Cortland UPD to host statewide wellness symposium 

07/18/2023 

The SUNY Cortland University Police Department (UPD), in partnership with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and FirstNet, Built by AT&T will host a first responder wellness symposium on July 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sperry Center, Room 105, at 10 SUNY Cortland, Cortland, N.Y. 

The symposium is designed for law enforcement personnel, probation officers, district attorneys, EMS professionals and firefighters, and features presentations designed to highlight successful wellness programs currently operated in the state. The goal of the event is to explore a range of options for attendees to create their own wellness programs or build on existing ones. 

UPD Lt. Erik Merlin noted that law enforcement is a stressful profession, and officers are at an increased risk for physical, emotional and relational challenges that can impact their professional and personal lives. It’s estimated that 20 to 25% of all first responders experience post-traumatic stress.  

“The SUNY Cortland UPD strives to be a leader in the community,” Merlin said. “Thanks to help from the university, we’re able to host these first responder groups and continue to develop better ways to support ourselves and those we serve.” 

Cortland’s centralized location in the state will help bring as many participants to the event as possible. More than160 attendees are registered, along with five vendors. The symposium is sponsored by FirstNet, Built by AT&T, a national communications network designed for first responders. SUNY Cortland’s UPD officers are among its users, according to Merlin. 

The symposium's schedule is: 

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration 

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions 

8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Officer Wellness Program 

Brent Schlafer, Wellness Officer, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, and Belinda Schlafer LMHC, CCTP, EMDR-C                                  

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Program 

Suffolk County Wellness Team 

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Break 

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.  Priority Wellness Campaign

Michael Briggs 

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Desert Waters Correctional Outreach

Caterina Spinaris, Ph.D., LPC 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T 

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Leadership Development 

Richard Martin Ph.D., Chief of Police, Newark, NY 

1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Understanding the Layers of Influence in Supporting Utilization Among First Responders             

Erin Craw Ph.D. 

2:30 p.m.  - 2:45 p.m.  Break 

2:45 p.m.  - 3:30 p.m. FirstNet Built with AT&T 

3:30 p.m.  - 4:30 p.m.  Round Table Discussion 

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Closing Remarks 

For more information, contact Brent Schlafer of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department.