Fortuna police finalize one‑year wellness contract supported by employee association; department announces annual awards

The Fortuna Police Department reported on Feb. 24 that it executed a one‑year contract with a clinician network specializing in first‑responder wellness and resiliency, enabling access for officers and their families and expanded peer‑support coordination with allied agencies.

Lieutenant (unnamed in transcript) told the council that the department researched wellness options used by nearby agencies and chose a service that offers clinicians experienced with first responders. The contract was possible after the Fortuna Police Employees Association contributed about $1,800 from its own funds to cover a shortfall, the lieutenant said; association president Justin Grama described the contribution as a membership decision and emphasized the service’s importance following recent critical incidents and staff losses.

Justin Grama, president of the Fortuna Police Employees Association, described past gaps in proactive support and said the new arrangement provided immediate, on‑scene and follow‑up support for a recent incident where an officer received direct peer and clinician assistance. Grama urged ongoing consideration of continuing the contract beyond one year.

During the consent calendar discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Trent read a list of annual department awards: Officer John Geer, sworn officer of the year; Dispatcher Tanya Cadel, professional staff member of the year; Sergeant Gabe Charlton, Chief’s Award; Officer Logan Mitchell, Top Cop; Detective Brian Taylor, Mentorship Award; Angela Connolly, Community Service Award. The council approved the consent calendar and expressed appreciation for the department’s work.

The department’s memo identified the wellness contract as funded from a state grant (described as “state funds in the form of a grama” in the transcript) plus the employee association contribution; the transcript did not specify the grant name or the total contract value.