Come join us for an uplifting event that will provide first responders and criminal justice professionals with key strategies to effectively cope with stress, trauma, life/work balance, and personal relationships that will increase your faith and biblical worldview. You won’t want to miss this!

Objectives:

• Provide first responders with biblical strategies to cope with trauma they experience on the job.

• Teach techniques for resilience, stress management, and strong marital relationships from a biblical perspective.

• Identify or rediscover the mission or purpose through God who called them to serve.

• Address the physical and psychological needs of first responders and how faith plays a role.

• Worship and collaborate in a Christ-centered environment that allows first responders to feel safe.

• Connect with others who understand the journey in a safe, supportive space, and discover how faith can guide and strengthen the path to healing.

• Breakout sessions with individual stories and a special track for chaplains.

Speakers:

*Keynote Speaker:

Bill Graham, Baton Rouge, LA Major Crimes Detective and Police Chaplain will present the importance of faith during a career as a first responder. As a former full-time pastor, Bill has a unique opportunity to use his training and experiences to help first responders all around the world strengthen their faith with the Jesus. In Bill’s free time, he operates Signal 63 to provide bulletproof vests to police agencies and officers in the line of duty around the world.

*Willie Daubs, Mt. Vernon / Lisbon Iowa Police Officer will present with a panel including Naomi Manson, LMHC, his pastor, Joshua Kent, and his son, Mason Daubs. This discussion focuses on the trauma Willie has experienced throughout his life and time in law enforcement, and how God has brought special people into his life to bring him out of the darkness.

*David Dierks, Life After Trauma

David Dierks has been a police officer with the City of Tipton since 2016. He has recently been appointed as the Chaplain for the Iowa FOB, Lodge 6. Officer Dierks has successfully completed Hostage Negotiations, Health and Wellness in Public Safety, and Crisis Intervention Team training. Prior to law enforcement, Officer Dierks served in ministry positions where he had the honor of being a youth pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor. Officer Dierks has sat with numerous people in all walks of life and listened to their stories to help them through difficult seasons of their lives.

On June 10, 2024, David suffered the biggest tragedy of his life when his 28-year-old son, Kyle, lost his life in a motorcycle accident. David and his wife of over 30 years, Lianna, are still learning how to walk through this tragic loss every day. David credits his faith in God and his surrounding family and friends as he and Lianna press forward in life.

*Daniel Defenbaugh

Daniel Defenbaugh went from a young 20-year-old police officer full of life and hope to living in isolation addicted to alcohol and pain pills. Daniel spent most of his days planning his suicide. The untreated cumulative trauma Daniel was exposed to over the years had crushed his mental health and resulted in severe PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. Daniel ended up retiring with a medical disability after 14 years of service. Daniel lost his career, his house to foreclosure and experienced a divorce. Due to the unbearable devastation, Daniel felt as if he lost his purpose and will to live, but what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Daniel founded 10-42 Project to equip active, retired, and former first responders with the help and hope they felt they lost through a family approach grounded in faith.

*Emilly Davis

From a Wife’s Perspective

Lockdown: Keys to Building Ironclad Leadership

This engaging and insightful presentation will explore critical topics designed to empower leaders at all levels. Discover the secrets to motivating your team, leveraging influence to drive performance, and identifying key behaviors that define successful leadership. Learn how to align your leadership with a clear purpose and vision while mastering the art of effective communication to foster open and productive dialogue. Explore various leadership styles to find the one that best suits your personality and organizational culture.

Gain practical insights into implementing transformational leadership to inspire innovation and change. Embrace core values such as service, honesty, and integrity as the foundation of trustworthy leadership, and recognize the importance of humility and accountability in building strong, high-performing teams. Understand strategies to enhance employee satisfaction, achieve organizational success, and establish yourself as a dependable and credible leader who earns the trust and respect of your team and stakeholders.

Join us for this transformative session with Andrea Wilson to gain valuable strategies that will elevate your leadership skills. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, this presentation will equip you with the tools and inspiration needed to lead with confidence and purpose. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and take your leadership journey to the next level."

Key Objectives:

·         Remembering: Define key leadership principles, including transformational leadership, ethical decision-making, and effective communication strategies.

·         Understanding: Explain how leadership behaviors impact team dynamics and organizational success, using real-world examples.

·         Applying: Demonstrate leadership techniques by developing a plan to enhance employee motivation, performance, and engagement.

·         Analyzing: Compare and contrast different leadership styles to determine their effectiveness in various organizational settings.

·         Evaluating: Assess leadership strategies for fostering trust, integrity, and innovation, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement.

These objectives ensure that correctional leaders develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic leadership skills within the unique context of corrections.