Officer Wellness with Brian Manley

James Gearing, a former firefighter, author of "One More Light," and podcast host of Behind the Shield, shares his journey on the Officer Health and Wellness podcast with Brian Manley. 

James reflects on his early experiences and recounts a harrowing incident at his grandfather's house, where a fire nearly took their lives. This traumatic event didn't deter him from a career in the fire service; instead, it became a driving force, instilling in him a unique perspective on the significance of addressing mental health and wellness in the field.

 His insights underscore the critical need for a more holistic approach to the well-being of our uniformed professionals, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, promoting healthy sleep patterns, and creating a culture of open dialogue and support within the emergency services community.

In part two of the "Officer Health and Wellness Podcast," Troy Anderson, Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, shares insights on the critical work being done to support law enforcement officers' mental health and wellness. He emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around seeking help and encourages officers to prioritize their well-being. Troy discusses their collaboration  with different programs nationwide, including the NHTSA.

In this episode of the "Officer Health and Wellness Podcast," Troy Anderson, Executive Director of Officer Safety and Wellness at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Found, shares his remarkable journey from military service to a 26-year career with the Connecticut State Police. 

Troy's dedication to officer well-being emerged after a tragic event, propelling him to establish a pioneering peer support program in Connecticut. The program initially met with skepticism but ultimately evolved to offer crucial mental health and wellness resources for all sworn members and dispatchers. It played a pivotal role in responding to Sandy Hook, showcasing its effectiveness in handling extreme situations and promoting officers' mental resilience.

Bridget Truxillo joins Brian Manley to discuss how a contentious work environment can negatively impact officers' mental health and overall wellness. In this episode, she details the importance of her practice, Lady Law Shield, and how it has become an invaluable resource for her to help others in law enforcement. 

Bridget Truxillo joins Brian Manley to discuss how a contentious work environment can negatively impact officers' mental health and overall wellness. In her experience working with SWAT law enforcement, Bridget Truxillo faced various mental stressors and obstacles. With 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney and the founder of Lady Law Shield, she now channels these challenges to fuel her passion for aiding current law enforcement officers navigate challenging work environments.

We kick off Season 3 with Dave Voorhees, a Patrol Officer serving with the Prospect Park Police, joins forces with the retired Austin Chief of Police, Brian Manley, to shed light on the mental health struggles experienced by law enforcement professionals in their demanding daily lives.

With a passion for supporting the well-being of officers, Dave Voorhees brings invaluable on-the-ground experience as a Patrol Officer in Prospect Park. Day in and day out, he witnesses firsthand the unique challenges and pressures that law enforcement personnel encounter, which often take a toll on their mental health.

Dr. Anka Vujanovic, professor at the University of Houston, director of the Trauma and Stress Studies Center and First Responder Program & Dr. Elizabeth Fletcher, associate professor at the University of Houston and expert in firefighter mental health and wellness, team up with former Austin Chief of Police Brian Manley to discuss the effects of PTSD and other mental stressors that affect those in law enforcement and beyond.  

Dr. Anka Vujanovic, professor at the University of Houston, director of the Trauma and Stress Studies Center and First Responder Program & Dr. Elizabeth Fletcher, associate professor at the University of Houston and expert in firefighter mental health and wellness, team up with former Austin Chief of Police Brian Manley to discuss the effects of PTSD and other mental stressors that affect those in law enforcement and beyond.   

This week Brian meets with Matt Carter, Retired Captain of the Fort Bend County Sheriffs' Office. Matt brings a unique perspective to the table as someone who has grappled with mental health issues while serving in law enforcement. Matt recounts some of his initial struggles with trauma and mental health while serving on the job and discusses the stigma officers face when coming forward with their own traumas. He has become an advocate for mental health awareness and offers insights into strategies and resources that can help officers thrive in their work and personal lives beyond the badge. 

This week Brian meets with Matt Carter, Retired Captain of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Matt brings a unique perspective to the table as someone who has grappled with mental health issues while serving in law enforcement. Matt recounts some of his initial struggles with trauma and mental health while serving on the job and discusses the stigma officers face when coming forward with their own traumas. He has become an advocate for mental health awareness and offers insights into strategies and resources that can help officers thrive in their work and personal lives beyond the badge.