Former Richmond Heights Police Chief and current University Circle Chief Tom Wetzel recognizes the toll the job can take on public safety personnel. In order to try to help combat the trauma and stress of being in the profession of saving lives, Wetzel has created a a spiritual retreat scheduled for Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Church Hall at Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Road, in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood. It is designed to help police and fire officers, dispatchers and paramedics to refresh and rejuvenate. “They are exposed to so many challenges and experience a lot of vicarious trauma from their work,” Wetzel said. ” They see and hear so much human suffering and it can take a toll on them. It can really drain a person’s spiritual battery and this retreat is meant to help recharge it. It is also open to retired public safety personnel.” Wetzel said they have some speakers who have volunteered their personal time to support the personnel with topics including: Spiritual rejuvenation; the power of prayer for handling all the struggles we encounter; pleasing God through important work; relying on God to overcome temptations of the job; talking to the chaplain for personal strength; and spiritual practices to build resiliency. Speakers scheduled include Rabbi Ari Wolf, a chaplain; the Rev. Joe Previt, pastor at Holy Rosary; the Rev. Doug Brown, a chaplain; Cliff Kime, retired Cleveland officer who runs a mentoring program called SIX; the Rev. Leon Thompson, a chaplain; and Adolphus Gaffney who runs Hope Behavioral Health among others. The program is free and people can register with Wetzel at [email protected]. “The program will hopefully invigorate our public safety personnel and allow them to experience a deeper appreciation for their holy work of service to others,” Wetzel added. “Public safety personnel, particularly police officers, see a lot of evil and need to be reminded that they are still the good guys and gals and their work is critical to the safety and vibrancy of the communities they serve. “Also, public safety personnel end up hearing and seeing the damage done to the lives of victims of violence particularly domestic violence which can cause intense psychological pain to children,” Wetzel continued. “This regular exposure to pain can take its toll on first responders. “Events like this retreat are important to help them better process all their eyes and ears see and hear and I truly feel these types of spiritual retreats which can appeal to personnel of all faiths are critical in our lines of work,” he added. “Hopefully they will help us stay on course and appreciate our important calling. “It was important to include retired first responders as well as they have truly seen a lifetime of different experiences and need to be able to reflect on their careers in a positive and enriching manner.”