Dear Representatives Bilirakis, Scanlon, and Kustoff,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to ask for your help by cosponsoring H.R. 5282, the “Reauthorizing Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act.”
You were all cosponsors of the legislation that established the STOIC program in 2019 when it was signed into law by President Trump and we hope that you will support the men and women in law enforcement by supporting its reauthorization.
The everyday work of our law enforcement officers is mentally, physically, and emotionally taxing. Their experiences are often traumatizing, which can ultimately hinder their ability to maintain their mental health, personal relationships, and overall well-being. Left unaddressed, these challenges may lead to stress, burnout, and depression, thereby highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive wellness and crisis intervention programs. The STOIC program was established to help and support law enforcement officers and their families who face such circumstances.
This legislation would reauthorize this important program to continue services—like stress reduction and suicide prevention—for law enforcement officers and their families through 2029. An officer’s mental health and wellness depend on access to support programs like STOIC. Our communities cannot be properly protected unless our officers are, too.
We hope you will agree to cosponsor a program you helped us pass into law. On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you all for considering our request. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President