FLOWOOD — Law enforcement officers, first responders and public safety professionals from across the region are expected to gather in Flowood this week for a three-day conference focused on resilience, mental health and career longevity.
The Mississippi National Guard’s Regional Counterdrug Training Academy will host the second annual Shield Summit from Tuesday through Thursday, June 9-11, at the Northwest Rankin Middle School Performance Arts Building.
The conference is centered on officer wellness and is organized around the theme “Resilient. Prepared. Unstoppable.” Organizers say the event is designed to equip law enforcement personnel with tools to manage stress, strengthen mental health and maintain long-term effectiveness in their careers.
Headlining the summit is retired Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, an author and internationally recognized speaker known for his work on the psychology of combat and law enforcement performance. Grossman will lead his “Bulletproof Mind” training on Thursday, an extensive presentation focused on preparing officers to navigate high-stress and potentially violent encounters.
The conference is built around the acronym P.O.L.I.C.E. — Police Officer Life Issues and Career Endurance — and features sessions addressing job-related stress, PTSD, depression, suicide prevention, family relationships, retirement planning, spiritual health and performance optimization.
Programming begins Tuesday with presentations by law enforcement trainer Tim Rutledge on legal survival following use-of-force incidents, family survival and career resilience. Additional sessions will examine job stress and wellness challenges faced by public safety professionals.
Wednesday’s schedule includes presentations on PTSD and depression, suicide recognition and prevention, family and relationship issues, spiritual health and wellness strategies. A networking social is also planned for attendees.
Thursday concludes with sessions on retirement, career transitions and Grossman’s keynote training.
Organizers have structured this year’s summit around the “Sheepdog” concept popularized in Grossman’s writings, emphasizing preparedness, service and resilience among those who protect their communities.
The Shield Summit is the second annual resilience conference hosted by the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy and is aimed at helping officers build healthier, more sustainable careers while addressing the mental and emotional challenges associated with public safety work.
