Midland Park May 9, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 The Midland Park Mayor and Council are taking the lead in getting the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) to underwrite a grant for training volunteers in crisis intervention strategies for first responders. If Midland Park’s resolution is approved, the JIF would provide $5,000 to train up to 30 volunteers who specifically serve and assist police, fire and EMS personnel who have been part of a traumatic episode while serving their respective communities. Known as the Phoenix Team, the volunteers would be trained in a critical incident stress management program that is uniform and available to all who may need this type of service anywhere in Bergen County. “Through this program, the volunteers would be preparing themselves to help the responders’ ‘return to normalcy’ after they have witnessed or participated in a traumatic situation,” said Midland Park Councilman Scott Pruiksma, Council supports grant for crisis intervention who serves as the Phoenix team coordinator. The effects of such conditions may negatively impact upon the quality of their lives as they return home, the resolution points out. Councilwoman Nancy Peet questioned whether such a team would be duplicating services already provided by the Valley Hospital. Pruiksma said that the hospital team services only EMTs. “Peer to peer works best; it’s the best model,” said Pruiksma. Councilman Nick Papapietro asked that the Midland Park police, fire and ambulance corps chiefs be asked for input about the program prior to making any commitment to the council resolution. Councilman Jack Considine commented that it would be in the JIF’s interest to support the program because it would help the insurance company get people back to work. He asked whether there is an overlap with programs now in place that are already covered. Mayor Patrick “Bud’ O’Hagan, a JIF board member, said that even if similar programs are covered, the JIF might be willing to help get this particular program off the ground if it is in the interest of the member towns. He said there has been no discussion on the grant request yet at the JIF board level. The two-day course prepares participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services including pre/post- incident crisis education, on-scene support services, crisis intervention for individuals, psychological first aid, crisis management briefings and demobilizations after large scale traumatic events, defusings and debriefings, and how these services fit into the emergency behavioral health spectrum of care.