On-Guard 5k Run Walk fundraiser for Correctional Officer PTSD and Suicide Awareness On August 25, 2011, not long after his retirement from the Massachusetts State Department of Corrections, Brianne Mellens dad, 46 year old Correctional Captain Michael Mellen took his life. Captain Mellen served the DOC for 22 years. Brianne and her friend Julie Broderick started On-Guard two years ago to honor his memory by bringing attention to a deadly, silent killer that stalks all of us working behind the walls. On-Guard is a charity 5K fundraiser to bring awareness to our professions suicide rates, PTSD and mental health issues. In its second year the number of participants nearly tripled thanks to the tireless efforts of Brianne, Julie and Michelle and Mike Mellen, Captain Mellens wife and son. Three years ago the first study ever done on Correctional Officer PTSD was conducted by Caterina Spinaris, Ph.D., and her team at Desert Waters Outreach (desertwaters/) in Colorado. ACO helped to sponsor that study of nearly 4,000 Officers. The results showed that three out of every ten Correctional Officers suffer from PTSD. Thats a rate higher than other law enforcement disciplines, firefighters, the military and other first responders; and ten times higher than the average citizen. ACO Executive Director Brian Dawe sits on the Advisory Board of Desert Waters and addressed the On-Guard participants. Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis ran in the event and inspired the runners and supporters while Lieutenant Mike Dino Martin took from his years of experience when he spoke to the more than 200 participants. Worcester County Captain Brian Giles helped to organize this great event and deserves special notice. ACO VP Mike Haley and Member of Board Rob Brouillette were there at 8:00 AM helping set up and participated in the event which was held at Worcester State University. We face a mental health epidemic in corrections and it is only through pro-active grassroots efforts like this that we will be able to shine a light on this very dark part of our profession. Were doing time too, and its taking a toll. Thanks Brianne, Michelle and Mike Mellen, you have suffered much from the effects a life working behind the walls can bring. Along with Briannes friend Julie Broderick we salute you all and pledge our national support to your efforts! Thank You!
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:32:31 +0000
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