UP hosts critical incident stress management training – The Suburban Times

Over three days in April, commissioned and non-commissioned members of law enforcement agencies from across the state participated in a special group and individual critical incident stress management training held at the UP City Council meeting rooms.

Nearly 40 first responders participated in a series of lectures, workshops and discussions designed to help them learn how to care for each other after trauma in the field. The University Place Police Department partnered with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and the Behind the Badge Foundation to offer the training free of charge to participants. The Behind the Badge Foundation helps law enforcement agencies and agencies deal with trauma, grief and loss following a death or serious injury in the line of duty.

University Place Police Chief Pat Burke was happy to welcome UP to host the event, especially since UPPD Deputy Jason Smith has already completed the training. “Education is critical to our profession,” Burke said. “I am grateful to the Behind the Badge Foundation. It was an honor to host the training and we were thrilled to have UPPD represented in the class.”

In addition to this training, Behind the Badge Foundation also provides legal assistance, support for injured officers, financial planning and spiritual counseling to law enforcement officers and their families affected by trauma.

Learn more at Behindthebadgefoundation.org.