Share Your Story
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Episode 001: Corporal Angela Reyes dedicated six years of her life to serving as a SWAT operator until one critical incident changed everything. During a warrant service, her partner, Travis McKenna, was shot multiple times and bled out despite her attempts to save him. Angela didn't just lose a teammate that day; she lost the confidence and protective instincts that had made her effective in tactical situations.
Five months later, while preparing to breach a location, Angela found her mind completely frozen for three seconds. A week after that, she requested a transfer to patrol duties.
This episode explores what occurs when protective resilience falls below 85%, the neurobiology of trauma responses during tactical operations, and why a truthful assessment of your limitations demonstrates its own form of courage.
Key Takeaways:
- Below 85% protective resilience, depression risk increases 5.6x, and anxiety risk increases 4.2x
- The amygdala treats similar tactical scenarios as identical threats, flooding your system with cortisol even when you're objectively safe
- Identity loss after trauma requires rebuilding protective factors around who you are now, not who you used to be
- Leaving a specialty unit after trauma isn't weakness—it's an accurate tactical assessment of operational readiness
- Recovery timelines: hippocampus needs 3-6 months minimum to integrate traumatic memories
Research Referenced:
- Predictive Six-Factor Resilience Model (PR6)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Protective factor thresholds and mental health outcomes
- Neurobiology of trauma: amygdala hijack, cortisol flooding, memory fragmentation
Timestamps:
3:04 - Who Angela was before: building protective resilience through SWAT training
10:28 - October 15, 2022: the warrant service that killed Travis McKenna
18:23 - Return to duty: when protective factors start breaking down
27:01 - Gender dynamics: why Angela's departure was treated differently from male operators
31:24 - Rebuilding: finding purpose through training rookies, EMDR therapy, and honest assessment
Resources:
Get the FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol: FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
RFA Certification teaches peer support skills for officers supporting teammates through critical incidents: Click HERE to Learn More
Share Your Story
Resources for OfficersIf you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. These trauma-informed resources are confidential, available 24/7, and staffed by people who understand the unique challenges of law enforcement.
COPLINEPhone: 1-800-267-5463 (1-800-COPLINE)
Website: www.copline.org
COPLINE is a confidential 24/7 hotline exclusively for current and retired law enforcement officers and their families. All calls are answered by trained, retired law enforcement officers who understand the job and provide peer support for any issue—from daily stressors to full mental health crises. Your anonymity is guaranteed. COPLINE is not affiliated with any police department or agency, and listeners will not notify anyone without your explicit consent.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelinePhone: Call or text 988
Online Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Veterans: Press 1 after dialing 988
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health struggles, or thoughts of suicide. Trained crisis counselors are available by phone, text, or online chat to provide compassionate, judgment-free support. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out—988 is here for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Safe Call NowPhone: 206-459-3020
Website: www.safecallnowusa.org
Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive 24-hour crisis referral service designed specifically for all public safety employees, emergency services personnel, and their family members nationwide. Founded by a former law enforcement officer, Safe Call Now is staffed by peer advocates who are first responders themselves and understand the unique demands of the job. They provide crisis intervention and connect callers with appropriate treatment resources while maintaining complete confidentiality.
Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve support, and these resources are here for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Share Your Story
Click the link and start the process of sharing your story with Police Speak listeners.
Share Your Story
