Dr. Gilmartin is a behavioral scientist specializing in law enforcement and public safety related issues. He is the author of the book "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families". He previously spent twenty years working in law enforcement in Tucson, Arizona. During his tenure he supervised the Hostage Negotiations Team and the Behavioral Sciences Unit. He is a former recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police-Parade Magazine, National Police Officer Citation Award for contributions during hostage negotiations. He presently maintains a consulting relationship with public safety and law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada and Australia.

More about Dr. Shannon: 

Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and serves as a mental health first responder with the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Co-Responder Unit.  Dr. Shannon is a first responder and mental health advocate who refuses to accept gaps in the system—so he creates solutions where none exist. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need.

With a passion for breaking barriers and empowering others, Dr. Shannon believes that small steps lead to big change—and that no one should have to struggle alone. His approach is raw, real, and deeply human, offering practical strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments—whether in crisis, burnout, or simply trying to move forward.

His insights can be seen every Sunday morning on Heartland News at 6 AM and heard on First Response with Dr. Shannon, where he delivers real-world solutions to help you shape your first response to life’s challenges.

Have a question? Reach out to Dr. Shannon at [email protected]

First Response with Dr. Shannon welcomes Crystal Barker, founder of Beyond the Badge, and Joseph Cubria Farris, a member of the organization, to discuss the unseen struggles of first responder families—and the power of support.

More about Dr. Shannon

Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and serves as a mental health first responder with the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Co-Responder Unit.  Dr. Shannon is a first responder and mental health advocate who refuses to accept gaps in the system—so he creates solutions where none exist.

 Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need.

With a passion for breaking barriers and empowering others, Dr. Shannon believes that small steps lead to big change—and that no one should have to struggle alone. His approach is raw, real, and deeply human, offering practical strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments—whether in crisis, burnout, or simply trying to move forward.

His insights can be seen every Sunday morning on Heartland News at 6 AM and heard on First Response with Dr. Shannon, where he delivers real-world solutions to help you shape your first response to life’s challenges.

Have a question? Reach out to Dr. Shannon at [email protected]

First Response with Dr. Shannon welcomes a true legend in crisis negotiation—Ret. Lieutenant Jack Cambria, a 34-year veteran of the NYPD and former commander of the department’s elite Hostage Negotiation Team.

From defusing high-stakes hostage situations to responding to the 9/11 attacks, Lt. Cambria shares insider stories from the front lines—and why negotiation is the most powerful first response tool in crisis situations. Plus, hear Lt. Cambria’s insights on resilience, mental health, and the pressure of public scrutiny in policing today. To learn more about Jack Cambria visit https://www.jackcambria.com. 

About Jack Cambria: https://www.jackcambria.com/

Jack Cambria, a thirty-four year police veteran who retired as the New York City Police Department's longest-standing Hostage Negotiation Team Commander, shares the skills used by hostage and crisis negotiators in defusing high-crisis encounters.

More about Dr. Shannon: 

Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and serves as a mental health first responder with the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Co-Responder Unit.  Dr. Shannon is a first responder and mental health advocate who refuses to accept gaps in the system—so he creates solutions where none exist. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need.

With a passion for breaking barriers and empowering others, Dr. Shannon believes that small steps lead to big change—and that no one should have to struggle alone. His approach is raw, real, and deeply human, offering practical strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments—whether in crisis, burnout, or simply trying to move forward.

His insights can be seen every Sunday morning on Heartland News at 6 AM and heard on First Response with Dr. Shannon, where he delivers real-world solutions to help you shape your first response to life’s challenges.

Have a question? Reach out to Dr. Shannon at [email protected]

Dr. Shannon talks to Scott Medlin about how to recover when things don't work out the way you have planned.

Scott is the creator of "The Code 10 Mindset" as a teaching resource for police officers and first responders on how to stay alive and thrive against the stress, demands, and trauma exposure of the career. 

To learn more about Scott visit his webpage: https://thescottmedlin.com/

More about Dr. Shannon:

Dr. Shannon is a clinical psychologist, first responder, and mental health advocate who refuses to accept gaps in the system—so he creates solutions where none exist. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need.

With a passion for breaking barriers and empowering others, Dr. Shannon believes that small steps lead to big change—and that no one should have to struggle alone. His approach is raw, real, and deeply human, offering practical strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments—whether in crisis, burnout, or simply trying to move forward.

His insights can be seen every Sunday morning on Heartland News at 6 AM and heard on First Response with Dr. Shannon, where he delivers real-world solutions to help you shape your first response to life’s challenges.

Have a question? Reach out to Dr. Shannon at [email protected]

More about Dr. Shannon: 

Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and serves as a mental health first responder with the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Co-Responder Unit.  Dr. Shannon is a first responder and mental health advocate who refuses to accept gaps in the system—so he creates solutions where none exist. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for leading one of the most effective and innovative rural co-responder programs in the country, he works at the intersection of mental health and public safety, ensuring that even in the most underserved areas, people in crisis receive the support they need.

With a passion for breaking barriers and empowering others, Dr. Shannon believes that small steps lead to big change—and that no one should have to struggle alone. His approach is raw, real, and deeply human, offering practical strategies for navigating life’s toughest moments—whether in crisis, burnout, or simply trying to move forward.

His insights can be seen every Sunday morning on Heartland News at 6 AM and heard on First Response with Dr. Shannon, where he delivers real-world solutions to help you shape your first response to life’s challenges.

Have a question? Reach out to Dr. Shannon at [email protected]