GENESEE CO., Mich. (WNEM) – The recent death of a Flint police officer highlighted an important question: They help us in our time of need, but who helps them in their time of need?
On Sunday, Feb. 8, Michigan State Police were called to the Trinity Assembly of God Church for a death investigation. The City of Flint said that it was Flint Police Officer Charles Redmond who had passed.
Flint Police Chief Terence Green said Redmond’s death is being investigated as a suicide.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Flint police officer’s death investigated as a suicide
An expert with the Genesee Health System shared how trauma can eat away at a first responder. Behavioral Health Urgent Care Manager Kailey Baker said trauma stacks up: deadly crashes, child abuse calls, homicides, suicides.
“Grief can be different in everybody,” said Baker. “And noticing that everyday calls, for them, it can be that they’re desensitized from everyday calls. That’s part of the job, they have to compartmentalize things.”
Baker said officers should watch for changes in themselves — and each other. Changes can include pulling away from the squad, snapping more, drinking more than usual, not sleeping.
“Depending on the city and the department that the police officer works for, they can see anywhere from 600 to 800 traumatic experiences and it only takes one to experience PTSD,” said Baker.
Losing a fellow officer goes beyond the everyday calls; that is family.
“Just noticing that officers do have undeniable statistics for mental health crises and making sure they’re addressing them,” said Baker.
Experts said the check-in can be simple. Ask your partner how they are doing, and stay there long enough to hear the truth.
“If they call 810-496-5535, they can have a debrief,” said Baker.
That includes confidential counseling, peer support, and 24/7 crisis services through Genesee Health System and local partnerships in Flint.
“Making sure that they have a system of checking-in or knowing when they’re having a rough day or went on a rough call,” said Baker. “Ways to communicate that well before a crisis has occurred.”
A message especially heavy with a funeral set for Thursday.
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“We emphasize their wellness is important and we need to take time to remember that they are human,” said Baker. “And their mental health matters as well.”
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