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Chelan County Sheriff's Office Secures Major Wellness Funding to Continue Pioneering First Responder Support Initiatives

Sheriff Mike Morrison is proud to announce a major advancement in on going wellness initiatives for first responders. The Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) led by Ana Gonzalez, BHU Program Manager, is to be awarded $836,370.04 through the Mental Health Field Response Grant from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). This funding, which will support BHU staff salaries, benefits, and training from July 2025 through June 2027, adds to the $2.8 million-plus secured by Ana Gonzalez and the Sheriff’s Office over the past 2.5 years, to strengthen the mental and physical well-being of Chelan & Douglas County citizens and CCSO personnel. 

In a continued commitment to deputy wellness, CCSO is to be awarded $15,000 from the CJTC Officer Wellness Grant to cover the cost of voluntary cardiovascular screenings for commissioned staff through Sigma Tactical Wellness. This advanced screening program, developed by physicians, PhDs, and law enforcement leaders, is designed to detect early-stage heart disease before symptoms appear using scientifically proven methods that surpass traditional testing. 

These grants mark the latest chapter in a strategic, sustained effort to prioritize the health and resilience of not only Chelan & Douglas County citizens but Chelan County's first responders as well. Over the past 2.5 years, CCSO has implemented a wide-ranging wellness program that includes:

*Peer Support Training in Colorado: Staff trained to help colleagues navigate emotional stress from critical incidents.
*Regional Peer Support Training: Brought national-level trauma counselors to the county, expanding access across agencies.
*Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Hosted annual basic and advanced debrief trainings for structured trauma support.

*Dedicated Debrief Space: Created a confidential room for emotional processing and peer support.
*K9 Roux Wellness Program: Introduced a comfort dog as a therapeutic resource, fully funded through grants.
*First Responder Wellness Retreat: Offered rest and recovery through therapeutic retreats held in Chelan.
*Ongoing Wellness Education: Participation in wellness conferences, PTSD workshops, and family-focused mental health trainings.
*Squad Meals & Monthly Newsletters: Promoted camaraderie and provided regular wellness resources.
*Innovative Tools: Installed Healium neurofeedback equipment and launched a wellness book library.
*Physical Fitness Investment: Offered fully funded gym memberships and built a new, in-house gym facility.
*Critical Incident Support: Leveraged mutual aid from external peer teams and therapy K9s to support staff after traumatic events.
*Wellness & Cardiac Screenings: Initiatives like Sigma Tactical’ s program support long-term physical health monitoring.

 

“Our commitment to the health and well-being of our citizens, deputies and staff remains on the forefront,” said Sheriff Mike Morrison. “This funding not only sustains our Behavioral Health Unit but builds upon the foundation we’ve laid to support our citizens and staff, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

As CCSO looks ahead, the agency will continue prioritizing holistic wellness, ensuring every citizen and team member has the resources and support they need to thrive.

 

SEE FULL MEDIA RELEASE (PDF)

Last Updated: 07/07/2025 11:19 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 02
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Aug. 2, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Aug. 2.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 23
    Jul 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - July 23, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 12
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - July 12, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is July 12.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 09
    Jul 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on July 9, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1