Greenwich Students Teach 1st Responders About 'Mindful Listening'

GREENWICH, CT — To help the town's First Responders better handle the stress of their job, a group of eighth grade students from Western Middle School met with representatives from the Greenwich Emergency Services Division Monday to instruct the workers on "Mindful Listening."

Monday morning's session was the first of four that the seven students will teach that are designed to help the First Responders to increase their awareness; improve their focus; help them relax; improve their impulse control and help them become more thoughtful, according to Dr. Alina A. Boie, a certified school psychologist with the Greenwich district.

"This is a unique opportunity for the students to get to know First Responders," said Boie. "It's an opportunity for them to bond with the department and show leadership."

Greenwich Police Capt. Kraig Gray said the instruction can help the First Responders to be more "in the moment" and be less stressed out.

"It was a really nice interlude for our emergency personnel," said Gray. "These students got to come to the department for a positive event."

Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

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