Gary and Colette Benoit, a Canadian law enforcement couple, share their journey through an officer-involved shooting, PTSD, and how it impacted their marriage. They open up about silence, resentment, and healing — and how a turning point (and a thrown book!) led to personal growth, resilience, and a new mission to serve first responder families. From building a stronger marriage to launching the Frontline Resiliency Project and writing A Call for Service, their story offers hope and practical tools for police spouses and couples facing stress, trauma, and disconnection.

In this episode, you'll hear:

What really happens to a marriage after an officer-involved shooting

How unspoken struggles and silence can damage law enforcement relationships

The surprising turning point that changed everything for Gary and Colette

Practical ways first responder families can build resilience together

Why habits like gratitude and saying "yes" can strengthen connection

 

Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, NCC, and retired police spouse, helps law enforcement officers and their partners protect their relationships, build resilience, and communicate through the challenges of the first responder lifestyle. She's the author of Hold the Line and host of the Code4Couples® Podcast.

 

👩‍⚕️ Hosted by Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, police spouse, author of Hold the Line, and founder of Code4Couples®.

👉 Grab Cyndi's book Hold the Line: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews

🎤 Book Cyndi to speak at your department, conference, or event: https://code4couples.com/training/

00:00 Intro 02:00 Gary & Colette's background 06:00 The officer-involved shooting and aftermath 11:00 Silence, stigma, and hidden struggles 14:00 Marriage strain and the turning point 20:00 Building resilience together 27:00 Dreaming, goals, and the ULA framework 38:00 Rediscovering fun and connection 44:00 Writing A Call for Service 55:00 Frontline Resiliency Project 1:02:00 Final reflections & takeaways