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   Since I was elected, we have worked toward a goal of taking better care of our employees a top priority. 

It is not a secret that law enforcement and first responder’s line of work can take a toll both on mental and physical health with those being heavily connected in some way. We are excited to announce that in 2025, we will be participating in the Check Up from the Neck Up program. This program will allow our staff to meet with a counselor from LE-AST services once a year. The Check Up will take less than an hour. A healthy staff both physically and mentally is important to being able to perform our job functions that are expected and at the level that is expected and known. To take care of their mental health, first responders should prioritize self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques, and seeking social support, while also actively utilizing available mental health resources like peer support programs, counseling services, and stress management training provided by their organizations, all while openly discussing their experiences to combat the stigma around seeking help; essentially, establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing their mental well-being alongside their duties. 

   There is mental health stigma surrounding first responders and law enforcement and it likely stems from an expectation from society, their agency, or themselves to be the calm, measured, strong, and fearless professional. Any attempt at seeking mental health support may be viewed as weakness. The face of law enforcement is changing rapidly and we have to change our practices and views along with it to better serve our younger generation of first responders while still considering and assisting our experienced and older staff that have not had these services readily provided before. By providing services such as Peer Support and these counselling and therapy sessions, we can  focuses on equipping individuals with the skills to provide emotional, psychological, and practical support to their colleagues in a time of need and on an ongoing basis. These programs are an attempt to turn the tide and encourage a culture where first responders feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with colleagues and supervisors. 

   Helping first responders with their mental health provides numerous benefits, including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved morale, better job performance, enhanced safety for both the first responder and the community, decreased disability claims, and a more positive work environment. Ultimately, this leads to a more effective workforce with less staff turnover and better staff retention. Additionally, it helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support within the first responder community. Supporting first responders’ mental health encourages a healthy family and personal life for individuals, as they are less likely to experience the negative effects of work-related stress. 

   First responders are valued on the frontlines for the strength and bravery they are expected to show every day, but the trauma or stress they experience in one day can be more than others feel in a lifetime. We can do more to protect those who protect us, and we are working toward that goal to in return help provide the best services to the public that Cass County has come to expect. 

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

Email: 

[email protected]

Phone: 

218-547-1424 | 1-800-450-2677

By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

 Walker MN 56484

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