone in that video will be hypothermic. Be ready to manage hypothermia even on the hottest summer days, never mind the chilly winter ones. Have changes of clothes and rescue blankets. "You may not be the best, the strongest, or the brightest, but you might just be the only one willing to put yourself out there. The time may come when you choose to do the difficult right over the easy wrong. When that day comes, do your best and be prepared to do it again and again and again." -C. Craighead, 'Obi-Wan Nairobi' #BravoZulu #VermontStatePolice #statetrooper #drowning #waterrescue #rescue #medical #emergencyresponse #emergency #statepolice #statetrooper #hero #thinblueline #police

Professional security experts run into danger, not away. Well done!

The latest episode takes a look at a U.S. Marshals Operation that relocated 200 missing children, the #NLEOMF's mid-year officer fatality report, the tragic ambush death of a Texas sheriff's deputy and much more: #police #OfficerMagazine

The latest episode takes a look at a U.S. Marshals Operation that relocated 200 missing children, the #NLEOMF's mid-year officer fatality report, the tragic ambush death of a Texas sheriff's deputy and much more: #police #OfficerMagazine

The numbers tell the story.

The latest episode takes a look at this year's National #PoliceWeek and an incredible rescue by #NYPD #officers of a man who suffered a seizure and fell on subway tracks. #TheLineup #OfficerMagazine

california

Rest in peace, Kristy. There is no field quite like policing. The higher occurrence of suicides in the field should be met with programs and professionals who understand what officers are going through. Many times the best professionals for that task are other police officers. Departments should strive to have psychological services and an holistic approach to officers’ mental well-being, and show officers that they care about their mental health. Any police department that ignores this important aspect of employee care is doing a disservice to their officers and the public that they serve.

Well said, Siobhan McTighe. When teaching to law enforcement officers (who rarely obtain 'job satisfaction', in the form of a positive criminal justice outcome) I emphasize the countless opportunities to do just this....DESPITE the outcome (whether a tragic sudden death, suicide, or charges being recommended and approved - or not). Police officers, rather than measuring success, or job satisfaction based on the OUTCOME of your interaction, I invited you to measure success by HOW you showed up to the scene. HOW you show up is immeasurable, AND, unforgettable. #policetraining #purpose #compassionsatisfaction #compassionatecare #compassionfatigue