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Officials defend continuing command-counseling services for first responders
Summary
Commissioners revisited a previously tabled contract for command counseling for public-safety staff; Hugh Brudor said departments regularly use the service and credited it with helping staff recover after incidents.
Commissioners returned to a previously tabled agenda item on command-counseling services for first responders and heard staff and department leaders describe regular use of the program.
Staff said chiefs identified savings that allowed the city to retain command staff positions while moving the item forward; commissioners noted the need to ensure the city is getting value from the contract. Hugh Brudor, who identified himself during the meeting, said both departments use the counseling service regularly and credited it with "keeping families together, kept firefighters at work," adding that therapists can respond quickly after incidents.
Commissioners emphasized that in times of budget pressure they did not want to cut counseling services for emergency personnel. Staff said they will continue to monitor utilization and coordinate between police and fire departments to align services.
The transcript did not record a formal vote or the final contract amount for the counseling service in the provided excerpts; related budget items and equipment figures were discussed elsewhere on the agenda.
