Burlington County has created an initiative to better protect first responders from stress that frequently accompanies their jobs.
The Burlington County Commissioners voted last month to continue the County’s partnership with nonprofit Prevention Plus of Burlington County to assist with a first responder resiliency training program designed specifically for local police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel.
Burlington County is one of the first counties in New Jersey to offer this sort of training for law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.
According to the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 30% of first responders develop conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to 20% of the general population.
“Police, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics often put their own safety at risk in the service of Burlington County residents, and we know their jobs can be both physically and emotionally taxing,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Public Safety. “We owe it to them to provide the tools to help them cope with the stress and trauma they endure.”
The training program is run by Prevention Plus of Burlington County in partnership with the County Department of Human Services. Under the program, instructors from Prevention Plus and the Department of Human Services visit firehouses, first aid squad buildings, police departments and other locations to offer free training focused on mental health, stress awareness and coping techniques. The classes are led by Department of Human Services Project Director Brian Libetti and Ron Ritter of Prevention Plus. Both are retired Evesham police officers with a combined 60 years of experience as first responders.
Burlington County is using a portion of its Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Support Services Act grant to fund the initiative.
Burlington County first developed resiliency training for law enforcement officers nine years ago. Due to the success of the program, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office gave a directive requiring all law enforcement officers to undergo mental resiliency training.
The County started its partnership with Prevention Plus to provide all first responders with resiliency training in 2023. Some of the local departments and agencies that have undergone the training so far are the Mount Laurel Fire Department, Willingboro Fire Department, Evesham Fire Department, Westampton Fire Department, Burlington City Police, Edgewater Park Police, Riverton Police, Riverside Police and Westampton Police.
“Burlington County values all our first responders, and we are demonstrating our commitment to them by providing firefighters and EMS professionals training to protect their mental health and wellness,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Ultimately, it will help first responders stay healthy, and our communities will be safer as a result.”
Any police agency, fire department or EMS squad interested in training can contact Burlington County Department of Human Services at 609-265-5144 for more information.
In addition to approving the new resiliency training program, the Commissioners also approved waiving adoption fees for first responders seeking a pet from the Burlington County Animal Shelter. In making the change the Commissioners cited studies showing how interactions with pets can help improve first responders’ health and help them cope with stress and anxiety.
Nine pets have been adopted by first responders since the County began waiving the fees last year.
The Commissioners have also created a Stigma-free County campaign to try to eliminate stigma surrounding all mental health conditions.
“These are actions our County is taking to eliminate stigma and prioritize mental health and wellness,” said Commissioner Eckel. “By providing first responders with resiliency training, we hope to break down barriers and raise awareness among all residents about mental health and its importance.”