In conjunction with mental health awareness month and national police week, Bethel’s deputy chief is helping first responders and veterans deal with their mental health struggles.
Deputy Chief Michael Libertini of the Bethel Police Department founded the Western Connecticut chapter of ‘Heroes on the Water.’
“Heroes on the Water’ is focused on outdoor wellness, specifically kayaking and fishing,” Deputy Chief Libertini says. “It’s very calming.”
Any police officer will say that there are incidents that stick with them long after critical incidents are over.
“Sometimes it sneaks up on you so quickly,” Deputy Chief Libertini says. “You don’t realize it”
Deputy Chief Libertini was one of the first responders at the Sandy Hook tragedy.
“You are not alone,” Deputy Chief Libertini says. “I can assure you that you are not.”
Detective Matt Dirago, of the Bethel Police Department, says getting out on the water helps first responders and veterans decompress, reconnect, and heal.
“A lot of times, it seems people who struggle with mental health are somewhat put on the back burner,” Detective Dirago says. “That really bothers me and pains me, and that’s why I got involved with this.”
‘Heroes on the Water’ meets every month until October on Candlewood Lake in Brookfield.