By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – It’s a phrase popularized by Mister Rogers: “Look for the helpers.”

But who helps the helpers? The first responders see someone on their worst day, and sometimes on their last day. That’s not for everyone, but Illinois State Police Trooper Elizabeth Clausing says help’s available for her colleagues; she is a peer support advisor.

“A lot of times, it’s just being a listening ear and allowing somebody to have a conversation with you and really taking the time to actually listen. That’s kind of where it starts,” said the Elgin-based Clausing. “We do proactive outreach, and we also are here for people if they would like. The department members and their families can call us directly.”

A recent crash on I-55 near Springfield led to at least one driver being burned to death so severely that authorities at first could not tell if the victim were a man or a woman. Other cases, of course, can involve a murdered baby. That can’t be easy to handle.

Clausing is a regional coordinator for this part of ISP’s wellness program. She says health includes mental health.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].