Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma

As Mental Health Awareness month comes to a close, Michael and Brent welcome a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, and training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention.

Michael Sugrue, Air Force veteran and retired sergeant from the Walnut Creek Police Department, joins the podcast this week for a candid discussion about how critical incidents can take an immense toll on an officer’s mental health.

Sugrue describes how the cumulative psychological effects of trauma exposure as an officer motivated him to not only seek professional medical assistance but also help others by sharing his path to healing in his book RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma.

Episode Guest

Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Officer in 1998.  As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments and Air Base Ground Defense.

Immediately after the Air Force, Michael was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department where he served in a variety of assignments including: Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC) Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO) and Patrol Sergeant.

Michael was awarded the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal in 2014 for his heroic and life saving actions during a Fatal Officer Involved Shooting in 2012. Michael ultimately medically retired in 2018.  He is now a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW).

Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at law enforcement agencies all over the United States.

In his BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing.

Guest Information

LinkedIn: Sgt. Michael Sugrue – Ret.
Facebook: Sgt. Michael Sugrue – Ret.
Twitter: @SergeantMSugrue
Instagram: @sergeant_michael_sugrue_
Amazon: Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline


Resources

An offers an eye-opening portrayal of the human impact of trauma within the law enforcement and first responder community.
Veteran Michael Sugrue shares his story of seeking help and being supported by a good friend after spending years living with the effects of traumatic experiences.

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