Testimonials
Dear Sir / Madam,
My name is Rich Neureuther and I’m retired from the FBI. While in the Bureau I was trained to run and assist “Critical Incident Stress Debriefings.”
Approximately a year ago I was assisting with a “debriefing” in the Milwaukee area for a group of police officers and firefighters.
This debriefing was coordinated and led by Patrick Dean of the Wisconsin Grief Education Center.
In all my years of doing debriefings I have never been involved in one that was run as professionally as the one led by Patrick Dean.
Patrick had a way with people that made everyone feel at ease. They were able to open up and share their feelings about the critical incident.
You could tell that this wasn’t just a job for Dean. He was there because he truly wanted to assist others during their emotional times.
When the terrorists attacked on September 11, 2001 I was sent to the Pentagon to conduct numerous “debriefings.”
If I had known Patrick Dean at that time I would have requested his presence during our nation's tragedy.
Very few people I know have as calming of an effect on others like Patrick does.
He truly has a way of connecting with people who are hurting that few others do.
Sincerely,
Rich Neureuther
Retired; FBI
New Berlin, Wisconsin
I recently had the privilege of attending two presentations by Patrick Dean. They were on grief, mourning and related topics. The sessions were specifically geared for deacons and their wives. I have attended many such presentations. However, without a doubt, Patrick Dean is the finest teacher of this material that I have ever listened to. He is animated, knowledgeable and teaches in an interactive style that adds to the dynamic of the class. I noted that each session I attended was slightly unique as different issues were raised. Patrick easily switched gears in mid-stream to adapt his presentation to the needs of those in attendance. We all came away with a much greater understanding of grief support as well as how to better understand - and minister - to people who have lost someone through death.
Sincerely,
Deacon David L. Zimprich
Coordinator of Deacon Services
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Hello Patrick,
I recently attended one of your presentations on Grief, Loss, and Healing for the "Common
Ground of Grief" program that you offer every month to the community.
I enjoyed your presentation. It reaffirmed much of what I knew both intuitively, and from decades of training.
As a former Commander with the Milwaukee Police Department, and in my current position as Assistant Chief of Police for the city of Brookfield, I felt my time at your presentation was well spent.
Much of what you had to say reinforced the most important tenets of being supportive to on-scene officers and emergency service personnel. I thank you for recognizing the important role that many people - including police officers, fire fighters, and EMT's - play in keeping our communities safe and healthy for all.
Your twenty years of working with bereaved people and community leaders makes your comments and insights all the more relevant.
Keep up the good work, and thanks for your support of those of us who work every day to make our communities safe and sound, for all.
Sincerely,
Dean J. Collins
Assistant Chief of Police
City of Brookfield Police Dept.
