This past week, the Knoxville Police Department’s Peer Support Team was presented with the Meritorious Service Award from the Public Safety Peer Support Association (PSPSA) at a conference in San Diego, California. The conference was attended by over 800 first responders from 25 states and 195 agencies. The award was accepted by KPD Peer Support Team Coordinator and team leader, Lt. Samuel Henard, and the department’s Wellness Coordinator and volunteer Chaplain, Mike Patty.
“For our Peer Support Team to be recognized on a national level truly brings comfort to my heart,” Lt. Henard said. “The members of this team dedicate so much time and effort to ensure they are always available for their coworkers in times of crisis or whenever someone needs to talk.”
Established in 2008, the KPD Peer Support Team aims to strengthen the lives of officers, their families, and their work through managed peer support actions, conversation, and guidance. The Peer Support Team is currently made up of 37 individuals, including current sworn and professional staff members, chaplains and KPD retirees. Former KPD Chief Sterling Owen IV serves on the Peer Support Team and played a key role in supporting the establishment of the team during his tenure as Chief of Police.
The primary focus of the Peer Support Team is to assist members of the department during and after critical incidents. However, they also perform a wide range of functions to support employees and their families. Recognizing that cumulative stress can be just as dangerous as critical incident stress, the Peer Support Team is dedicated to helping colleagues in all aspects of their lives. The team collaborates closely with the department’s on-site mental health liaison and wellness provider, Brooke Bagley, as well as Kristy Manresa, the on-site mental health counselor representing the City of Knoxville’s employee assistance program.
“Law enforcement is an incredibly challenging and stressful profession, and it is imperative that agencies provide meaningful support for their employees,” Chief Paul Noel said. “Our Peer Support Team has become a model for agencies throughout the region. I am proud of the work they do and thankful for their commitment to holistically improving the well-being of our officers and professional staff.”
The Meritorious Service Award is presented annually at the PSPSA Wellness on the Frontline Conference to a Peer Support Team for their diligence and perseverance in serving others, and whose service is above what is required or expected of a Peer Support Team.