The Linn County Sheriff’s Office in April began training employees through Blue Courage, a workshop designed to collectively build the spirit of community engagement by increasing engagement, dedication, productivity, collaboration, and community trust and respect. All 170+ Sheriff’s Office employees will participate in the training. The workshop provides stress-resilience training designed to teach officers techniques to balance and control the mental, emotional and physiological aspects of stressful encounters on the job. Maintaining this balance helps law enforcement officers think rationally under stress, concentrate, and make appropriate decisions when seconds matter. Blue Courage highlights today’s law enforcement culture and builds emotional resiliency and hope and emphasizes the importance of health and wellness in the pursuit of positive community relationships. The goal is improved job performance and effectiveness that results in a safer, more secure community while reducing employee stress and frustration and in turn, helping employees live longer, healthier lives.