Pursuit for prevention

FINDLAY — The Crime Prevention Association of Findlay-Hancock County and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Peer Support Team are hosting the 5K Foot Pursuit on Sept. 7, starting at 8 a.m. at Liberty-Benton High School, raising awareness for suicide prevention and supporting mental health in the community, especially with first responders. "It affects everyone," Peer Support Team Co-Coordinator and Dispatcher Bethany Nessler said. "People don't want to talk about suicide, but it's real and it's out there. It happens every day. Not only to the public, but it happens amongst law enforcement and first responders too. We're bringing everybody together to say, 'We're here for you, and we're here for our people, too.'" The Peer Support Team originally planned the race for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but instead decided to align the event with National Suicide Prevention Month in September. The timing of the event correlates with both the community's needs and the increasing rate of suicide amongst first responders. Launched in 2021 by then Sergeant, now Sheriff Michael Cortez, the Peer Support Group is made up of deputies, dispatchers and corrections staff to provide confidential support to colleagues, connecting them to professional resources for mental health. In May 2024, the team launched a mobile app initiative allowing employees to request support anywhere, at any time. "Everybody's used to using their phone now and they can literally just click a button and we will get them in line to talk to somebody," Nessler said. "We're not counselors, but we can give them the information on what the next step is and connect them to additional resources." The 5K Foot Pursuit will include resource booths, local food and beverage vendors, a guest speaker and a tribute wall where participants can write messages in honor of loved ones. Organizations such as You Matter, Inc. will also be present, offering education and support resources for families affected by suicide. "It's our first event," Peer Support Team Co-Coordinator and Detective Robin May said. "We want to bring awareness to suicide and mental health while providing a safe space for people who may be affected by it, who have experienced it, who may have thoughts or who want to get educated about it. If we can play a small part in this topic, I think we're doing a great job." The 5K race is not timed, and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. Officers will be participating alongside community members. "They're normal people just like the public," Nessler said. "First responders have mental health struggles just as bad as anybody else. Everybody suffers from mental health, not just law enforcement and not just community members." May agreed stating, "It's important to show that we're all in this together." Registration is $30, with proceeds to be put towards additional training for Peer Support Team members and local suicide prevention efforts. Participants will also receive a swag bag, with same-day registration available at the event. So far, a total of 100 people have signed up. For May and Nessler, the event's success won't be measured in numbers, but of the lives impacted. "If even one person takes something away from the event, if it changes one person's life, then I would consider that a success," Nessler said. "Whether it's one of us or in the community, you've changed one life and that's one less tragedy."