SALISBURY, N.C. — Law enforcement officials in Rowan County are helping their brothers and sisters in blue with a new program that sheds light on the mental health struggles that officers face.
[ WSOC LINK: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ]
Retired Rowan County Deputy Debra Yokley said she got professional mental health help after more than 30 years in law enforcement left her in a dark place.
“You see a lot of horrible things over the course of your career and experience a lot of negative things,” Yokley told Channel 9 on Tuesday. “And what happened with me, is it left me with a lot of emotional trauma.”
[ Rowan Co. Sheriff’s Office welcomes first therapy dog to K-9 force ]
Yokley wants officers to know there are people they can talk to.
So, she created a peer support and Christian mentorship group, which is open to active and retired officers.
Organizers will be holding a luncheon from noon until 1 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Salisbury, 223 North Main St.
If you have questions, contact CuffOfficerFellowship@gmail.com.
In the video at the top of this, learn more about the Cops United Faith Fellowship.
VIDEO: Rowan County deputy shoots, kills suspect while serving warrants
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