Key West Detective Certified to Teach FBI Resiliency Course

Detective Sgt. Jesse Hammers completed FBI training in Pensacola and can now teach the National Academy Associates resiliency course to Key West Police officers.

The program addresses physical, spiritual, social and mental health challenges first responders face. Officers learn to recognize stress indicators and manage their wellbeing.

"First responders are exposed to an abnormal amount of traumatic events," Hammers said. "It takes courage to run towards the danger when many would sprint in the opposite direction. It takes even more courage to acknowledge the emotional and mental strain which oftentimes goes unseen."

Hammers pursued the certification after his own mental health struggles. "Taking care of our mental and spiritual health is one of the greatest ways to live with fulfillment, happiness and peace," he said. "It's OK not to be OK. You don't have to do it alone."

The certification allows the Key West Police Department to offer resiliency training in-house rather than sending officers to outside facilities.