Missouri Cop Turns Mental Health Struggle into Support for Fellow Officers
Missouri police officer Matt Frkovic, who has served for nearly 13 years, has turned his personal struggle with mental health into support for others. After experiencing anxiety and depression following an officer-involved shooting, Frkovic, along with his wife, founded The 10-78 Project. This non-profit organisation aims to reduce stigma around mental health for police officers across the St. Louis region and beyond.
In 2022, Frkovic was involved in a critical incident where he shot and killed an armed man who refused to drop his gun. The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney's Office later found the shooting justified, and Frkovic returned to his duties at the O'Fallon Police Department. However, the experience took a toll on Frkovic's mental health, manifesting physically in hives.
Frkovic and his wife decided to channel their experience into helping others. The 10-78 Project provides care packages, offers meals, and supplies mental health resources to officers and their families following critical incidents. The project also organises retreats for officers to meet and visit with others who have gone through similar traumas. Frkovic, who also handles K9 Loki, encourages officers from different departments to seek support and break the silence around mental health struggles.
The 10-78 Project, founded by Matt Frkovic and his wife, is making a difference in the lives of police officers across the region. By providing practical support and fostering a community of understanding, the project is helping to reduce the stigma around mental health for those in law enforcement. Frkovic's own experience serves as a reminder that even the strongest can be affected by critical incidents, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
