MISSOULA – We are learning more about how law enforcement involved in a shooting spree more than week ago debriefed from such a traumatic incident.
The shooting killed one man and injured three others — including Montana Highway Patrol trooper Wade Palmer, who remains in a Salt Lake City hospital in critical condition.
MHP reports that a few days after the shooting, they held a critical incident debriefing which is held for those involved in a critical incident to join together and talk about concerns and just get any weight off their chests.
MHP adds about 40 members of law enforcement attended the meeting. The Patrol has troopers trained in peer support that have been made available to their colleagues.
“After a traumatic experience, our bodies are full of negative chemicals. The best ways to rid ourselves of these and feel better are water, exercise and rest,” said MHP Captain Chad Dever who supervises the Patrol’s peer support program.
“Negative behaviors such as alcohol consumption are counterproductive. The simple act of talking about experiences has proven to be very therapeutic. This is what debriefing peer support both emphasize,” he added.
Trooper Palmer who was shot in the line of duty on March 15 near the Evaro Bar.
Reporting by Kent Luetzen for MTN News
