MOOSE JAW POLICEASSOCIATION On September 19th & 20th, 2023, the Moose Jaw Police Association and Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers hosted a wellness conference at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan which attracted roughly one hundred police officers, first responders and others from across Saskatchewan and beyond. This was the second time Moose Jaw hosted the event as the inaugural conference was also held there in 2015. Since then, other municipal police agencies have taken turns hosting this important wellness conference to help create understanding and support for fellow officers through stories of resilience, self care and improved wellbeing. The conference featured local and international speakers; Jason Schechterle, Brian Casey, Darci Lang, Dr. Jody Burnett and comedian, Kelly Taylor. The keynote speaker, Brian Schechterle, a former Phoenix Police Department officer, shared his incredible story of survival, grit and resiliency. His patrol car was rear-ended by a speeding taxi, trapping him inside where he suffered extreme burns to nearly half of his body and dramatically changed the course of his life. Miraculously, Schechterle returned to work eighteen months later, but has since retired and is a highly sought after motivational speaker sharing lessons from his book, “Burning Shield.” He reiterated that, “life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react to it." Brian Casey, a Sergeant at the St. Paul Police Department, the author of “Good Cop, Good Cop: A Get Healthy, Stay Healthy Guide for Law Enforcement” also hosts his own podcast “Cop Think.” As the EFAP director for his department’s over 700 employees he shared his positive steps and first-hand stories geared towards supporting peers mental and emotional wellbeing. Darci Lang, brought back by popular demand from the original conference, discussed personal development and “focusing on the 90 per cent.” Lang challenged attendees to shift their perspective on how they look at life and everyday challenges. Dr. Jody Burnett is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist in Saskatchewan who specializes in service provision to first responders and public safety personnel. She stressed to attendees the importance of self-care and how the online supports and tools offered by PSPNET can help officers and their families. A comedy night was held in the evening which allowed participants a chance to network and unwind from the content of the day. Saskatchewan comedian, Kelly Taylor, a supporter of police in the province, ensured that everyone had a good time and lots of laughs. The 2023 organizing committee has passed the torch to the Prince Albert Police Association who are planning this year’s event where you can once again look forward to great speakers, activities and camaraderie. Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 27
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