TROY, N.Y. -- The quadruple homicide on Second Avenue was so disturbing that the Troy police department immediately provided support for first responders working this case. That included calling in clergy and a peer counseling team.

“I can simply say in my career and I think of anyone else, it’s the worst we’ve experienced,” said Troy Chief John Tedesco.

Former Troy police captain John Cooney says it is probably the most disturbing scene first responders had to deal with in the city in three to four decades. Cooney retired from the department in 2014 after 31 years of service. Today, he's a consultant specializing in public safety mental health awareness.

"Our vest may protect our hearts from trauma, but it does not protect our heart from what we see and feel when we come to a scene where children are involved in such a difficult situation," Cooney said.

He says Troy's peer counseling support went into effect within an hour of the initial response. Cooney says it's important for officers affected to have the opportunity to talk about what happened.

“If we can just get the men and women of the department to understand there is no stigma attached feeling what they feel, especially if they have children of their own, we can offer them a healthy alternative,” Cooney said.

He says the state and the Troy police department have done a great job of making these options available. Cooney also says first responders need to keep an eye on each other as they continue to perform their duties over the next few weeks.

“All we can do is hope for quick resolution so there is some satisfaction from the law enforcement side that the job is done,” Cooney said.