Bend steps up to help first responders cope better

The tragedies of places like Roseburg and Sandy Hook garner headlines, but thousands of first responders in Bend and across the nation deal every day with less-prolific but just as real trauma of a more typical sort — and it all can take its toll, both physically and mentally.

Support systems are in place, of course — but as Bend police Sgt. Brian Beekman, a 15-year veteran, told Bend city councilors Wednesday night, such “employee assistance programs” often step in after an incident or after a problem arises, as opposed to the type of preventative care that also is drawing more attention on the physical side of health care.

Every job has its stress, of course. But studies have shown the cumulative affects of trauma first responders encounter every day, week, month and year manifest themselves in physical and mental health issues. At its worst is a grim statistic, that about 200 public safety employees commit suicide nationwide every year.

Councilors unanimously agreed Wednesday night to authorize up to a five-year contract with Bend psychologist Dr. Andrew Barram for behavioral health support and education for police officers and firefighters, for up to $50,000 a year.

It’s been a passion for Beekman to address the issue. “What I have seen in 15 years is a culture of responders very accustomed to helping others, quite often seeking help for themselves as an afterthought,” he said.

“Education over time brings them to a better place,” Beekman said. “We’d like to bring in a person before the tragedy, who sees officers every day, establish relationships, establish trust — a shoulder to lean on.”

Councilor Nathan Boddie called it a “great idea.”

“In health plans, you often wait until there’s illness or tragedy, then file a claim,” Boddie said. “That’s waiting until the heart attacks, the burnout happen.”

Next big sewer line project on the way

In other action, councilors approved a contract for up to $11.44 million with Taylor Northwest LLC for the next phase of the “Southeast Interceptor” sewer line, a project that began along Murphy Road about five years ago but was put on hold during a review of how to meet the city’s daunting sewer needs.

The new, 7,700-foot segment — up to 19 feet deep — will connect to the existing line in Ferguson Road, continuing northeast through the King’s Forest area and ending at Reed Market Road, officials said. It’s expected to be completed by the end of November 2016.