“I gained relationships, a new perspective, and renewed thankfulness. The course went above and beyond my expectations. I’ve already made a mental list of those I know who I believe would benefit from this training. First Responders encounter critical incidents every day. We talk, we joke, we move on. But some of us don’t move on. Some of us need this peer environment to help us heal; to help us understand. We train every year on how to help others… why wouldn’t we train to help ourselves??”
— New York
“I gained a better understanding of what my husband deals with and how it may make him feel. Talking to other wives of LE made me realize there are others dealing with the same things that I am. The course was more than I expected I really enjoyed the small groups. I felt more at ease and was able to be more open. I would recommend this course to any LE spouse because it helps to shed light on a lot of things in your day to day life and living with someone in LE.”
— New York
“ I got an opportunity to discuss and face how to approach my future after a critical event. The blatant reality that I am not alone in the struggle to move forward is good. This course met or exceeded my expectations. There was open dialogue, knowledgeable trainers, and adequate timeframe.”
— New York
“I gained the will power to continue. It is a long hard path but there is an end. I would not change anything about this course and I would recommend it to my colleagues. ”
— New York
“I found some closure, and mostly I found peace. I have humor, but I lacked peace. I tried to find a reason to turn around and go home when I was on my way here, but now I am so glad I came. The drive home will be so much better. I can’t think of anything I would change about this training. I slept last night like I have not slept since a year ago, the day before Hell began for me. I have been blessed by this program. But more especially, this course has been a blessing for my wife and family.”
— New York
“I gained knowledge of how my reaction to the incident was normal and how to cope with the emotional stress and reactions, plus information to take home to my spouse. This course met my expectations, and more, I had no idea what I was coming into. I would not change anything about this course. I would recommend this course to any colleague who has been involved in a CI. It helps you understand why you reacted the way you did. The information given and the tools you are given to cope, manage, and eventually get over the situation are awesome. It is very beneficial and I would recommend any spouse to be with the officer. It gives the spouse facts/reasons and explains why their spouse reacted as they did about the CI. It gives you peers who understand things better than just someone from EAP. It gives you knowledge to carry through and complete your daily tasks managing stress/emotions from the CI. This is an awesome course and I recommend it to all!”
— New York
“I was asked to attend this course, and wasn’t sure what to expect. I appreciated the lack of pressure and the acceptance of whatever I could offer as important. This course is an opportunity to get together with people who have encountered tough times and can provide you with a perspective and understanding. The peers have been in your place and can help give you the tools and support to come through. You should leave with a better outlook and glimpse that you can get through the struggles facing you”
— New York
“This course was absolutely outstanding. I was skeptical before coming, but am so glad I did. Seeing the difference it makes and has made to everyone here is amazing. I would highly recommend this course to others. I can’t say enough good and positive things about this program. - Even though I was told going into this that we weren’t going to be holding hands and singing songs, I still thought that is what it was about. This course exceeded my expectation. That is not at all what this is about. You are able to explain your story and your feelings in a good way. I will be recommending this to every colleague because no matter how insignificant you thin your CI is, it’s your incident. The only person it needs to be critical to is you. This course had made me realize how much my work affects my personal life. It has opened my eyes to know I am not the only one with stories that need to be told but there are stories that need to be heard. I wanted to shelter my wife from all of this and it has gotten to the point where we were just roommates and no longer a married couple. My plan is to include my wife and become one again.”
