KAWARTHA LAKES-When Constable Mike Broderick took his own life in 2021, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service realized it needed to do more to help staff deal with the trauma that comes with the job.
“After Mike’s death it became clear we couldn’t handle this type of thing on our own,” said Inspector Tom Hickey at a press conference at the police station on Monday. “Because we are a small police service and we have limited resources to deal with this type of thing and the thing that jumps off the page for me with Wounded Warriors is it’s not only about our members it’s about our member’s families, it’s about our member’s children, which is so unique.”
Constable Broderick took his own life at the police station in Lindsay after experiencing flashbacks and nightmares from things he experienced at work. He left behind his wife and a young daughter.
Kawartha Lakes Police Service issued a statement saying:
On Monday the police service announced it had officially partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada.
Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is a nationally-recognized mental health service provider dedicated to serving ill and injured veterans, first responders and their families in both official languages. They offer a range of clinically facilitated programs that have been developed to support the unique needs of this group.
“We are so pleased to be partnering with Wounded Warriors Canada,” said Chief Mark Mitchell. “From our perspective, the range of programs available to trauma-exposed professionals, delivered by practitioners who understand the lives of first responders is a tremendous benefit to all of our members”
Mitchell says the service has learned that there is no “one size fits all” approach to traumatic injuries.
“The more varied options that are available that allow individuals to make the right choice for them and their unique circumstances, if we can make more options available officers are more likely to seek early intervention, which is the key to effective treatment.”
The Executive Director Of Wounded Warriors Canada said it began as a pilot project for veterans and later added first responders. Their services have evolved to fill in the gaps over the past decade.
“Given the complexities of operational stress injuries, we know that no single organization can provide 100% solution when it comes to the mental health and wellness needs of its members and their families” says Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. “Partnerships are vital. Together, we are working to break down barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health care while reducing stigma for those who serve. We’re grateful for their willingness to collaborate, and we look forward to working with the Kawartha Lakes Police Service in the months and years to come”.
According to Inspector Hickey, over 88% of their members have already completed the WW BOS program.
“It is now an integral part of our training for any of our new members whether it be our civilian staff or our sworn staff.”
The Before Operational Stress program (BOS) has been designed to provide public safety personnel with theoretical, practical and experiential learning to enhance their resilience and mental health. BOS is a unique program that brings together cutting-edge clinical approaches with recognized scientific expertise to support the psychological health and wellness of public safety personnel throughout their careers.
It is just one of several programs available which include trauma resiliency training, peer support training, trauma-informed practice and more.
It is estimated that the average police officer will experience hundreds of traumatic events in their career.
“Wounded Warriors Canada recognizes this unique aspect of our professions and provides programs tailored to those who serve,” said Chief Mitchell.
