Family Support & Critical Incidents: The Chaplain’s Role Before, During, and After

This 1-hour session equips chaplains with practical, real-world strategies to support law enforcement officers and their families following a critical incident—whether serving independently or alongside peer support and wellness teams.

Participants will explore how chaplains can step into the immediate aftermath of a critical incident to provide stabilizing, compassionate care to both the officer and their family, while also understanding when and how to collaborate effectively with peer support, clinicians, and agency leadership.

The session will also emphasize the power of presence before the crisis—how intentional relationship-building, trust, and visibility with families can significantly impact outcomes when critical incidents occur.

Through guided discussion and applied examples, chaplains will learn how to:

  • Support officers and families in the first hours and days following a critical incident

  • Navigate their role when working alongside peer support and wellness units

  • Recognize emotional, relational, and spiritual impacts on families

  • Engage and build trust with families before a crisis occurs

  • Use presence as a proactive tool for connection, resilience, and long-term support

This session is designed for chaplains serving law enforcement agencies who want to strengthen their impact, build meaningful connections with families, and confidently step into critical moments with clarity and care.

Bio-

Alicia Romero is the Founder of Beyond the Badge and serves as the Family Support Coordinator for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. With over 20 years in law enforcement, she brings both professional and personal perspective as the daughter of a retired Denver Police Lieutenant and the spouse of a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant. Alicia is the creator of the nationally delivered Family Academy program and has spent nearly a decade developing training that strengthens connection, resilience, and critical incident preparedness for law enforcement families.

Contact info:
aromero@dcsheriff.net
alicia@beyondthebadgesupport.com
Alicia Romero | LinkedIn

Alicia Romero
Family Support Coordinator
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109
aromero@dcsheriff.net
303-884-3278 (cell)
DCSO Wellness Website