A fatal shooting or any kind of violence is difficult to deal with from all sides. Police are called to investigate and families have to deal with the loss. One group serves as a liaison between the two, providing support at the scene and beyond. Iris St. Meran has more on Syracuse's Trauma Response Team.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse Police aren't the only ones called when a tragedy happens in the city. There's also the Trauma Response Team.
"We're basically set up to act as a liaison, said Trauma Response Team Director Timothy Jennings-Bey.
Between the police and those impacted. July 4th weekend, was particularly busy for all involved with the 11 shootings. One of the incidents was fatal.
"Naturally didn't get too much sleep, because everything was happening. It seemed like every hour something was happening. It seemed like every hour something was happening especially at the hospital," said Jennings-Bey.
Members are dispatched to the hospital, the scene and also follow up at the victims' home or with their families to try to calm the situation and provide resources.
"We're there when the lights are out. Whether it's midnight, one in the morning, two in the morning, three in the morning; people in the community, they see us. They see us taking preventative measures," said Jennings-Bey.
Jennings-Bey said those preventative measures may be the most important work that is done. Team members like Youth Specialist Eddie Mitchell Junior are active in various neighborhoods, building relationships with the young people.
"Try to tell them like, if you do this, this is what the outcome is going to be. Basically tell them like, give them a heads up of knowing that if you go down this road this could happen to you," said Mitchell.
Mitchell has a unique perspective because he's speaking from experience. "Watching my friends go to jail, get killed. I've been shot myself," said Mitchell.
Mitchell created a board with pictures of people who have died. It's his way of remembering them, but he also uses it as a tool when he goes in the community to do outreach.
"To show them life is precious,” said Mitchell.
He has been involved since 2010 and has worked with close to 300 young people. Even with the violence he sees, 80 percent of them have gone on to college or graduated.
If you want more information about the Trauma Response Team or to learn about their youth programs, contact them through the Southwest Community Center: (315) 478-6823.