Each year the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation sponsors a seminar on suicide awareness. 2018 was a terrible year for the Chicago Police Department with the deaths of Paul Bauer, Samuel Jimenez, Conrad Gary and Eduardo Marmolejo. Additionally, we experienced the death of 19 active duty members, four that were the results of suicide. We are aware that the CPD experiences a higher rate of suicide than other large police agencies. Our goal of this seminar is to have a better understanding of why this crisis effects our department as much as it does.
This year the seminar will be held on Thursday, 21 February 2019 at the former Headquarters of McDonalds. It is now called the Training Center at Hyatt Lodge, 2815 Jorie Boulevard in Oak Brook, IL 60523
Check in starts at 0730 hours; the seminar begins promptly at 0800 concluding at 1600 hours. Lunch will be served. The uniform of the day is civilian dress/business attire.
Speakers include Dr. James Cavanaugh who will speak on some of causes and the effects on the mind/body leading up to suicide. Former Corporation Council Lisa Franklin will address the stress factors that affect job performance and in some extreme situations – suicide. Chief William Kushner of Des Plaines will give an update on the First Responders Addiction/Recovery Unit at Holy Family Hospital. Commander Tina Skahill will speak on Postpartum Depression and Officer Al Navarro will personally talk on the subject of alcoholism and its effect on job satisfaction/performance.
In participating in this seminar, we hope to encourage and engage more Supervisors. In doing so, they will learn and be better equipped to utilize the tools and techniques that may lead to the identification of a fellow Officer who may be in need of help.
Listed below is the link to the registration page.
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=va7y67bab&oeidk=a07eg01p68w541b3310
Thanks and Stay Safe
—
Frank C. Gross
Director of Operations
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
1407 W Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
Office 312.499.8899
