Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Deputy Chief of Detectives Jan-Michael Monrad, recognize the efforts of Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Captain Mark Castellano, who recently visited Ukraine as a part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) Ukraine Office, serving military survivors of the war, partnered with VolunPEER, a New Jersey based non-profit serving first responder/disaster survivors through peer support, and provided a Resilience and Law Enforcement psychological support training for The National Police of Ukraine.
The four-day training seminar was taught by a delegation of national experts as trainers to include Captain Castellano and his wife, Cherie Castellano, LPC, VolunPEER Founder & subject matter expert. Captain Castellano and Cherie Castellano traveled to Ukraine to present the first two days of instruction with a theme of “Connection as Protection for Resiliency & Psychological Disaster Mental Health.” Blocks of Instruction included topics such as - Police Self Awareness, Self-Regulation, Mental Agility, Optimism Connection, and Strength of Character. Captain Castellano also provided adaptations on defensive tactics and a medical training for advanced combat field response was offered.
Prior to the Castellanos' journey to Ukraine, the Ukraine Center of New Jersey in Whippany supported the project with a "sendoff" event, and a reception with appreciation for service support to their country. The National Police of Ukrainian (Politsiia) President Bonnie Carroll of Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (T.A.P.S.), VolunPEER, and MCPO supported this initiative.
The Castellano's as delegation members met with the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense, Dr. Oleksandr Balantuska, members of the Ukrainian military, and other dignitaries, as highlighted in the Ukrainian National news. Leaders of The National Police of Ukraine in an article and follow up communication reported this was more than a training event, but instead an opportunity for transformation amidst challenging times for their officers.
On November 15, 2024, the National Police of Ukraine are scheduled to receive a "Survivor Award" at the VolunPEER Gratitude Gala, in recognition of the advocacy, awareness, and a sustainable plan for future training collaborations, and to spotlight their sacrifice and heroism.
The training was a tremendous success and could not have been made possible without the support of T.A.P.S., VolunPEER, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ukrainian Cultural Center/St. John’s Church. No public funds were used relating to this travel and training trip.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll said, “I approved this opportunity for Capt. Castellano to provide assistance to the National Police of Ukraine in order to share the support and specialized training of Morris County law enforcement with our Ukrainian colleagues who are dealing with many civil and military challenges, every hour, and every day. Capt. Castellano also learned of the unique challenges facing law enforcement in active war zones, and the effects and stresses of near constant safety concerns by the civilian populace. He also provided resiliency training for the effects upon those whose duty it is to provide protection and first response to sudden and violent attacks, which can occur at any time and place in populated areas. The trip was highly successful and educational for both the National Police and for Capt. Castellano, who will utilize his new experiences and knowledge to provide resiliency training to our New Jersey law enforcement officers on a regular basis.”