Some conversations cut straight to the heart of what’s really happening behind the badge—and this is one of them. In Episode 23, Tami Sharp and Chris Zamora sit down with Brian Gillespie and Jeff Daukas to explore the complicated, often unspoken relationship first responders have with alcohol. From the culture that accepts heavy drinking as normal, to the trauma and burnout that feed it, to the moments of clarity that finally push change—this episode is a raw, honest look at recovery, identity, and rewriting your story.

In This Episode

- How alcohol becomes woven into first responder identity and culture
- The quiet descent into “functioning” addiction
- What surrender actually looks like—AA, faith, brotherhood, and support
- The danger of over-investment: when the job becomes the addiction
- What culturally competent support REALLY means for police, fire, EMS, veterans
- Why traditional AA isn’t always a fit—and alternatives that do work
- Healing the family side: kids, spouses, legacy, breaking generational cycles
- The spiritual disconnection behind addiction (and how to reconnect)
- Guidance for leaders, peers, and departments on supporting their people

Meet Today’s Guests
Brian Gillespie
Marine Corps veteran • Retired NJ police officer • 10+ years sober • Peer support & recovery advocate
Contact:
📩 Email: [email protected] 
🌐 Healing Heroes Outpatient Program: https://www.center4heroes.com/

Jeff Daukas

25+ years in law enforcement • Investigator • Instructor • Faith-based mentor • Speaker
Contact:
📩 Email:[email protected]
🌐 Mission First Alliance: https://missionfirstalliance.com


Chris Zamora

Retired Gilbert PD Detective • Creator of Duty Driven Deterioration • Co-founder of Law Enforcement Coaching
🌐 https://www.lawenforcementcoaching.com
Hosted by Tami Sharp
Founder of Law Enforcement Coaching • Mental Wellness Specialist • Speaker • Advocate
🌐 https://www.lawenforcementcoaching.com
📩 Email: [email protected]

Additional Mentioned Resources

- Boulder Crest Foundation (Warrior PATHH / Post-Traumatic Growth)
https://bouldercrest.org
- HeartFit for Duty / Kim Cairns (First Responder Health & Fitness)
https://www.heartfitforduty.org/
- AA / Bottles & Badges / First Responder AA Meetings
Local meeting finder: https://www.aa.org/find-aa
- Bouldercrest/Struggle Well Training
https://bouldercrest.org/program/struggle-well/

**Looking for Support?  You’re Not Alone.**
Whether you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or trying to support someone you love—help exists, and it’s culturally competent, confidential, and built for you.

Reach out to any of us. One conversation can change everything.

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