This episode features retired Chief Doug Wyman, who shares his deeply personal story of navigating the opioid epidemic, addiction in his family, his wife's struggles with mental illness and suicide, and the impact of carrying those burdens while leading as a police chief. He opens up about the isolation of leadership, the shame and guilt first responders often face, and the critical role of early intervention and peer support in preventing trauma from becoming destructive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How a police chief managed addiction and mental health struggles inside his own family while serving his community

The hidden cost of leadership: loneliness, shame, and the feeling of helplessness law enforcement leaders face

Why early intervention and peer support can mean the difference between trauma and post-traumatic growth

The role of faith, resilience training, and chaplain support in recovery

How Doug turned his pain into purpose, now teaching officer wellness and resilience to future leaders

I'm Cyndi Doyle, founder of Code4Couples®, licensed professional counselor supervisor, retired police spouse, and author of Hold the Line. I help first responder couples protect their relationships, strengthen family resilience, and find connection in a culture that often feels isolating.

📌 Get the Book — Hold the Line: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews

🎤 Book Cyndi for Speaking/Training: 👉 https://code4couples.com/training/

00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Doug's story: addiction, family struggle, and the opioid epidemic 10:00 – Surviving his wife's mental illness and suicide 18:00 – The role of peer support and chaplaincy in recovery 27:00 – Choosing better over bitter: post-traumatic growth 37:00 – Teaching officer wellness and resilience 44:00 – Hope and healing for first responder families