March 26, 2026
Having a stepdad and husband in law enforcement, Tracy Cosenza knew the drill. Or thought she did.
“My mom never let on that she was worried when her husband was on duty and I carried that same mindset,” she shared. “Years later, talking with my husband about how we handled the aftermath of one of his critical incidents, we realized there were other ways we could have been supporting each other.”
Cosenza recently had the opportunity to learn when her son joined the Michigan State Police (MSP) as a member of the 149th Trooper Recruit School, and he signed her up for a new pilot program called the Family Readiness Program.
“This program serves as both an intervention and prevention tool during what can be someone’s first experience with a loved one in a law enforcement career,” said Elizabeth Germaine, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the MSP Wellness and Resiliency Section and program co-facilitator.
The program, which is available to parents, spouses, unmarried romantic partners, and siblings, consists of eight virtual educational sessions in which participants are provided with emotional support and wellness resources, with the goal of fostering stronger family-recruit connections and enhancing readiness outcomes for new officers.
Topics like post-academy life, establishing a social network within the MSP, communication, emotional survival and critical incident readiness are covered, co-moderated by Germaine and Sgt. Blaine Bachman, an enlisted member, for an on-the-job perspective.
“Our pilot program produced amazing results,” said Germaine. “Recruits whose families attended four or more sessions had a 100 percent projected graduation rate. That showed us there is a definite and strong positive correlation between engagement and retention.”
The Family Readiness Program is now in its second iteration serving the 150th Trooper Recruit School and 29th Motor Carrier School, both of which are ongoing. Ninety family members representing 54 recruits are taking part, with the number growing as interest and awareness build among the class.
Since its inception, 130 family members and 86 recruits have been served.
Cosenza’s son, now assigned to the Metro South Post, is doing well as he continues to work though the Field Training Officer program.
“This was a wonderful experience for the both of us,” she said. “I’ve seen the positives as a parent and know it would benefit young families. Being informed and prepared helps immensely.”
