New support group to address special needs of NYPD wives

Mount HOPE — A new support group is being formed for wives of New York City Police Department members and two area women are looking to spread the word to get as many people in Orange County involved as possible. Lisa Walsh of Mount Hope, one of the women spearheading the effort to create the Hudson Valley NYPD Wives Support Group, felt there was a need for this type of group because of the unique issues facing wives of law enforcement officers. “We’re getting a very positive response,” said Walsh, a former Bronx assistant district attorney who is now at home caring for her two young children. “We also encourage the wives of the different law enforcement agencies to join us. We’re looking to be not only a social group but a group that can offer a variety of educational and support activities because being the wife of a law enforcement officer is very different.” Her organizing colleague Caroline agreed. Caroline, a nurse and an area resident, asked that her last name and town of residence not be used because of the sensitive nature of her husband’s NYPD work. “It’s a very different culture,” Caroline said. “Being married to someone in law enforcement is like nothing else. Yes, you get support from your family members, but it’s not the same as someone who knows what you’re going through.” The women met at a conference sponsored by the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance group, which provides free, 24-hour confidential support for police officers of all ranks. The group helps officers to deal with a wide range of issues ranging from marital concerns to job-associated trauma. It had offered a series of family support workshops and during one session, they heard a speaker tell how much of a lifesaver and how beneficial her NYPD wives group was. This led to conversations between Walsh and Caroline, where they noted how it seemed many NYPD families - particularly those with young children— were moving into the area, and yet there wasn’t a family support group north of New York City. They decided to start one. While the group will cover the Orange, Rockland and Putnam counties, Walsh and Caroline are focusing their efforts on Orange County recruitment. But prior to the group’s first official meeting planned for this fall, the women are organizing three informational get-togethers beginning next month where NYPD wives can gather to assess interest and discuss some of the organizational issues that need to be addressed. The gatherings, which Walsh called a “meet and greet play date,” will take place June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Sally’s Dream Playground at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery. Those interested are encouraged to bring their children, a picnic lunch and, most importantly, their ideas. Walsh, whose husband is a member of the Midtown South Detective Squad, explained the group’s goals will be to hold monthly meetings and provide a forum for NYPD wives to discuss the distinctive challenges and stresses of being married to a police officer, such as the dangers of the job, unpredictable work schedules, and even loneliness because these schedules often require husbands to be away from home, their small children and family social activities for extended period of time. “And even if they’re not on duty, they ‘not entirely there,”’ said Caroline. “Maybe they’re de-stressing from a bad day. And even if they’re off duty, they’re really never off duty. If they see something going on, they want to help.” During the informal park meetings, wives will be asked to complete a form noting what topics they’d like to see covered during meetings. Some, Walsh added, will follow an agenda, while others will be open discussions. “Our biggest challenge will be finding a day and time where it’s convenient for most people to attend,” Walsh said. “We’re even looking into providing child care during our meetings so everyone has an opportunity to be a part of our group.” The group will function under the sponsorship of POPPA, which is providing the necessary liability insurance during meetings. It will also send a representative to the meetings if asked. “We’re looking forward,” said Caroline, “to organizing a good social and support network.” Essential information Hudson Valley NYPD Wives Support Group information meetings: June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Sally’s Dream Playground at Thomas Bull Memorial Park. Contact: Lisa Walsh: (646) 296-2306 or Caroline: (917) 402-3716 E-mail: NYPDWives@aol.com Visit: www. poppainc.com