Page 45 - 01A_CL7_APR18.indd

Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner warned about how alcohol is not a way to deal with stress of the job.
members with tears in their eyes while listening to the speak- ers’ vivid tales of hopeless despair.
Talking about those struggles can be therapeutic for the speakers, while attendees hearing from their peers on such a sensitive topic can prove to be equally valuable, according to Valadez. Further, he said many officers just need to understand help is available, confidential and non-judgmental through peer support.
“We’re human just like anyone else,” Valadez said. “We’re our own worst enemy in terms of going out to seek help.”
Valadez’s passion for helping officers in need drives him to make the seminar better each year. Cline sums up the event’s mission simply:
“If we can save one police officer’s life, it’s worth it,” he said.
d
Sergeant Mark DiBona
S
talked about how of-
t
ficers can rely on their
fi
families to deal with
f
the stresses of the job,
t
including those that
i
come from within their
c
departments.
d
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ APRIL 2018 45