Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Ulster County Courthouse in uptown Kingston, New York. (Tania Barriklo/Daily Freeman)
KINGSTON, N.Y. — The Ulster County Legislature voted without debate Tuesday to provide additional mental health services to Ulster County first responders.
Col. Joseph Shute of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office told Freeman last week that the position will support all first responders in Ulster County, including police, fire, and EMTs, and will serve neighboring counties as needed. He said he would provide. The program costs approximately $258,000 per year.
Skutt said the Legislature will amend Ulster County’s budget to add four new positions, effective June 1, including deputy, corrections officer, supervisor and social worker.
In an interview last week, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa emphasized the importance of the law, saying the officer wellness program will benefit all first responders.
Figueroa also said expanding resources will help remove the stigma and fear that sometimes comes with asking for help.
The stress of working in law enforcement was brought to light in February when a 20-year veteran of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was found dead at the county law enforcement center from “self-inflicted gunshot wounds.” It was on the front lines among law enforcement personnel. .
At the time, Figueroa said the officer’s death was “very traumatic and sad.” ” he added.
In 2022, the state Department of Criminal Justice Services issued an unfunded order requiring “all certifying agencies to create a police officer wellness program to promote the mental health of emergency personnel.”
“Government agencies across the country must monitor and manage the health and wellness of their employees with the aim of promoting a culture of health across the sector, providing support and services when needed, and maintaining the health of the sector.” ” states the proposal. state.
At the meeting, Assistant District Attorney Sajaa Ahmed expressed support for the bill. “If we have employees who care about their mental health, our prosecution will be stronger,” she says.
Diane Pineiro-Zucker contributed reporting to this article.
