Tampa Police offers wellness program to help officers mental well-being

In July, South Florida Police Director Freddy Ramirez suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The severe stress first responders go through was but front and center. “I think anytime you see a law enforcement officer that, you know, takes their own life, it hits home very hard,” explained Lieutenant Lisa Parashis. Lieutenant Parashis runs TPD’s officer wellness program and behavioral health unit and is in the criminal investigation division. She said officers are faced with challenging calls on a daily basis.