Page 25 - FOP August 2019 Magazine

Never be afraid to ask for help
“To combat something as complicated as suicide, we need leaders at every level involved.”
—Lieutenant Colonel Alicia Matteson, Air Force suicide prevention program manager
During the summer months, our stress levels increase with the limited and/or outright de-
nial of compensatory time, cancellation of regular days off and surge in violent crime.
Adding to the anxiety, kids are on sum- mer vacation from school and our fellow officers are unable to spend time with
JERRY their families and/or simply escape from CRUZ the “job.” These factors may lead an officer to
experience anxiety or depression.
Many police officers need help, but like soldiers in the mil-
itary, they often do not seek assistance for fear of losing their jobs. Or, they have the misguided notion that it is a sign of weakness. Whatever the reason, many police officers do not seek help.
If you ever wore a military uniform, I recommend the Road Home Program at Rush. Note: It is not located inside the Rush University Hospital complex.
The Road Home Program began through a grant from the Wounded Warrior Project and is a free service for veterans. For more information, visit roadhomeprogram.org or call 312-942- 8387. Your insurance is not billed, so confidentiality is main- tained.
Many of us fear that our employment with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) could be in jeopardy if we seek assistance for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression and that our firearm owners identification (FOID) card might be revoked, resulting in the officer being placed on a non-paid status.
CPD Employee Resources (EO) 01-17 does not eliminate the requirement of the FOID card being revoked or seized, but it does follow 50 ILCS 725, known as the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act.
This act eliminates the FOID card as a condition of contin- ued employment if the FOID card is revoked or seized because the officer has been a patient at a mental health facility. The caveat is the officer cannot receive a determination that he or she poses a clear and present danger to him/herself or others as determined by a physician, clinical psychologist or qualified examiner.
Yes, the officer will be placed on restricted duty. Current Illi- nois laws and EO 01-17 does not explain if and/or how an offi- cer may regain an FOID card or return to full-duty status, but keep in mind that your salary continues. The immediate goal is for officers to receive the treatment needed without fear of losing their chosen profession.
Since our CPD leadership has not taken the lead, I’m asking all my fraternal brothers and sisters to go front and center. If any officers need help, then assist them in getting the treatment they need.
Many of us are eager to assist an officer on a 10-1, and it may very well be a 10-1, my fraternal brothers and sisters. If need be, contact me, President Graham’s team, the peer support group or a friend before the unthinkable becomes the only option. Help each other as you would help your own brother and sister.
This past month, I received several inquiries about the No Fee City of Chicago vehicle sticker for veterans. This is a pilot program run by the Office of the City Clerk for Chicago veterans
who have an Illinois driver’s license or state ID with a veteran’s designation issued on or before Dec. 31, 2018.
These veterans are eligible to receive one free city sticker for a passenger car, large passenger car or mo- torbike. This offer can only be given at Office of the City Clerk locations.
Those who want a veteran’s designation on their Il- linois driver’s license can obtain an official certification
from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). Veterans can pay a visit to any of the IDVA offices throughout the state, where they’ll need to provide a copy of their DD-214
or Certification of Military Service (NA Form 13038).
For more information, veterans can contact the IDVA at
1-800-437-9824 or visit www.illinois.gov/veterans.
After the necessary certification is obtained from an IDVA of- fice, the veteran may apply for a new, renewal or updated driv- er’s license or ID card at any Secretary of State Driver Services
facility where the veteran’s designation is added.
The veteran is now prepared for when the City updates the
designation date.
Thank you for all you do, and please be careful out there.
If you have questions or comments, please send me an email at LTC_Cruz@wowway.com.
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