Here are the resources available for police officers coping with the loss of four of their own
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — As officers cope with the tragic loss of four of their own, there’s a push to make sure they are taking care of their mental health.
Officers knowingly approached the danger on the scene Monday of what some describe as a “war zone” with active gunfire to keep the community safe.
A deputy U.S. Marshal, two North Carolina corrections officers and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer were killed in the line of duty Monday with five other officers injured.
Ronald Davis, U.S. Marshals Service Director, says the department has deployed resources to help assist deputies dealing with the loss.
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“While we’re worrying about others, while we are trying to take care of the community and while the community is trying to take care of us, sometimes we don’t take care of ourselves,” Davis said. “So, we must now invest. The healing is going to be long. It’s going to be tough. But, I think if we stay together, we can get through this and heal and become stronger as a profession and as a community.”
Dan Redford, president of N.C. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9, says Charlotte officers have options for reduced or no-cost counseling.
“That’s a traumatic experience. So, as the dust settles per say, and we start reflecting on the scene and what took place and memories are going to start to become restored and thoughts are going to come back,” Redford said. “A couple of days from now, that’s when the treatment is going to most be needed.”
During the exchange, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings says 12 of his officers fired their weapons. Right now, all are on administrative leave, which is protocol in this type of investigation. Redford says in tough times like these, officers rely on each other to help identify changes in behavior that could indicate some level of post-traumatic stress disorder.
“There are going to probably be some critical incident briefings and kind of some forced treatment as far as telling officers what to look for,” Redford said. “If you’re feeling a certain way, whether you’re drinking or you feel like you’re arguing more, these are indicators that you’re probably suffering from something, and you need to get help.”
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was present at CMPD Headquarters Monday with chaplains to offer spiritual and emotional care. Another organization brought therapy dogs to give officers the chance to interact with the animals.
Davis from the U.S. Marshals encourages all law enforcement officials to seek help if they need it.
“I would implore any officer, local, state or federal, that if you need assistance, it’s okay not to be OK and make sure that you ask,” he said. “I would think we should just keep repeating that.”
FOP Lodge No. 9 is raising money for the families impacted by this tragic loss. For those wishing to send personal gifts, cards, or item donations, they can be delivered or mailed to 601 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC, with attention to CMPD Human Resources. For any inquiries, call CMPD HRD at 704-336-5320.
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