First responders from various law enforcement agencies across Alabama gathered at Harvest Church in Dothan on Tuesday for the annual Alabama Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support (ALLEAPS) Conference. The conference aims to demonstrate solidarity and support for first responders, emphasizing that they are not alone in their struggles.
Retired sergeant Stacy Lim from the Los Angeles Police Department delivered the keynote address, sharing her own story of resilience. Lim, who survived being shot in the chest earlier in her career, highlighted the importance of finding strength in the people one is serving alongside. “What helps you survive is the people you’re surviving for, not necessarily for yourself, because we’re never alone,” Lim emphasized. She underscored the camaraderie and support networks within law enforcement, emphasizing that officers always have someone to turn to, especially during challenging times.
Heath Carpenter, a retired Lieutenant with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation (ALEA SBI) and member of ALLEAPS, stressed the significance of peer support within law enforcement. Carpenter highlighted that the unique experiences shared by officers foster a deep understanding among them. “Police officers are not like other people; we drive as fast as we can to a place that everyone else is running away from… so, we understand each other because of those shared experiences,” Carpenter explained. Peer support initiatives, according to Carpenter, serve as a reminder to officers that they have a supportive community to rely on, reaffirming that they are not alone in their challenges.