Officers are ranked highest in suicides
By Paul Hall on Monday, April 19th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – As a community, many of us know there are individuals, loved ones, friends, and relatives that suffer from feelings of sadness, loss of hope and depression.
The La Grande Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Department run into difficult situations day-to-day and that puts Officers, Deputies, and Dispatchers into high-stress mode. Lieutenant Jason Hays of the La Grande Police said, a peer-to-peer support team has been put together for employees that may feel like they have lost hope. Police Officers are ranked highest in suicides than any other occupation, followed by First Responders, and Dispatchers. Hays said that if someone in the department feels they need more than peer support, an outside source can be provided.
The Peer to Peer Support Team is comprised of Dispatchers, Chaplains, Officers, and Deputies. This group is a lifeline to help the employees deal with stress, crisis, and suicide prevention.
The Peer Support Team has been in a 3-day intensive training ‘Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention’ through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and part of continuing education in providing the best support services possible.
