To Hold Life-Changing Workshops for Officers

Citrus Heights, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Police Department was the recent recipient of an $8,000 donation to bring a nationally-renowned author and expert on the emotional survival of law enforcement officers and their families to Citrus Heights for a one day workshop.

On June 19, members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Citrus Heights Women’s Club (CHWC) met at the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) to present Commander Gina Anderson, Police Chief Ron Lawrence and other staff with the gift.

The funds will be used to put on an intensive one day workshop for the entire Citrus Heights Police Department including officers, staff and families at Sierra College in Rocklin. The workshop will be followed by a special BBQ lunch.  During this time police officers from surrounding law enforcement agencies will be protecting the streets of Citrus Heights.

Commander Gina Anderson, who was instrumental in its conception, described the event in an email. “This November, CHPD will have the honor of hosting Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, author of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, a staple for anyone in Law Enforcement.  He is a nationally recognized speaker with amazing insight and tips on staying focused to what is truly important in our lives.  The lessons in his teaching can be life-changing for officers, support staff, and their friends and families”. 

Funds to finance the workshop were raised April 28 at ‘A Taste of Citrus Heights’ (TOCH), a fundraiser which took place at the Citrus Heights Community Center. Local restaurants and other culinary merchants came together for an evening of great food, beer and wine samplings, enjoyed by 300 attendees from Citrus Heights and neighboring communities, all for the ticket price of $35.  

Additional donations included a $1,000 grant from the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, $1,350 from an anonymous donor, and $350 from American Legion Post 637.    

Darla Buechner, president of GFWC’s Sutter District and Commander Anderson worked together for months with club members, police staff, event sponsors and the community to make TOCH a success. Buechner’s own experience as the wife of a retired police officer, and mother of two daughters presently in law enforcement, gave them a common bond after they each became aware of Gilmartin’s’ work.

When Buechner became president of Sutter District she chose TOCH as her President’s Fundraiser and the beneficiary was obvious. Its success will not only allow CHPD to have their workshop but Buechner plans to help fund the program for other first responders including fire, 911 and other emergency service personnel and their families.

Anderson thanked Buechner and CHWC president and TOCH chair Kristy Hernandez for the donation saying, “We are grateful to GFWC for assisting us with the funding for this important event”.  Funds will also be used to purchase Gilmartin’s book for each participant and to purchase training DVDs so his life-saving program will become an indispensable part of wellness training for the department.