EVERETT —The Local Heroes Grant was awarded to the Everett Police Department by the Gesa Community Foundation. The funds will support intensive resilience training intended to promote mental health of officers and staff within the department.
The funds from Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Award are distributed in October to organizations that assist local heroes across the Pacific Northwest, according to the Gesa Community Foundation website. When Gesa members use a Local Heroes Affinity debit card, they earn funds designated for grants in the card’s local heroes category, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, educators and veterans.
“Our officers face difficult and often traumatic situation in service to this community,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin in a Everett Police Department press release on Monday. “Grants like this help ensure we’re taking care of those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe.”
Wellness initiatives improve officer’s use of force decision making and overall cognitive performance under pressure, according to a 2023 report on Best Practices to Address Law Enforcement Officer Wellness from the United States Department of Justice.
“We are grateful for the partnership with Gesa to give our officers and staff better tools to care for their emotional and mental health,” said Cassie Christopher, wellness coordinator with the Everett Police Department, in the release. “The ripple effect of this investment is widespread, not only for the men and women who directly benefit from a greater capacity for self-care, but also the families and communities that interact with better-regulated officers, that have a greater capacity for empathy and connection.”
The Local Heroes Grant Program awarded more than a $500,000 in funding across 52 organizations this year. Since 2021, the program has awarded over $2 million to more than 200 organizations, the release said.
“At Gesa, we are honored to support the local heroes who continue to make a positive difference in our communities,” said Amber Merrill, Gesa Credit Union’s community relations manager, in the release. “Organizations like Everett police bring that mission to life through dedicated service that makes a direct impact where it’s needed most. We’re proud to stand alongside them and support the vital work they’re doing locally.”
Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com; X: @JennaMillikan
