Who We Are
Peer Support
As seen in the documentary, "Officer Involved", That Peer Support Couple, Cathy and Javier Bustos, are certified in Law Enforcement Peer Support. Throughout their careers they have experienced many critical incidents separately and together. On August 18th, 2010 they experienced the trauma of a line of duty death for a fellow officer and friend at Cathy’s police department in Cedar Park, TX. A month later on September 25th, 2010, Javier was in an Officer Involved Shooting in Austin, TX. Cathy & Javier were thrust into a new and changed world. They had to adjust their lives for the “new normal”. It is important officers get help in the early days after a critical incident. The days of the macho “shaking it off” are in the past. With four decades of law enforcement experience their mission is to help other officers and their families manage the stress of critical incidents. They serve as Peer Support Team members at the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX for Post Critical Incident Seminars. They volunteer at National Police Week in Washington, DC as support services. They are certified Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Instructors. They write articles for law enforcement publications.
In addition to telling their own personal story Cathy and Javier have specific topics they wish to stress upon the First Responder community:
Building Family Bonds, Career Survival, Dealing with Trauma, Mindfulness, Resiliency, Stress Management, Self Care, Suicide Education & Prevention, Wellness
Leadership in Times of Crisis, Officer Involved Shootings
Public Speaking / Consulting
"A First Responder Marriage - Surviving Critical Incidents"
Multiple critical incidents during their careers as officers and spouses tested them professionally and personally. They share their personal story. They are also available for consulting if your agency needs assistance starting a Peer Support Team.
ICISF Certified Instructor
Cathy is an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation approved and certified Group Crisis and Assisting Individuals in Crisis instructor. She's also a certified trainer on the topic of Law Enforcement Suicide.