MOUNT HOLLY – Burlington County has launched an initiative to help protect first responders from job-related stress. The Burlington County Commissioners voted last month to continue the county’s partnership with nonprofit Prevention Plus of Burlington County to provide resiliency training for lo cal police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel. “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, the liaison to the Department of Public Safety. “We owe it to them to provide the tools to help them cope with the stress and trauma they endure.” Burlington County is one of the first counties in New Jersey to offer this type of training. The program is funded by a portion of the county’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Support Services Act grant. According to the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 30% of first responders develop conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to 20% of the general population. The training is conducted by Prevention Plus in partnership with the County Department of Human Services. Instructors visit firehouses, first aid squad buildings, police departments and other locations to offer free training focused on mental health, stress awareness and coping techniques. Classes are led by Department of Human Services Project Director Brian Libetti and Ron Ritter of Prevention Plus, both retired Evesham police officers with a combined 60 years of first responder experience. Burlington County first developed resiliency training for law enforcement officers nine years ago. The county started its partnership with Prevention Plus to provide all first responders with resiliency training in 2023. “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.” The commissioners also approved waiving adoption fees for first responders seeking pets from the Burlington County Animal Shelter, citing studies showing how interactions with pets can help improve health and reduce stress. Nine pets have been adopted by first responders since the County began waiving the fees last year. ...read more read less