Honorguard and Welcome

Keynote Speaker, Jason Schechterle

Keynote Title: Burning Shield

Description:

On the night of March 26th, 2001, a taxi cab crashed into the rear of Jason’s patrol car.  Upon impact, Jason’s car burst into flames, trapping him inside with temperatures reaching over 700 degrees.

Through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, Jason survived the crash and ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe.  He suffered severe burns to over 40% of his body which drastically altered his appearance. He has undergone more than 50 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks we often take for granted.

Jason’s journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity.  His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished.  His story is also a testament of true love and the dedication Jason and his wife have in their commitment to honor their family and the vows of marriage in good times and bad.

His story is one of life, rebirth and transformation. Jason represents the human experience at its very best – an ascent from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive! 

 Session Title: PTSD and Moral Injury

Presenters: Jeff Dill

Description: This presentation involves a careful examination of firefighter, EMS and Dispatcher suicides, an introduction to PTSD, and Moral Injury. During the workshop we will review the suicide data FBHA has collected and explain why the presenter believes moral injury plays a larger role than PTSD in the first responder culture.

Session Title: Inoculating Against the Fatal 10 of First Responder Suicide

Presenter: Dr. Olivia Johnson

Description: Dr. Olivia Johnson has collected data and done research in the field of officer suicide for nearly 15 years. From her research, The FATAL 10 was developed. These are 10 common factors noted in a majority of completed suicide cases, non-fatal attempts, and murder-suicides. Based on this research, it is well understood that suicide prevention and intervention methods do not work, but we know what does. The Blue Wall Institute developed the Inoculation Paradigm, this paradigm changes the way we think about health and wellness and will reduce risk factors that contribute to officer suicides and other negative outcomes.
This training course will not only address the data and the FATAL 10, but will address each component in-depth and provide real world solutions and assist first responders in thinking outside the box when addressing the issues they will face. The Health Model will be used to teach skills to assist first responders in changing negative mindsets and behaviors, thus increasing their overall health and wellness.

Session Title: Wellness and the Wounded Warrior

Presenter: Clark Beckley

Description: This workshop invites the opportunity to support an advanced individual understanding of why first responders hurt uniquely, struggle to find healthy community for healing, and experience higher levels of relational isolation and loneliness. Often, topics identify and review macro-level concepts related to wellness at a department level. However, this workshop provides an opportunity for individuals to personally identify and reflect on elements that contribute to their experience with wounds caused by chronic exposure to traumatic events and systemic intrusions to overall emotional wellness. Together, we will learn and discuss how we are intrinsically wired to serve and identify opportunities we have to use our stories to create, model, and nurture healthy and fulfilling workplace relationships, teams, and organizations.

Session Title:One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Finding Help That Works

Presenter: Cindy McKnight and Danielle Brengel

Description: Determining if you (or a co-worker) needs support and what that looks like can be a daunting task. Understanding what types of resources are available, where to find them, and how to find the best fit can make that process much easier. This session will add to your resources list and toolbox when talking with providers, peers, and yourself to build effective and supportive connections during times of need.

Join us for lunch in Ballroom F and network with our vendor tables in the main hallways.

 -Session Title: Breaking the Barriers

Presenter: Ron Rufo

Description: This presentation will highlight Dr. Rufo’s latest book, Breaking the Barriers: Aiding Police Officers’ Physical & Mental Health. This session is a PowerPoint presentation that will deal with police wellness and the emotional trauma officers deal with daily, and what they can do to survive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually throughout their career. I will cover trauma, PTSD, police suicide, and the stigma of mental health treatment. I will also offer solutions such as meditation, breathing, exercises, yoga, and nutrition. This course will benefit all officers, active and retired, achieve emotional happiness.

Session Title: Spiritual Fortitude: A Key Dimension to First Responder Resiliency

Presenter: Tammy Roach

Description: Have you found yourself asking “why” after a traumatic incident or death event? Are you tired, frustrated, or perhaps angry by what you have experienced on the job? Understanding that spiritual fortitude is essential for 1st Responders who regularly face trauma, death, and moral injury throughout their careers, this is a down and dirty discussion about spirituality and how it relates to your career. In this course Tammy will describe the characteristics of spiritual fortitude, help you uncover your level of spiritual health, suggest practices to strengthen your spiritual foundation, and offer practical steps to help you live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Session Title: Your Insurance Company Should Be Your Partner

Presenter: ICRMT/IPMG Staff

Description: When tragedy strikes you should be able to rely on your partners, including your insurance company. This session will demystify the insurance-partner relationship and showcase how Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) provides resources for the first responder community in regards to Workers Compensation, Property, Liability and Law Enforcement Liability coverages for public entities in Illinois.

Session Title: Neuroscience-Based Treatment for First Responders

Presenter: Shatterproof

Description: First Responders face PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide at high rates.  Providing effective treatment for first responders means treating the whole person.  Looking at brain-based treatments is the new frontier of care for these conditions and more.  By delving into how the brain works, we know that we can strengthen and “rehab” brains that have endured trauma, concussive injuries, strokes, addiction, and a host of other issues and need to be healed and re-regulated to reach optimal functioning.  Executives use this, athletes use this, doctors use this for physical issues, and for many years we have proven that the application to the brain is transformative.  It is drug-free, non-invasive, gives relief to first responders, and creates hope and healing.  Dr. Nelson will discuss the model that has been developed at FHE Health a nationally recognized provider that treats first responders and uses this innovative and life-changing with every first responder we treat. Why? Because this treatment sets the stage for a radical change in symptoms, behavior, and processing.  Dr. Nelson will discuss what this treatment entails, how it benefits first responders, and the research that supports these treatments as well as answer questions about health for first responders.

 Session Title: Legal Considerations of Mental and Physical Health for First Responders

Presenter: Jerry Marzullo

Description: This presentation will discuss any and all of the legal issues facing first responders and answer any questions attendees may have including but not limited to understanding disability pensions; FOID cards; leaves of absence, and discipline as well as the intersection between mental health and the job status of first responders.

Session Title:Officer Wellness: Surviving and Thriving On and Off the Job

Presenter: Nicholas Greco

Description: We will identify and discuss the fallout of the 24/7 mindset of today’s police officer. As cumulative stress is a prominent feature in one’s law enforcement career, we will look at the prevalence, impact, and why this should be an area of concern for every police department. We will examine the stress factors, both professionally and personally, which put an officer at risk for PTSD and recognize compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma, and secondary trauma. We will look at ways that you can take control of your life and career and help others. Finally, we’ll identify and implement policies and procedures in your department to make a positive difference in the lives of your officers.
The course will be supported by cases and examples to demonstrate successful officer response and interactions. Attendees will receive numerous reference materials on recognizing depression, PTSD, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and the impact of cumulative stress.

Session Title: Beaten, not Broken

Presenter: Andrew Masters

Description: How can a first responder go from the brink of suicide to thriving as a company officer? Hear Andrew share his story about hitting rock bottom, asking for help, and making his way back up. Finding the resources that are most helpful can be challenging, but knowing where to go and how to navigate that for yourself or others ultimately lead to success both in your career and at home.

Session Title: Developing an Evidence-Based Prevention and Intervention Program for Your Agency

Presenter: Michelle Lilly

Description: There is increasing emphasis on the mental health of first responders. Over the course of the last decade, trainings that focus on conditions such as PTSD among law enforcement have been increasingly delivered across the state. While awareness has grown, the ability to access experienced clinicians who understand the unique manifestation of symptoms and challenges of work within law enforcement has not kept pace. In addition to lack of experience, many clinicians may self-identify as being trauma-focused, but do not offer evidence-based treatment for condition such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This presentation will offer the following: (a) an overview of best practice for treating trauma-related conditions and the things to look for while vetting local clinicians, (b) models for developing and implementing a confidential intervention program for your department, (c) the research on the effectiveness of peer support, and (d) best practices for developing and implementing a peer support program in your department. As such, this presentation covers both external and internal resources that may be leveraged to enhance the mental health of a department and reduce risk for psychological suffering and suicide.

Choose from three different panel discussions related to clinical services, finances, or peer support!

Join us in Ballroom F for Mission BBQ!