Justice Department funding will expand therapy access, peer support, and family workshops for law enforcement officers and their families
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $134,878 federal grant to strengthen mental health services for employees and their families.
The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services provided the funding through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Projects program.
Grant Purpose and Use
The grant aims to improve mental health and wellness services for law enforcement officers through peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and wellness programs.
Flagler County will utilize the funds to implement a tiered support model that includes agency-wide mental health training, confidential access to licensed therapists with expertise in first responder services, and family-focused workshops addressing the effects of chronic trauma exposure.
“Our employees do a great job keeping our citizens safe, but it’s important they also take care of themselves,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Being a law enforcement officer comes with many emotional situations that most of the population never have to experience.”
Staly noted that the job’s nature can also affect family members who worry about their loved ones’ safety.
“That’s why I believe it’s essential for all our employees and their families to have access to a variety of mental health programs and resources, so they know they are never in this job alone,” he said.
Existing Programs
The sheriff’s office currently offers several mental health resources for employees and their families.
All personnel have free access to employee assistance program services through Public Safety EAP, a comprehensive benefits program designed specifically for first responders and their families’ emotional and mental health needs.
Employees can also use MAGNUSWorx, a wellness app created specifically for FCSO staff.
“This grant will allow us to build upon the foundational programs we already have and take our resiliency program to the next level,” Staly added.
Grant Track Record
Since Sheriff Staly took office in 2017, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has received nearly $5 million in federal and state grants.
The latest award reflects growing national recognition of mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers, who regularly encounter traumatic situations, violent incidents, and life-threatening circumstances as part of their duties.
Studies have shown that law enforcement officers experience higher rates of post-traumatic stress, depression, and suicide compared to the general population, prompting increased focus on mental health support in police agencies nationwide.
The COPS Office, which provided the grant, is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice dedicated to advancing community policing practices and supporting law enforcement agencies through funding, training, and technical assistance.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is located in Bunnell, Florida.
