CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A mental health initiative designed to support first responders is launching its first program two years after a shooting in east Charlotte that resulted in the deaths of four officers. On April 29, 2024, Officer Joshua Eyer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and three other law enforcement officials, including two officers from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks Jr., were killed. The ambush also injured four other officers, and those who responded to the incident are still coping with the emotional aftermath.
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In response, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Dee John started the Pulse Renewal Project to focus on mental health support for first responders. John stated, "A lot of times, helpers have this thought process that if I’m a helper, I can’t be one receiving help." He emphasized that needing assistance is not a sign of weakness but a shared human experience.
After launching the project a year ago, John surveyed 600 first responders regarding their mental health needs. He noted an overwhelming response from the community, indicating a preference for non-clinical settings for support. "Clinical settings, if they had gone to one, it was when they’ve reached a crisis point," John said.
The Pulse Renewal Project's first program integrates archery with therapy and peer support. Pastor Aaron Scheer, a Sheriff’s Office Chaplain with over two decades of ministry experience, introduced the Center Shot Blue program, which uses archery as a metaphor for the stresses faced by first responders. Scheer explained that the string of the bow represents family and community, with frayed serving symbolizing the wear and tear that can occur under stress.
Scheer's time as a chaplain provided him insights into the challenges faced by first responders. "I just saw the wear and tear," he remarked, reflecting on his experiences with officers. The archery program will feature a therapist familiar with first responder work along with peer support, aiming to create a focused environment where participants can momentarily set aside their worries. Scheer commented, "When you’re focused on letting that arrow go, you’re not thinking about anything else."
The program seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health support. "It’s an aha moment," Scheer noted, highlighting that participants often realize they don't have to fear seeking help. The archery initiative marks the first step of the Pulse Renewal Project, with plans for additional programs and a permanent location underway.