When: October 4-7, 2024

Where: YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO 

Registration Deadline: September 4, 2024

C.O.P.S. Co-Workers Retreat is planned for surviving co-workers, active or retired, (21 years or older) of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, as determined by C.O.P.S. criteria. Other relatives and friends are not eligible to attend.

What to Expect

C.O.P.S. Co-Workers Retreat is planned for surviving co-workers to receive support from other law enforcement officers who have experienced a line-of-duty death. You will get the chance to discuss any challenges you may be facing, whether these challenges relate to your loss or your current work environment.

During the retreat, you will meet other law enforcement officers who can truly understand these challenges, and offer support and guidance. Everyone will attend sessions facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and have the option for one-on-one counseling. The weekend will also provide the chance to participate in fun and challenging activities such as zip lining, shotgun skeet shooting, and pontoon boat fishing.

It is our goal that survivors leave the retreat feeling truly heard with a continuing support system made up of peers who actually “get it”. 

Attendance at this retreat is strictly confidential, and participant names are not shared.

What is the cost of the retreat?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the St. Louis Airport if you are flying or to and from the YMCA Trout Lodge if you are driving. All lodging, meals and activities are provided at no cost. If you fail to cancel your attendance and you do not show up for the program, you could be subject to a participation fee for the following year’s program.

Session Examples

• Survivor Guilt 
• The Suicide Epidemic
• How to Help Your Department Understand What You Are Going Through
• Awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• I’m Burnt Out

Travel Information

If you are flying: You should plan to arrive at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4. You will be met by a C.O.P.S. representative at the airport and transported to the YMCA Trout Lodge by bus. You will be transported back to the St. Louis Airport on Monday, October 7, by 11:30 a.m. Please be sure your return flight is AFTER 12:30 p.m. to allow time for check-in and security checks.

If you are driving: You will need to arrive at the YMCA Trout Lodge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, and stay through breakfast on Monday, October 7. Meals and activities are planned; no late arrivals or early departures please.

Limited travel assistance may be available. Contact your local C.O.P.S. Chapter or contact the C.O.P.S. National Office for additional information.

Please Note: This program is held at a YMCA facility. All YMCA facilities are required to screen guests through the Raptor sex offender registry. Your information will be shared with the YMCA Trout Lodge (First Name, Last Name, and DOB) and checked in the national sex offender database. If you have questions about this information, please contact the Services Department at 573-346-4911.