Sunday, August 17, 2008 — Stanly Community College (SCC) is sponsoring an event at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center that is free to law enforcement, fire, rescue and emergency medical service personnel. It is also free to Stanly Community College employees and students who are currently enrolled in the criminal justice, human services, allied health and protective services programs.
Bobby Smith, Ph.D. will speak at the Agri-Civic Center on Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. until noon.
Smith began his law enforcement career as a patrolman for the Monroe Police Department in 1975.
In 1986, working as a Louisiana State Trooper, he was shot in the face and blinded in the line of duty. As a result of the shooting and aftermath of trauma, he realized the need for law enforcement officers to have assistance in dealing with post trauma. In 2001, he founded and currently serves as the director of FORTE (Foundation for Officers Recovering from Traumatic Events).
His ongoing goal is to provide training and counseling for law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency services personnel and their families going through various traumatic events. He has written two books, “Visions of Courage” and “The Will to Survive” and speaks worldwide motivating people to overcome adversity.
With a unique blend of seriousness and humor, he teaches people how to deal with the tragedies of life and the importance of not taking a single day or person for granted.
For more information contact Kim Hammett, online criminal justice coordinator/ instructor and director, BLET at (704) 991-0164 or khammett8505@stanly.edu, or Christi Almond, SCC coordinator for law enforcement training at (704) 991-0269 or calmond5263@stanly.edu.
