Law enforcement and personnel from across the state of Kansas gathered for a three-day training seminar at Emporia last week.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office hosted the seminar which welcomed a range of people in the law enforcement profession, including full-time and part-time certified officials, county prosecutors and more. Lyon County Detective Sergeant. Jacob Welsh told KVOE News the training included case reviews, the basics of arson investigation and mass shooting response training.

Welsh explains that much of the program is based on past cases and incidents. He says to be successful in the future, law enforcement must have a solid understanding of the triumphs and failures of the past.

First HELP Chief Operating Officer Steven Hough was one of several presenters at last week’s event. First HELP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency that focuses on reducing mental health stigma and stereotypes and also provides services to reduce suicide in law enforcement.

Hough says it’s important to remember that first responders, especially law enforcement officers, face professional and everyday stressors.

First HELP also advocates for benefits for people with PTSD, recognition of law enforcement service lost by suicide, and provides support for the families of law enforcement officers who have died by suicide.

For more information, visit 1sthelp.org.

Photos courtesy of Jacob Welsh/Lyon County Sheriff’s Office