Suicide Episodes

She lost him. Then she found a way through. Lt. James Crawford (Ret.) of the Chicago Police Department was a pastor, a mentor, and the man everyone leaned on. Months after retiring, he died by suicide.

Cops don't break on the job. They break slowly, quietly, in the space between calls — carrying everything they've ever seen, heard, and survived until the bucket finally overflows. Dr. Stacy Raymond knows what's in that bucket.

Join us as we confront the critical issue of first responder mental health and explore the vital role of chaplaincy in emergency services. We learn about the GY6 Initiative, a powerful movement led by Chaplain John Revell, born from heart-wrenching loss yet driven by an unyielding mission: to save lives.

In this raw episode, we speak with Doug White, a veteran and retired law enforcement officer. Doug pulls no punches as he confronts the reality of post-traumatic stress in first responders.

We speak with Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence. We’ll honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and discuss the vital mission of NFFF in supporting the mental health and wellness of responders.

In this episode, we chat with Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Jeff shares insights on moral injury, the cultural brainwashing that affects first responders, and the alarming statistics related to firefighter suicides.

In this episode of our Clinician Masterclass Series, we explore the sensitive topic of Suicide Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., founder of Resilient Heroes, NFP, and a Chicago Police Officer. Elizabeth discusses the methodologies involved in conducting psychological autopsies, emphasizing the importance of privacy and dignity for the deceased and their families.

Daniel Sundahl, acclaimed artist and retired paramedic/firefighter, presents "Post-Traumatic Growth—Finding Benefits Within Challenges." He will take us on a visual narrative of resilience and transformation as we view and listen to his personal story of post-traumatic growth. Through a powerful narrative interwoven with his unique photo art, Daniel shares his transformative journey from battling the demons of occupational stress to finding solace and strength in his creative expressions. Join us as we explore the intersection of art, trauma, and personal growth, and learn how to find benefits within the challenges we face. ​Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Daniel's moving story and discover ways to navigate your own journey toward mental well-being.

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police, where he served in various capacities including trooper, criminal investigator, and coordinator of the State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP). We discuss the pressing issue of health among police officers in America, and Dr. Violanti's insights into the psychological toll of policing, examining both the immediate and long-term impacts of stress and trauma on officers' mental well-being.

In this dynamic episode encore, Stacy and David sit down with the remarkable Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute. They dive into one of the most pressing issues in law enforcement today: police officer suicide. The conversation catapults into the deep, dark waters of why so many officers are taking their own lives. Dr. Johnson unveils her groundbreaking “Fatal 10” – the ten most common factors contributing to these tragic decisions. This episode isn't just informative; it’s a call to action, urging listeners to rethink and reshape the mental health landscape for those who serve and protect. Plus Olivia updates us on her new project, Shepherds & Sheepdogs, LTD.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Joseph T. Bonanno, who has served in both the USAF and The FDNY. Joseph opens up about the profound impact of suicide on his life, especially following the tragic loss of his brother Michael in 2012. Starting from humble beginnings, he shares the fascinating trajectory of his culinary passion and where it stands today.

In the second part of this mini-documentary, Responder Resilience continues the deep dive into the topic of first responder retirement. We are joined by a panel of twenty one retired or active first responders and resilience experts, representing law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, dispatch, animal control, and mental health clinicians.

In this episode, Stacy and David speak with Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute www.bw-institute.com about police officer suicide. We do a deep dive into the root causes of law enforcement officers taking their lives, and examine Dr. Johnson’s “Fatal 10” of suicide contributing factors.