Key West Police Detective Sgt. Jesse Hammers has just returned from training in Pensacola to become an instructor for the FBI’s National Academy Associates course on Resiliency.

The training incorporates physical, spiritual, social, and mental health and the importance these topics are for our first responders. The training helps not only recognize the signs of stressors from the position of a first responder, but also how to prepare and manage the wellbeing of ourselves and to help each other when life challenges us to the core. 

Now Sgt. Hammers can provide this training to the men and women of the Key West Police Department.

“First responders, by nature of the career, are exposed to an abnormal amount of traumatic events while on the job,” said Sgt. Hammers. “It takes courage to run towards the danger when many would sprint in the opposite direction. It takes even more courage and strength to acknowledge the emotional and mental strain which oftentimes goes unseen.

“Having had my own personal experience with digging toward a rock bottom,” he continues, “it is my belief that taking care of not only our physical health, but our mental and spiritual health is one of the greatest ways to live with fulfillment, happiness, and peace in the journey of life. My favorite phrase is: It’s ok not to be OK. That’s what this training was about for me; knowing life will undoubtably be difficult and will challenge you, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s seek self-improvement together and face the struggles together and use it to strengthen our growth for the journey that lies ahead.”