By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
It is no secret police officers sometimes encounter traumatizing situations while in the line of duty.
What might not be known are nationwide statistics that reveal twice as many police officers die of suicide than of injuries sustained from gunfire.
“We’re losing our officers by their own hand, rather than at the hands of another,” Whitewater Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher said at a Police and Fire Commission meeting Nov. 13.
To counteract the startling statistic, Otterbacher said the city’s police department has become proactive and has formed a career resilience team that will oversee a number of logistical issues, including enlisting the services of a psychologist.
As part of routine protocol, Otterbacher said enhanced steps will be taken to ensure officers’ mental and emotional well-being are taken into account during traumatic events within the community as new policies are implemented.
In other recent business, the Police and Fire Commission:
• Received an update from Otterbacher on the activities of Boomer, the city’s newly acquired canine. Since joining the force, Otterbacher said Boomer has been a positive addition.
In particular, Otterbacher said Boomer has assisted officers with a number of drug hits, including one heroin overdose.
“Drugs are still prevalent in the city, and we want to do everything we can to be proactive,” Otterbacher said;
• Discussed with Otterbacher the use of a drug, Narcan, that can be used in reversing the effects of heroin overdoses. Otterbacher said efforts are underway to provide officers with the proper training to administer Narcan;
• Discussed the hiring timeline for a vacant police officer position. Tentatively, commissioners plan to meet with Otterbacher to discuss a viable candidate on either Jan. 19 or Jan. 27.
