Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro approved a multi-year contract to implement a helpline designed to help Western New York’s first responders and their families. The peer-based support service will provide pre-crisis exposure training and be the link to direct access for those in need.
“We know the challenges facing first responders. In the course of saving others, they witness troubling scenes; images that can stay with them for long periods. This helpline will not only serve to assist them, but also their families,” said Legislator Todaro. “The helpline provides peer intervention, pre-crisis exposure training and disaster-related training,”
The helpline provides direct access to services for all first responders and their families. This measure allows the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to enter a multi-year contract with the Western New York Law Enforcement Helpline to provide the necessary support. It was approved at the November 21, 2024 legislative session.
“The behavioral and mental health of our first responders is extremely important. We want to make sure they are okay. This helpline connects them with any assistance they or their families may need, particularly after they may have been exposed to troubling, disconcerting scenes,” said Legislator Todaro.