IN MEMORY OF THOMAS HAAS
Officer Thomas Haas was a member of the United States Army and a Desert Storm Veteran. He served the Cincinnati Police Department and its community for over 28 years until he passed from cancer on January 17, 2022.
To the members of the Cincinnati Police Department, he was a mentor, a coworker, and a friend. To many in the department, he was family. Officer Haas served as a member of the Cincinnati Police Peer Support Team long before officer wellness was discussed. The number of officers who credit Officer Haas with supporting them through difficult times or influencing their careers is an overwhelming testament to the richness of the life he lived.
Even in the final stages of his illness, Officer Haas was dedicated to his fellow officers. He shared with his wife a desire for his legacy to support officers in overcoming PTSD. It was this wish which led his family to select the Tristate Peer Support Team as the recipient of donations on behalf of their loved one. In doing so, they are able to honor Tommy’s wish by supporting not only the officers of the Cincinnati Police Department, but his First Responder brothers and sisters throughout the region.
The Tri-State Peer Support Team is grateful to the family of Officer Haas for supporting our mission of building mental health and resilience in law enforcement departments.
The TSPST will rely on the family to help us use the funds as they think Tom would want them to be used.
Who We Are
We are a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary first responder peer support team located in Southwest Ohio. Founded by first responders, everything we do is driven by our understanding of first responders. We believe peer support is the foundation for mental and physical well-being in departments. We believe in being proactive to address mental health challenges in first responders by utilizing evidence-based practices and trauma-responsive techniques to train peer supporters located in departments and as part of our regional peer support team. We partner with local, regional and national trainers to create programs improving resilience, improving mental health, and improving overall wellness.
What we do
Listen. Respond. Refer.
These are the actions we take when called upon by local first responders and their departments.
We answer the request from individuals or departments looking to understand resources, offer assistance after a critical incident, and everything in-between.
Ideally, we want to help departments develop peer support before there is a crisis. Our peers work with departments to help them build a peer support team in their department that reflects the goals and vision of their department. Every department has its own resources, goals, and understanding of peer support. We help departments achieve their vision of peer support. This is not one size fits all. Whether you are just beginning to develop your peer support team, or have an established team looking for advanced training, we have the resources and connections to build and improve peer support.
For departments that do not have peer support, our Regional Peer Support Team members meet with individuals, small groups, and departments to provide emotional support during challenging times and/or times of crisis. When requested, our peer team members can meet with a first responder for a one-on-one meeting and we can send multiple first responders after a crisis situation to a department.
Who We Serve
Our peer support network is made up of law enforcement, fire/ems, corrections officers, and dispatchers. We serve city, suburban and rural departments. Our peer support teams provide the momentum that helps us affect change because they do the work and understand the stress of the job at work and in your personal life. Our understanding and ability to meet people where they are at makes a long-lasting difference.
No one is alone!
How We are Funded
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.