26
NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MAY 2014
PEER LIAISON COMMITTEE REPORT
Expanding the scope to further the mission
Editor’s Note: Peer Liaison Committee member Cherie Castellano
of Cop 2 Cop filed this report on the latest committee meeting:
On April 23, the NJSPBA Peer Liaison Committee met to continue its mission of better serving members throughout the state.
Committee Chairman Ken Burkert led the meeting which was
attended by approximately 20 NJSPBA peer liaisons committed to
assisting their brother and sister officers. As I sat there listening
to the passion and interest of the group, it made me wish there was
an award or recognition that could be given to these Peer Liaisons,
because each and every one of them has humbly supported one
of their members, often in a life-saving situation. The committee
includes individuals from all parts of New Jersey who are retired
or have worked in all aspects of law enforcement to reflect the
diversified needs of the membership.
For nearly 20 years, I have been considered an “expert” in peer
support because of my work with Cop 2 Cop and similar programs, but I remain in awe of the simple focus on serving the
needs of others that is prevalent with the NJSPBA Peer Liaison
Committee. The agenda was packed, and the enthusiasm palatable, but some highlights emerged during several lengthy discussions. A need for counseling and support for officers struggling
with sex and gambling addictions was requested and resources
are being identified for the next meeting. “Bottles & Badges,” Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for Cops only, was discussed to make
more officers aware that these groups exist and are growing
throughout New Jersey.
Disabled/Wounded officers was identified as a group in need
of some form of support, and a decision was made to work to create a service entitled “The Blue Heart Disabled/Wounded Officer
Service” which may become an annual event. Adding capacity to
address Critical Incident Stress Responses for shootings, deaths,
suicides and other traumatic events was also discussed as an effective intervention.
Finally, planning training for the NJSPBA Peer Liaison team was
finalized for May 27 at the PBA state office in Woodbridge. Cop 2
Cop will provide a part of that training along with the other Peer
Liaison Committee members to ensure a broad scope of how to
better serve brother and sister officers in a clear and formalized
manner.
“I’m extremely impressed with the delegates who make up our
committee,” Burkert commended. “The fortitude and vision they
bring to the table will assist our brother and sister officers in their
moments of need. These individuals on the committee are seasoned veterans who have dealt with traumatic events in their
workplace and bring great insight into the issues officers deal with
in crisis on a daily basis.”
For me, the experience was like a dream come true. Twenty
years ago this type of passionate discussion about peer support
was impossible. On the days when I feel burnt out or worried that
we need to do more to help officers, I will think of this day and
smile, knowing that I am part of a collaboration that is truly making a difference. d