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July 20, 2022
Resiliency in Action, A Leader’s Journey | S2 E29
Pete Elste shares his story of addiction, restructuring his path to recovery, and staying grounded. A resilient leader who has proven that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, Pete is an inspiration for his peers and anyone struggling with addiction who is looking for a resilient role model.
Pete Elste is a Danbury Police Officer who has become a leader in peer support and crisis intervention. In this episode Pete shares his story of addiction, restructuring his path to recovery, and staying grounded. A resilient leader who has proven that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, Pete is an inspiration for his peers and anyone struggling with addiction who is looking for a resilient role model.
Pete offers real-world tips on how to be proactive and how to "check up" on yourself. Pete also discusses his roles as a Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, Peer Support Team member and Responder Wellness, Inc. board member.
We talk about how LEOs may think asking for help is a weakness. Pete describes having a multi-pronged approach such as having a culturally competent therapist and peer support, to maintain a positive outlook and sobriety by having a strong support network. Other topics include self-checks, buddy checks, job burnout and work/life balance.
Pete explains how to find personal satisfaction and happiness, how to make time for yourself and your family, and the importance of taking time to decompress after a shift. We look at how “the job” and excess overtime can be overwhelming, and how to take care of yourself and enjoy other activities.
We truly appreciate Pete's vulnerability and transparency in sharing his experiences.
Peter Elste
Law Enforcement Officer | Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator | FTO
Peter Elste has been a Police Officer for 21 years. He started his career working four years with the NYPD 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, Brooklyn. During his short time with NYPD, he was part of the Street Narcotics Unit and Community Conditions Unit.
Pete is currently serving with the Danbury Police Department where he is a Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, and a member of the Emergency Services Unit and Peer Support Team.
Pete also serves on the Executive Board of Responder Wellness Inc., a non-profit organization that works to support First Responders in the State of Connecticut.
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