Additional counseling approved for West Lafayette police, fire; what services will be offered?
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. − An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the West Lafayette Police and West Lafayette Fire Department for psychological services was approved at Tuesday morning's Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
Why an additional EAP for safety personnel?
Diane Foster, director of human resources for West Lafayette, presented the contract with Suncrest Psychological Services for the EAP to the board. She later told the Journal & Courier exactly what was approved, when it will go into effect and what services will be offered.
"It's effective Jan. 1," Foster said. "...It's an employee assistance program for our public safety personnel, so for our firefighters and our police officers. Realizing that they have the unique challenges and the things that they experience on a daily basis, different stressors and so forth.
"We have a city-wide EAP for all employees, but I think this is an additional layer where they're gonna feel more comfortable in seeking some assistance and maybe some counseling from somebody who understands what they do on a daily basis."
What services will be included in the contract?
According to Foster, the services in the contract with Suncrest Psychological Services include eight free counseling sessions per year with additional opportunities for group therapy sessions.
Starry Night Music & Arts Festival brings road closures
From 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Oct. 1 through Oct 2, Northwester Ave from North Street to State Street; State Street from Pierce Street to Chauncey Avenue; Columbia Street from Northwestern Avenue to Chauncey Avenue and South Street west from Chauncey Avenue will be closed due to the Starry Night Music & Arts Festival.
What is the Starry Night festival?
Starry Night is an annual festival hosted by Campus House, a non-denominational church community in Purdue, since 2008.
"Starry Night began fifteen years ago with a hundred people and has since grown to welcome 10,000+ students and community members each year," the event's description on its website states. "We desire to bring the campus and city together in collective celebration.
"We believe everyone was created to create, delight in beauty, and know the Source of that beauty. We value artistic integrity without pretense, supporting passionate creatives, and loving this community we call home."
Street department's near $40,000 purchase
The West Lafayette Street Department's request for a Mr. Manhole Gold Series Six Shooter manhole leveling system was approved for $39,292.65. According to street commissioner Ben Anderson, this is the only adjustable manhole saw on the market.
Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Additional counseling services approved for city safety personnel
