Law enforcement agencies and personnel from across the state of Kansas convened for a three-day training seminar in Emporia this past week.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office hosted the seminar that welcomed a range of individuals in the law enforcement profession including full-time and part-time certified officials, county attorneys and more. Lyon County Detective Sgt. Jacob Welsh tells KVOE News the training includes case reviews, arson investigation basics and mass shooting response training.
Welsh explains that much of the curriculum is based on past cases and incidents. He says in order to be successful in the future, law enforcement has to have a firm understanding of the triumphs and failures of the past.
Chief Operating Officer of First H.E.L.P. Steven Hough was one of the many presenters at this past week’s event. First H.E.L.P. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit agency that focuses on reducing the stigma and stereotype of mental health and also provides services to reduce suicide within the law enforcement field.
Hough says it is important to remember that first responders, specifically law enforcement officers, face both occupational and everyday stressors.
First H.E.L.P. also advocates for benefits for those suffering from PTSD, acknowledgment for the service of law enforcement personnel lost to suicide and provides support for families of law enforcement officers who have died by suicide.
For more information visit 1sthelp.org.
Photos courtesy of Jacob Welsh/Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
