Managing the Ghosts

Our sincerest thanks to those that have been supporting Chet's family with the meal deliveries. The family is incredibly appreciative of everyone that has been able to contribute. A GoFundMe account has been established for Chet's family. Any continued support would be greatly appreciate.

As many of you know, the original intention of Managing the Ghosts was to create a peer support network within our first responder communities, and give first responders an opportunity to find solace and support in the face of the post traumatic stress that comes from the job. Our goal was to fund and provide training for interested first responders to become peer counselors, and then for those trained individuals to offer their support to the rest of our communities. Unfort...unately, we were never able to follow through with that mission, and for the most part, Managing the Ghosts has become a media campaign, raising awareness of the issues of post traumatic stress within our communities. We recently, lost a local paramedic in Monterey County to suicide, and it was an event that rocked our community. We hastily organized, and supported by a therapy group called DreamPower held a debrief after the event. Since then, several first responders have been participating in a monthly support meeting hosted by DreamPower. Even more recently, Managing the Ghosts received a significant donation on behalf of a charitable trust to help support our cause. We have donated some of that money to DreamPower in support of the meetings they have been hosting, as well as some money to Operation Freedom Paws, who hosted our initial debrief meeting. There is another organization that provides some incredible support for first responders called the First Responder Support Network. FRSN runs a program called the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat. I personally know several first responders that have been through the WCPR program, and it has made a significant impact on their lives in furthering their post traumatic growth. Managing the Ghosts has made a donation to FRSN for the sole purpose of providing scholarship for first responders to attend WCPR. Although we won't be able to provide 100% funding, up to three individuals will be able to attend the program at a significant cost savings to them, offset by funds from our scholarship. WCPR is for current, or former first responders, that are experiencing depression, anxiety, isolation, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, relationship stress, work difficulties, the loss of a spouse or partner, addiction issues, are having trouble coping with daily activities, etc., and have had previous counseling and/or medication without improvement in symptoms. If you are aware of any first responder that could benefit from the support of a program like WCPR, please share this information with them, have them contact us or FRSN directly. https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html

For all of our amazing dispatchers out there...

I would like to extend the invitation to my first responder family to join the Managing the Ghosts Peer Support Group. This is a private group and a safe place to share your thoughts and have discussion about the role of being a first responder and the impacts that it has on your mental and emotional health. If you need someone to talk to, you'll find friends and support here.

When I heard the news of our friend and brother's suicide, I had to make multiple phone calls to notify others. This was difficult to say the least. I heard the... same statement from every friend that I spoke with... "Fuck this job!" We all have our reasons for doing what we do. And many of us continue to do it despite knowing the physical, emotional, and mental toll that it has on us. My question is "why?" Why do we continue? For most, it is a choice. For others, it's because they are stuck, and can't do anything else, or don't know what else to do. Personally, I choose it. I've left and I've come back. Twice actually. The camaraderie of my brothers and sisters; the humility of serving a greater good; the ability to organize chaos and help during someone's worst day. These are all reasons why I do it. But every day that I go to work on the ambulance I have this nagging little fear in the back of my mind that wonders if I'm going to get the call that will break my soul again. It's been broken before, but I have healed. Post traumatic growth. Ask yourself the question. And if you are comfortable sharing, I'd love to know your answers.

For everyone that has reached out offering condolences and support for the loss of our friend and brother Chet Beadle, thank you so much. I am speaking for many... when I say that we cannot thank you enough for the thoughts, prayers, and love that has been pouring in to ALL of us that knew him. We are currently providing support for the family with continuous contact and check-ins, and have established meal deliveries as well as helping attend to other needs at the house. We know that many of you would like to reach out and pay a visit to show your support, but at this time the family would like to maintain some privacy at the house, and are asking to keep visitors to a minimum. If you would like to try and contact the family or help with the meal deliveries, please contact either Stephanie Nocita-Apperson at 831-402-1975, or Cookie Marchese at 831-809-4507.

By nature people attracted to the healing arts are givers. A reminder to not forget someone.