MORRIS COUNTY, N.J./UKRAINE - Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Deputy Chief of Detectives Jan-Michael Monrad have recognized the exceptional efforts of Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Captain Mark Castellano, who recently played a pivotal role in a four-day training seminar in Ukraine. The seminar, part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) Ukraine Office initiative, focused on providing psychological support and resilience training to The National Police of Ukraine amidst the ongoing war.
Captain Castellano, joined by his wife, Cherie Castellano, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and founder of VolunPEER—a New Jersey non-profit that supports first responders and disaster survivors—led the first two days of instruction. Their sessions emphasized the theme "Connection as Protection for Resiliency & Psychological Disaster Mental Health" and covered critical topics such as Police Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Mental Agility, Optimism Connection, and Strength of Character.
The training also included advanced combat field response techniques and defensive tactics adapted by Captain Castellano, further equipping Ukrainian officers to handle the intense pressures they face daily.
The mission, supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Center/St. John’s Church and bolstered by a sendoff event hosted by the Ukraine Center of New Jersey in Whippany, received high praise in Ukraine. The Ukrainian National Police and the Deputy Minister of Defense, Dr. Oleksandr Balantuska, were among those who acknowledged the significant impact of the training, which was reported in Ukrainian national news as a transformative experience for the officers involved.
Highlighting the ongoing collaboration, The National Police of Ukraine are scheduled to receive a "Survivor Award" on November 15, 2024, at the VolunPEER Gratitude Gala. This award will recognize their advocacy, commitment to training, and the heroism they have displayed during this challenging period.
No public funds were used to support this mission, underscoring the dedication of all involved parties to enhancing resilience and mental health support for those serving on the front lines in Ukraine.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll said, “I approved this opportunity for Capt. Castellano to provide assistance to the National Police of Ukraine in order to share the support and specialized training of Morris County law enforcement with our Ukrainian colleagues who are dealing with many civil and military challenges, every hour, and every day. Capt. Castellano also learned of the unique challenges facing law enforcement in active war zones, and the effects and stresses of near-constant safety concerns by the civilian populace. He also provided resiliency training for the effects upon those whose duty it is to provide protection and first response to sudden and violent attacks, which can occur at any time and place in populated areas. The trip was highly successful and educational for both the National Police and for Capt. Castellano, who will utilize his new experiences and knowledge to provide resiliency training to our New Jersey law enforcement officers on a regular basis.”
Heavy rain, with a high of 49 and low of 38 degrees. Overcast for the morning, moderate rain for the afternoon and evening, overcast overnight.
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