Monday, 3/16/2026

"From Trauma to Triumph: How IWP Builds Community, Healing and Hope" | 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Russ Hanes, Founder, Invisible Wounds Project

Description of presentation:

The Invisible Wounds Project is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders heal from PTSD and other mental health challenges by creating a safe and supportive environment tailored to their unique needs. This presentation will explore how IWP is transforming lives through three key areas: building a strong sense of community, fostering healing and expression through participation in the arts, and providing targeted services designed specifically for those who serve. Attendees will gain insight into how these efforts not only address the invisible wounds of trauma but also restore hope, resilience, and connection for those who have sacrificed so much for others.

Presenter:

Russ Hanes is the founder of the Invisible Wounds Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, corrections officers, dispatchers, medical staff, and their families with mental health resources and care. Drawing on his 17 years in public safety as a reserve officer, CSO, police officer, corrections officer, and 911 dispatcher, and his own journey with PTSD, trauma and suicide, Russ created the Invisible Wounds Project in 2018 to ensure that no one who serves is left to struggle alone. Under his leadership, the Invisible Wounds Project has grown into a trusted resource, including the Invisible Wounds Project Support Center in Forest Lake, Minnesota, which offers drop-in therapy, peer support, wellness activities and a safe space for healing. Russ continues to advocate for those who give so much of themselves, working to break the stigma around mental health and provide hope where it’s needed most.

"Killer 911: When a PSAP Can Solve a Homicide" | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Description:

In this course, the participants, through a case study, will analyze how every telecommunicator can use basic communication skills to get the caller to reveal details that could assist in investigations. Participants will then engage in a case study from the call to conviction, and how a 911 call can be the most valuable piece of evidence.

Presenter:

Imran Ali is a shareholder with Eckberg Lammers and the Senior Director of Training, Consulting and Investigation Services. As a career long trial lawyer, he also focuses his practice on Complex Litigation, training and prosecution.

Imran has been a trial attorney in the public sector for over 19 years. His extensive experience is recognized both in the courtroom and the community. Working extensively with victims of crime has provided Imran with the passion needed to succeed in the courtroom. He has handled some of the most complex cases, including homicide, rape, domestic violence, narcotics related and burglary cases.

In 2014, he spearheaded the East Metro Human Trafficking Taskforce – one of the first trafficking task forces in the state of Minnesota. For the last five years, Imran has prosecuted national and international sex trafficking rings, trained and presented thousands of officers and prosecutors, helped draft legislation and testified for stiffer penalties for sex trafficking offenders.

Imran has spent much of his career engaging those employed within the criminal justice profession. From training new judges in the State of Minnesota at the University of Minnesota law school, to teaching law students at the Mitchell Hamline Law School, Imran enjoys engaging individuals as they chart their career path. Through this he has had the opportunity to train many law enforcement professionals and prosecutors nationally. As the Director of Law Enforcement Education and Training program he empowers participants in serving their communities with honor and integrity while being equipped with the appropriate tools in decision making.

Imran is nationally and locally recognized for his work, receiving the Minnesota Attorney of the Year in both 2016 and 2020. He has also received other accolades within the state and area communities.

"Loss, Leadership, and Lessons Learned?" | 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description:

In this presentation, we’ll talk about the challenges of toxic leadership, the effects of cumulative stress, the loss of a co-worker, the critical role of wellness programs, and the importance of developing a workplace culture where it’s Ok NOT to be Ok.

Presenter:

Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose

Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose is a 20+ year law enforcement veteran from Minnesota who’s worked in patrol, warrants, investigations, and administration during his career. He is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of SE Minnesota. Law enforcement is a second career for Sheriff Rose. Prior to law enforcement he attended broadcasting school in Arizona and worked in radio as an audio production director and announcer for radio stations in Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota.

"Overview of the Emergency Communication Networks" | 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Description:

This presentation includes an overview of the Emergency Communication Networks

Presenter:

Leah Palmer is the director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division. Director Palmer brings 15 years of public service experience, including in positions with the Minneapolis Police Department, City of Minneapolis, City of Brooklyn Park and with Metro Transit.

Before joining ECN, Director Palmer worked for Metro Transit, managing its Transit Rider Investment Program. In that role, Palmer led the effort to create a team of agents dedicated to working with law enforcement and other transit officials to improve the rider experience. TRIP agents ensure fare compliance, connect people with needed resources and help to enforce Metro Transit’s Code of Conduct.

She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

"Emergency Communications Network" | 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Description:

This presentation from ECN will include the following topics:

· LMR Encryption for Public Safety Telecommunicators

· SECB MLTS Guidance

· 988/911 Collaboration and Awareness

· SECB Guidance on 911 Service Disruptions

Presenter:

Sheriff (Ret’d) Kent Wilkening, PSAP Support Coordinator from the Department of Public Safety