Law enforcement professionals face unique challenges that can take a toll on their mental, financial, and emotional well-being. Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, Bank The Blue presents an impactful event – the Officer Wellness Program. This one-day, eight-hour program is a collaborative initiative aimed at equipping law enforcement officers with essential tools to combat the alarming rates of suicide and address other negative risk factors.
Event Details
Date: Friday, February 16, 2024
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Location: McHenry County Regional Training Center, 655 Village Hall Drive, Cary, IL 60013
Purpose of the Course
The Officer Wellness Program has been designed to serve as a beacon of support and resilience for those who serve and protect our communities. The overarching purpose is to provide law enforcement professionals with effective tools to inoculate against the rising concern of law enforcement suicide and other associated risk factors.
Course Overview
The Fatal 10 of Law Enforcement Suicide
The program opens with a profound exploration of the Fatal 10, shedding light on the factors that contribute to the alarming rates of suicide within the law enforcement community. By understanding these factors, officers can actively engage in strategies to minimize the associated risks.
Financial Wellness: Navigating the Financial Beat
Financial stress is a pervasive issue affecting many officers. This segment of the program provides practical guidance on navigating the financial challenges unique to law enforcement professionals. From budgeting to long-term financial planning, officers will gain insights to enhance their financial well-being.
Legal Planning: Reducing Stress through Preparation
The legal aspects of law enforcement work often bring about stress and uncertainty. In this segment, the program offers guidance on legal planning to help officers reduce stress through proactive preparation. Understanding legal nuances and being prepared for potential challenges can contribute significantly to overall well-being.
Class Rationale
The Officer Wellness Program is not just a course; it’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Fatal 10 and a roadmap for officers, agencies, and families to minimize risks both on and off duty.
Program Instructors
Dr. Olivia Johnson (Blue Wall Institute) – The FATAL 10 of Law Enforcement Suicide
Dr. Olivia Johnson, a veteran of the United States Air Force and former police officer, is a distinguished expert with a master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership Management. As the founder of the Blue Wall Institute, she focuses on consulting, needs assessment, and training, demonstrating a strong commitment to raising awareness about the challenges faced by first responders. Dr. Johnson holds key roles, including Illinois State Representative and active Board Member for the National P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation, where she conducts research, publishes articles, and collaborates with agencies in need.
Her extensive affiliations include membership in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Recognized as a subject expert, Dr. Johnson contributes significantly to police officer health and wellness, suicide prevention, and awareness in first responders. Her diverse roles include Advisory Board membership for the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program, Lead Instructor for the VALOR Officer Safety Program, and Program Advisor for the SAFLEO Program. Recently certified in Law Enforcement Psychological Autopsy by the American Association of Suicidology, Dr. Johnson’s multifaceted expertise underscores her invaluable contributions to the well-being of law enforcement professionals.
John E. Gordon (Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union) – Financial Wellness: Navigating the Financial Beat
John E. Gordon, the Director of Training and Business Development at Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union, boasts an impressive career dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of law enforcement professionals. In his current role since June 2017, he has been a driving force in developing and leading comprehensive training programs, earning a promotion from Director of Sales in March 2022. John has excelled in creating a robust internal and external training framework, fostering employee development, and educating both members and prospective members. With a keen focus on financial wellness, he facilitated training for 12,500 Chicago police officers, further solidifying the credit union’s influence in the community. John is also instrumental in managing sales and marketing efforts, contributing to the local credit union’s business growth. His commitment extends beyond the workplace, as evidenced by his pivotal role in the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation, where he serves as the Founder. Established in October 2004, this foundation honors Officer Mike Gordon’s memory by improving public safety, providing financial assistance, funding law enforcement scholarships, supporting families of fallen officers, and contributing to approved charities. Before his current position, John served as a Project Manager for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation from October 2008 to June 2017.
Kelly Krauchun (Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC) – Legal Planning: Reducing Stress by Preparation
Kelly Krauchun is an attorney at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC and is one who cares about her clients and her community. Her professional and personal philosophy includes giving back in ways that make a meaningful difference. As an associate for RFC, Kelly demonstrates that same care in the general litigation group, representing clients in numerous matters including commercial litigation, employment litigation, defense litigation, insurance coverage, and appeals.
Prior to joining RFC and while at the Herbert Law Firm, Kelly served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials and has extensive experience litigating a wide range of cases in state and federal courts and before various administrative agencies. Her broad experience enables her to advocate effectively for her others.
Kelly earned her B.A. and Juris Doctorate from DePaul University where she received numerous awards, including the Benjamin Hooks Distinguished Public Service Award, the President’s Award for Service, the Kott Legal Scholarship, and the Dean’s Merit Scholarship. As a law student, she clerked at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, externed for the Honorable Anne M. Burke of the Illinois Supreme Court, served as a Pro Se Advocate at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse, participated in DePaul’s Criminal Appeals and Asylum and Immigration Clinics, and interned at the Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL).
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Active officers can register to attend the Officer Wellness Program at https://banktheblue.com/btb-officer-wellness-program