Stone, McElroy & Associates

09/15/2025

09/12/2025

From Marie Owens, the first policewoman with arrest powers (Chicago, 1891) to Alice Stebbins Wells, the first American‑born policewoman (LAPD, 1910), women have long been part of the thin blue line. Yet today they still comprise only about 10–12 % of officers and barely 3 % of police executives.

That’s why initiatives like the 30×30 pledge—aiming for 30 % female representation by 2030—are so important!

So here’s to every woman in uniform proving that a polished ponytail fits perfectly under a patrol cap. Let’s keep recruiting, promoting, and supporting these leaders until they’re no longer the exception but the norm.

09/11/2025

We Remember. We Honor. We Stand United.

Today, on September 11, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the resilience of a nation that stood strong in the face of tragedy.

We remember the first responders who gave everything without hesitation, the families who carry the weight of that day, and the countless acts of courage and kindness that continue to inspire us.

May we never forget the importance of unity, compassion, and service to others.

🕯️ In memory of all we lost, and in honor of all who continue to serve.

09/10/2025

🌐 Spotlight: IACP Officer Wellness Dashboard

Navigating officer wellness laws can feel like beating a maze under pressure. That’s why the IACP Officer Wellness Dashboard is a game-changer. This interactive, state-by-state tool lets agencies easily find:

-Peer Support Confidentiality Protections

-Mental Health & PTSD Worker’s Compensation

-Current Wellness Training Mandates

Simply select your state and topic, and a color-coded map pops up with direct links and clear details—no legal degree needed.

Every state frames wellness policy differently. This dashboard saves time, clarifies complexity, and empowers agencies to build stronger, more resilient teams.

Take a proactive step for your team’s well-being—explore the dashboard today, and be the leader who keeps care simple, supportive, and strategic.

“The IACP Officer Wellness Dashboard provides an easy-to-use database designed specifically for policing professionals to find officer wellness–related legislation and training mandates.”
— IACP@Work via Police Chief Magazine

Explore the tool here: https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/officer-wellness-dashboard-legislative-protections-training-requirements

Because informed policy = stronger officers.

09/09/2025

😴🚨 for First Responders 🚨😴

Long nights, early mornings, back-to-back shifts—sound familiar? Sleep can be one of the hardest things to protect in public safety work, but it’s also one of the most powerful tools you’ve got.

Here are a few expert-backed strategies from Dr. Glenn Landry on the Better Every Shift podcast:

✅ Build a “sleep window” — Go to bed and wake up at the same times, even on days off, to anchor your body clock.
✅ Protect that window — Treat sleep like a meeting with your life on the line. Lights off, devices away, environment cool and quiet.
✅ Nap strategically — Short naps before or during long shifts can sharpen alertness.
✅ Sleep is a team sport — Support your coworkers’ rest patterns, and ask them to support yours.

💡 Better sleep means better performance, sharper decision-making, and stronger mental health.

🎧 New Better Every Shift episodes drop every Thursday—tune in for more real-life wellness advice from experts and first responders.

Let’s keep our communities safe by keeping ourselves strong. 💙

09/08/2025

Strong communities start with strong first responders—and that strength begins with mental health.

The Colorado POST-approved Peer Support Academy is back Sept 15–19 in Berthoud, CO. This 40-hour training is led by seasoned frontline responders and clinicians, and it’s open to all badges, all uniforms, all scrubs.

🧠 What’s covered?
✔ Stress management & burnout prevention
✔ Crisis intervention strategies
✔ Suicide-prevention tools
✔ Building emotional resilience & peer support

💡 Why it matters: First responders face challenges most can’t imagine. Having trained peer supporters inside agencies ensures no one fights their battles alone.

⚠️ Seats are limited—so early registration is highly recommended! Encourage your agency to send personnel and invest in resilience that saves lives both on and off the job.

👉 Enroll now and learn more here: https://911overwatch.org/40-hour-academy-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/05/2025

08/29/2025

🚨 First Responder Friday Spotlight 🚨

For today's First Responder Friday Spotlight, we honor the dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs) who serve not only as protectors, but as mentors, educators, and trusted allies in our schools! 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

Red Sandstone Elementary School SRO Schwartz and Vail Mountain School SRO Kullman are always ready to support a safe and positive learning environment! From building positive relationships with students to creating safe learning environments, they are making a lasting impact on our communities. They embody what it means to serve with heart, compassion, and integrity. 💙

👏 Let’s take a moment to thank our police SROs for the countless ways they invest in our future—one student, one school, one community at a time.

08/29/2025

08/13/2025

Meet Psychological Dimensions' Director of Client Relations and Media Kate Sullivan, who is celebrating 8 years with PD this month!

With nearly a decade of experience supporting public safety and emergency services agencies, Kate is deeply committed to cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships—not just transactional relationships. She thrives on solving complex problems, educating our agency partners, and ensuring their evolving needs are met with clarity, compassion, and consistency. From major office relocations to mergers and expansions, her steady leadership and dedication to our mission have helped guide the firm through critical periods of growth and transformation.

Kate has been actively involved with Chiefs of Police Associations and FBI National Academy State Chapters in Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. She has spearheaded several educational initiatives and media campaigns aimed at breaking the stigma of mental health in public safety. Her passion lies in dismantling the misinformation that too often hinders agencies from understanding the critical role psychological services play in building resilient, high-performing teams. Kate’s advocacy for mental health is rooted in a deep and enduring respect for those who serve and protect.

Thank you for always taking great pride in serving our clients with the same dedication and care you bring to every aspect of your life!

08/11/2025

Big News for Law Enforcement Leaders!

We’re thrilled to share that one of Dr. Heather McElroy’s brand-new “Fitness for Duty” courses is now LIVE on the National Virtual Academy!

If you’re a leader in law enforcement, you know that knowing when and how to refer someone for a fitness for duty evaluation is critical—for safety, for your team, and for the individual involved.

This course will walk you through exactly what to expect and help you make informed, confident decisions.

Check out the preview and registration details here:
https://www.virtualacademy.com/courses/fit-for-duty-part-2%3A-when-to-refer-and-what-to-expect

Have you ever had to make a fitness for duty referral? What was the biggest challenge you faced? Share your thoughts below 👇

07/29/2025

: Mental rehearsal—visualizing yourself calmly handling a tough situation—can help reduce anxiety and improve confidence before high-stress calls. Just a few minutes of mental prep can shift your response from reactive to resilient.