SLEF team members are trained in CISM and peer support to provide confidential, inter-agency support following a critical incident. We support all types of emergency responders and their families across the State of Louisiana upon request. SLEF teams consist of state, parish, local law enforcement and other emergency responders, mental health professionals and chaplains.

We cover all areas of our state using four regions of support. Each regional area is led by active volunteers to provide crucial support after critical incidents that occur day and night. Call us day or night 24/7. 

SLEF continues to train emergency responders in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Peer Support in accordance with the Louisiana Peer Support Law LA R.S. 40:2411 to better prepare them for the trauma they will face in the emergency responder occupation. For upcoming CISM classes check the calendar of events.

Officer Chris Abbott is one of the few law enforcement officers who understand the trauma of being shot in the line of duty more than once. A 28-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), he has survived three separate shootings. In 1998, a bullet-proof vest saved his life when he was shot in the chest. Three years later, in 2001, he was hit four times: twice in the torso and twice in the back of the head after he fell to the ground, with the gunman standing over him trying to finish the job. After a challenging recovery, Abbott was shot again in 2017 while driving through Uptown on a neighborhood security detail; a bullet pierced his car and lodged in his leg.

Despite still carrying three bullets in his body that doctors could not remove, Abbott is determined to continue serving the city. Thanks to his determination, NOPD has found a suitable role for him: Abbott is NOPD’s first-ever peer support counselor and peer support program manager. Officers call him any time, day or night, for support. He approaches his position with a modest demeanor, downplaying his injuries and the lasting psychological effects.

With 30 years of law enforcement experience, and decades of instructor experience, Abbott is well-equipped to teach officers and other first responders the skills necessary to survive critical incidents and to help their peers in times of need.

Chris's profound life experiences and training provide a solid foundation for teaching Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support, which resonates deeply with emergency responders of all kinds.