Preparing for the Level III Basic Program
The O2X Fitness Program
Resources
SECURE Peer Support
The SECURE Peer program trains and supports First Responders in Vermont to support each other in crisis -- or, ideally, before stresses from the job and life turn into a crisis. They understand what you're going through and want to hear from you.
Contact any SECURE peer, regardless of where you live or which department you work for.
For immediate assistance call 1-855-327-1669
Vermont Center for First Responder Wellness
We offer group therapy, Peer Support training, individual therapy and other services at our Center in Colchester, VT. As part of our Peer Support service to our Vermont First Responder Community, we have specialists available and on call 24/7 to support organizations and municipalities for critical incidents.
Brattleboro Retreat for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders
Being a healthcare worker or first responder can lead to stress that puts your home life and career at risk. We offer specialized treatment in a group therapy format—caregivers caring exclusively for other helpers who struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress, as a consequence of their professional experiences.
Vermont Department of Health Resources for First Responders Wellness
Information on dealing with PTSD, ways to process and destress after a bad call, cope with trauma, addressing compassion fatigue and battling burnout.
Vermont EAP First
EAP First is a confidential statewide program operated by the State of Vermont dedicated to meeting you wherever you are in life.
Our carefully-vetted small group of counselors are different from the wider pool of EAP counselors. Each has experience in the treatment of individuals exposed to trauma and each has a dedicated interest in serving First Responders.
We provide strictly confidential individual counseling, staff-wide resiliency debriefings, and peer network support.
IACP resources for Officer Safety and Wellness
Support for officer safety is crucial for the wellbeing of officers and their colleagues, agencies, families, and communities. The IACP believes in prioritizing officer safety every shift, every day. Explore the collection of existing resources to support the safety, health, and wellness of every officer from recruitment through retirement, on and off the job, and across every rank. Learn about a wide variety topics ranging from health and nutrition to suicide prevention.
National Officer Safety and Wellness Group
The National Officer Safety and Wellness (OSW) Group brings together representatives from law enforcement, federal agencies, and the research community to address the significantly high number of officer gunfire fatalities and to improve officer safety and wellness. During quarterly meetings, participants contribute to the creation of officer safety and wellness tools and resources.
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 (LEMHWA) was signed into law in January 2018, recognizing that law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in their ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of their employees. Good mental and psychological health is just as essential as good physical health for law enforcement officers to be effective in keeping our country and our communities safe from crime and violence.
Chase Stanley, Founder of Chasing Zero
“When I started Chasing ZERO 3 years ago after leaving Brattleboro PD I hoped to find the sort of organization like I have in Guardian Revival. Each year Chasing ZERO selects a nonprofit that deals with decreasing the number of Veteran and First Responder suicides. We have been able to raise and donate 100% of over $40,000 to various nonprofits including the Gary Sinise Foundation, Shields and Stripes, The Frontlines Foundation (Bellows Falls), and Josh's House (Colchester).
This year I have partnered with Guardian Revival (www.guardianrevival.org) out of Beacon, NY. Guardian Revival has done an excellent job of developing and implementing various types of services for Veterans and First Responders to cope with stress. Some of these programs include;
Another Summit- an outdoor focused program that allows participants to experience various types of outdoor adventures with categories that fit any capability from short nature walks to week long outings. All equipment, meals and lodging are free to participants.
Boots and Paws- pairs candidates with companion dogs. Applicants are vetted and interviewed to ensure a safe environment for the animal and that it would be a good fit for both human and animal. Each animal comes with other benefits such as food, training, and education.
Encore- gives participants the ability to learn and advance their musical abilities.
24/7 service line- Provides Veterans and First Responders a 24/7 call line. This line is available for anyone who wants someone to answer the phone. This does not have to be a crisis line, more of a guaranteed person to be there if you need someone to speak with.
In February of this year, I was able to attend a 3-day horseshoeing trip in the White Mountains and it exceeded my expectations. Guardian Revival fully funded this trip that consisted of 11 Veterans and First Responders from all over. I truly believe if I had utilized services like this during my career, I would have handled my stress better and would most likely still be doing the job I took great pride in.
Thanks again for helping me spread the word and hopefully we can help create opportunities for healthier Vermont Law Enforcement Officers. If anyone has questions or would like more information about Chasing ZERO or Guardian Revival, please feel free to pass on my information.”
Chase Stanley (96th Basic Academy Class, VPA – United States Army Veteran) https://www.facebook.com/people/Chasing-ZERO/100090139483166/
https://www.facebook.com/guardianrevival