GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay Police department is making mental health a priority for its officers starting with a guest speaker on Thursday.
Country music artist Frank Ray is used to people listening to him. But, on Thursday, he was the listener for police officers in Green Bay.
He knows what they go through because he himself used to wear a badge.
“Having dedicated 10 years of my life to law enforcement, I have a very unique perspective because I lived that life, and I know that the burdens you can bring home often take a toll on your mental health,” said Ray.
He also believes music is good for the soul. Ray began creating music to cope with his own struggles on the job.
Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis says the artist’s visit was especially meaningful, coming just days after a police officer was killed in Milwaukee.
Davis says that impacted his officers, and he wanted to show that they can ask for help.
“In fact, I see that as a sign of strength that somebody is able to recognize that they need help with whatever situation they’re in and going out and getting it,” said Davis.
The goal is to break the stigma surrounding those seeking help “so that they can be healthy both physically and mentally and emotionally,” added Davis.
The chief encourages officers to speak up and is fully dedicated to supporting health measures.
Those measures included the visit from Ray, who travels the country talking to law enforcement officers.
“It’s OK to not be OK,” said Ray. It’s a message he carries with him as he works to encourage police departments to create resources for officers.
Comments