- 6255 Towncenter Drive, Suite 651, Clemmons, NC 27012
nc leap
Turning vulnerability into strength for those whoserve
Supporting law enforcement, first responders, and their families through peer support, training, and care.
serving law enforcement officers, first responders, their families, and civilian staff.
The North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NCLEAP) is a nonprofit dedicated to serving law enforcement officers, first responders, their families, and civilian staff.
We respond to real, everyday challenges—especially those following critical incidents—by providing support rooted in shared experience, compassion, and trust.
Our Mission
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you...
doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
To respond to the actual needs of law enforcement officers, first responders, their families, and civilian staff by turning vulnerability into strength through education, training, peer support, and pastoral care.
What We Do
Through these services, NCLEAP is impacting careers, families, and lives.
We provide critical support through programs designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by first responders. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NCLEAP offers all services at no cost to the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel. Our work is made possible through the generous support of individuals like you.
OUR EVENTS
Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS)
Modelled on a concept used with great success by the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 1985, NCLEAP provides a 3 day, peer-led, Post Critical Incident Seminar used to mitigate the impact of critical incident stress.
Participants will not only explore opportunities for sharing their stories, but will also receive education on trauma, relationships, patterns of resolution, and field-tested strategies, all in a non-threatening environment with the goal of promoting recovery and resilience.
Fellow first responders who have received Peer Support training, and who have a shared experience of having been involved in a critical incident, come alongside of participants to assist them in navigating this learning experience.
Post Critical Incident Seminar XXXII
4/20/2026 - 4/22/2026
Raleigh, NC
Understanding the Weight They Carry
Critical Incident
Stress Management
While everyday stress can take its toll, critical incident stress is different. It stems from traumatic events that can leave lasting emotional and physical effects.
These incidents often create a deep sense of vulnerability and loss of control.
Examples include:
- Line-of-duty shootings
- Line-of-duty deaths
- Incidents involving intense media attention
- Traffic fatalities
- Serious on-the-job injuries
- High-speed pursuits ending in tragedy
Our stories
Testimonials
The following stories are from participants in Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS) held by our hearty Team over the years. These seminars have been made possible through the generous contributions of people like you. Thank you for being part of our mission to change lives.
"After having several critical incidents, my co-workers were telling me that these things happen to everyone. However, those telling me this had never had it happen to them, so it was hard to relate with them. After group discussions, I have been able to cope and relate to others who have actually been through similar incidents and felt the way I have."
"PCIS helped me more that I ever thought it would. I learned a lot about myself. This program is an awesome program that everybody should come to whether they think they are having a problem or not. I learned that I am harder on myself than anyone else could ever be. I know that it is okay to have emotional feelings about anything that is bothering you. Keep up the great job with the program. The staff (all) was wonderful. I hope that more people get the chance to come to this."
"The PCIS was very helpful to me. It answered a lot of questions that I had. It also showed me that I was not the only one going through a critical incident. I would highly recommend this seminar to anyone."
"I think that I really needed this more than anyone can imagine. The first day I didn’t really know what to expect. I found myself bragging to others about how the staff was so sincere and helpful. I’m really going to use what I’ve learned and come back as often as I can. I never knew that there was such a thing that could help me in the way it did. Thanks for being there for me and my department."
"The PCIS was very helpful in several areas. I came here with a somewhat closed mind regarding my personal incident and left the seminar after three days feeling like a different person. I highly recommend this seminar to anyone who has been involved in a critical incident, no matter how old or recent your incident is."
"Two weeks before attending the class I was at a point of not continuing life. I entered the class not sure of the outcome. Seeing people just like me showed me I’m not alone, and y’all have given me the tools to deal with past, present and future problems - these things along with many of the peer team’s words, pats on the back, and smiles. Thanks for a new lease on life."
"I have enjoyed the group of people with PCIS. Not only have they helped me, but they have opened their hearts and minds and time to focus on the important needs of others and their families. For myself, I just asked myself, “If it wasn’t for PCIS, where and what would I have done?”
"I wish I had been able to have come to PCIS a long time ago! It’s hard to put in words how much it has helped me with my situation. Every topic was right on the money and very useful. Thanks so much for what PCIS does."
"PCIS helped me put an event that has been bothering me into perspective through EMDR*. It made me realize the entire incident, and what my guys and I did for our fallen brothers."
We serve in the following ways:
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
“Research shows, that in the midst of crisis, more people in the US will go to their religious leader for aid than will go to either a physician or a mental health practitioner.” – Spiritual Care and Mental Health for Disaster Recovery; Steven Harding 2007
Developing a Chaplaincy Program
We will come alongside your agency and offer a program model to assist in creating a chaplaincy program that provides support for all who serve. Our model includes information for agency leaders, the benefits of a chaplaincy program, guidance on structuring an effective program, attracting and training volunteer clergy, and ensuring program accountability.
Provide 'In-service' training
We offer training across a variety of topics designed to enhance the well-being of your chaplains. Our workshops are innovative, practical, and led by experienced instructors who combine effective public speaking with meaningful, real-world insight. Popular topics include Building Resilience, Bearing the Bad News, A Balancing Act, and Deja Vu.
NC LEAP
Our Leadership Team
We accomplish our mission through a group of trained volunteer law enforcement officers, first responders and chaplains across North Carolina who are prepared to provide immediate peer support to our brothers and sisters who have been involved in critical incidents and those who are dealing with daily stresses unique to the profession.
Danny B. Leonard
dleonard@nc-leap.org
Danny is a co-founder and Director of NCLEAP and has served as a chaplain to law enforcement and emergency personnel since 1990, beginning his career as an EMT. He currently serves as the Chaplaincy Program Coordinator for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, overseeing 53 volunteer chaplains statewide. He also serves with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NC-1) and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) in Forsyth County. Danny holds a Master of Divinity from Duke University, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from High Point University, and certifications from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and the Emergency Management Institute.
A.Aaron Back
peer@nc-leap.org
Aaron is a co-founder of NCLEAP and leads the Peer Teams and Post Critical Incident Seminars. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced in law enforcement, he is passionate about supporting those impacted by critical incidents. Bringing over 30 years of experience in the field, Aaron continues to serve in a variety of leadership and management roles within the law enforcement community.
Our sponsors
Contact Info
- 6255 Towncenter Drive, Suite 651, Clemmons, NC 27012
- 336.345.2089
- info@nc-leap.org
- Mon - Fri : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you...
doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
The mission of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NCLEAP) is to respond to the actual needs of law enforcement officers, first responders, their families and civilian staff. The work of NCLEAP is focused on turning vulnerability into strength through education, training, peer support, and pastoral care.
