Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) hosted a “Trauma and Suicide Psychoeducation Seminar for Military and First Responders” on May 7 at the Ag Hall, located at the CCE Suffolk Agricultural and Educational Center in Yaphank, NY.
The event attracted a large attendance of police officers, first responders and government officials to participate in training led by Liz Pol, founder of Resilient Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to proactive trauma and suicide prevention for those serving in the community.
Pol, a 22-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, a mental health professional with a master’s degree in forensic psychology, and a certified suicide psychological autopsy investigator, guided attendees through an evidence-based session focused on understanding why first responders and members of the military die by suicide, and what steps can be taken to prevent it.
The seminar provided practical psychoeducation tools designed specifically for these communities, emphasizing a proactive approach rather than a reactive response to crises.
“What made this day special was looking around the room and seeing such a diverse group of men and women serving the community – police, firefighters, military, EMS and local government – all gathered in one place and all willing to get actively involved,” said Liz Pol, founder of Resilient Heroes.
“The moments I live for are the ones when someone in this community begins to open up, realizing that they are being educated by a colleague and surrounded by colleagues. That changes everything. And the fact that CCE Suffolk has managed to bring all of these groups together in an environment like this – an environment that is genuinely conducive to learning and personal growth – is something you don’t find every day.”
“It’s not enough to thank someone for their service; there needs to be actions to back up those words,” said Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (District 6), who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
“This seminar brought together police officers, first responders, and community leaders to have the kind of honest, proactive conversation that can save lives. I commend Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and Liz Pol for creating a space where the people who protect us every day were able to take a moment to invest in themselves and others.”
“Our first responders and veterans give their all to keep our communities safe, and we have an obligation to provide them with the resources and support they deserve,” said Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (District 7), Chairman of the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Committee.
“This seminar was a powerful example of what is possible when organizations like Cornell Cooperative Extension and Resilient Heroes come together to put people first. I look forward to seeing more programs like this in Suffolk County.”
Education, connection and community
“The Suffolk County CCE Agricultural and Educational Center is a living example of the essence of Cornell Cooperative Extension: a place for education, connection and community,” said Vanessa Pino Lockel, executive director of the Suffolk County CCE.
«Organizing this seminar was a moment of great pride for our organization. When you bring people together in a space like this—surrounded by nature and away from work pressures—something special blossoms. We even brought in baby goats during one of the breaks, and seeing attendees’ faces light up was a reminder of how powerful the connection between animals and mental health can be. This is precisely the type of community value that we aim to generate.
The seminar reflects CCE Suffolk’s broader commitment to leveraging its unique resources—including the 300-acre Suffolk County Agricultural and Educational Center—to foster programs that serve the community in meaningful and unexpected ways.
As a land-grant institution affiliated with Cornell University, CCE Suffolk operates at the intersection of science and service, offering research-based programs in areas such as agriculture, marine sciences, energy, community education and youth development to address Suffolk County’s most pressing needs.
Notably, Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in New York State, with approximately 64,000 veterans and their families residing in the county.
CCE Suffolk is actively expanding its role as a resource for veterans, first responders and their families through targeted programs, interdepartmental initiatives and partnerships with community organizations across Long Island.
CCE Suffolk is a nonprofit educational organization (501(c)(3)) that is part of the national land-grant university system affiliated with Cornell University. Since 1917, CCE Suffolk has offered research-based programs to improve the health, environment and economic vitality of Suffolk County communities.
For its part, Resilient Heroes is a nonprofit organization founded by Liz Pol, dedicated to proactive psychoeducation on trauma and suicide for first responders and military personnel. Get more information at www.resilient-heroes.com.
