Burlington County has launched a program to support the mental health of its first responders, continuing its partnership with Prevention Plus of Burlington County. The initiative provides resiliency training for local police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel.
The Burlington County Commissioners approved the continuation of this program last month. The county is among the first in New Jersey to offer such training for law enforcement, fire, and EMS workers.
According to the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 30% of first responders develop conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. This rate is higher than the estimated 20% seen in the general population.
“Police, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics often put their own safety at risk in the service of Burlington County residents, and we know their jobs can be both physically and emotionally taxing,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “We owe it to them to provide the tools to help them cope with the stress and trauma they endure.”
The training sessions are led by instructors from Prevention Plus and the Department of Human Services. They visit firehouses, first aid squad buildings, police departments, and other locations to deliver free classes on mental health awareness and coping strategies. Project Director Brian Libetti from Human Services and Ron Ritter from Prevention Plus conduct these sessions; both are retired Evesham police officers with a combined six decades of experience as first responders.
Funding for this initiative comes from part of Burlington County’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Support Services Act grant.
Resiliency training was first developed for law enforcement officers in Burlington County nine years ago. Its success led to a directive from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office requiring all law enforcement officers statewide to undergo mental resiliency training.
In 2023, Burlington County expanded its partnership with Prevention Plus so that all first responders could receive this support. Departments that have participated include Mount Laurel Fire Department, Willingboro Fire Department, Evesham Fire Department, Westampton Fire Department, Burlington City Police, Edgewater Park Police, Riverton Police, Riverside Police and Westampton Police.
“Burlington County values all our first responders, and we are demonstrating our commitment to them by providing firefighters and EMS professionals training to protect their mental health and wellness,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Ultimately, it will help first responders stay healthy, and our communities will be safer as a result.”
Agencies interested in participating can contact the county’s Department of Human Services for more information.
The Commissioners also approved waiving adoption fees at the Burlington County Animal Shelter for first responders seeking pets. Studies show that interactions with animals can improve health outcomes for those dealing with stress or anxiety. Since last year’s policy change on adoption fees for first responders began, nine pets have been adopted under this program.
Additionally, a Stigma-free County campaign has been created by Commissioners to address stigma around mental health issues across all populations.
“These are actions our County is taking to eliminate stigma and prioritize mental health and wellness,” said Commissioner Eckel. “By providing first responders with resiliency training, we hope to break down barriers and raise awareness among all residents about mental health and its importance.”
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county operates under a Board of five at-large commissioners alongside an appointed administrator (source). It consists of 40 political subdivisions: three cities, six boroughs,and 31 townships (source). The county also offers community programs such as recognizing women’s contributions through awards (source)and runs services like Historic Smithville Park—a large public park—and a library system aimed at enriching lives through learning opportunities (source).
