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Sheriff’s office urges commissioners to fund ‘Caroline Cares’ peer‑support program for first responders
Summary
Captain Rodney Helmer and partner agencies asked Caroline County commissioners to support Caroline Cares, a peer‑support program for deputies, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers and corrections staff. Upfront training is estimated at about $50,000–$55,000; commissioners signaled willingness to cover $10,000–$20,000 from contingency while seeking grants and foundation funds.
Captain Rodney Helmer, representing the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, asked the county on May 12 to back Caroline Cares, a peer‑support program aimed at first responders across the county.
"Investing in Caroline Cares is an investment in the people who respond when our community needs help the most," Helmer said, describing high rates of trauma exposure, burnout and suicidality among law enforcement, fire, EMS and corrections staff and urging a sustainable local program rather than ad‑hoc responses.
Deputy Morton Dixon of corrections described data and personal experiences that he said illustrate elevated rates of depression, PTSD and…
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