Weight of the Badge Program

DRC Sponsor: Ward Budweg

Our speaker for the first Tuesday of 2024 will be Sean Snyder from Winneshiek County Emergency Management. Sean will be discussing a new program entitled "Weight of the Badge."

The Weight of the Badge Program is the first of its kind in northeast Iowa. A four-hour conference dedicated to this program is scheduled for March 28, 2024 at Luther College, from 6 pm to 10 pm. The conference will focus on mental health for emergency responders (fire department, law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management agencies, dispatchers, jailers, and healthcare workers). Emergency responders are universally skilled at assisting callers who are seeking help in a time of need but are often reluctant to seek help for themselves. The Weight of the Badge Program represents an effort to mitigate such reluctance. Significant others/spouses are invited to accompany their first responder so they can learn first-hand how this new program can contribute to their family's well being.

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**Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email.