First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver

Jason Kern, CPE - President, APCO International

Today on the show I talk with current APCO International President, Jason Kern. We discuss the current state of 911 Communications, wellness for 911 professionals, and what the future holds in the 911 world. 
ABOUT JASONJason Kern began his career in public safety in 1991 and is currently serving as the Executive Director of Southeast Emergency Communications (SEECOM) in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
During nearly three decades as a tenured public safety professional, he has extensive experience in Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Emergency Management, and most notably 9-1-1 Communications. His notable certifications include APCO CPE, APCO RPL, NENA ENP and COM-L.
He began his APCO membership in 1997 and has been extremely active in both chapter and national activities. As a member of the Illinois Chapter, Jason held numerous board positions over a 13-year tenure including two terms as Chapter President and nearly six years on the Executive Council. Additionally, he spent time as the chair of the IL Emergency Medical Dispatch Committee, a member of the IL Historical Committee and currently sits as a long-term member of the Legislative Committee. Over the last several years, the Legislative Committee has been successful in obtaining two surcharge increases, a NG9-1-1 and consolidation cost recovery bill, and currently is working towards introducing training standards language. In 2011, Illinois APCO awarded him with the Chapter Senior and Chapter Life distinctions. On the national side, he has been involved in a number of committees over the past 14 years such as Historical, Member & Chapter Services, Professional Development Events, Leadership Development, Finance & Budget, and Investment. Jason served APCO from 2013 thru 2016 as a Group Leader and from 2016 to 2019 as a representative to the Board of Directors in the North Central Region. He was presented with Senior Membership in 2018.
Southeast Emergency Communications is a regional consolidated Emergency Communications Center located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago in McHenry County. They provide police, fire and medical services to over a dozen agencies in the area covering more than 100 square miles with a residential population of nearly 215,000. SEECOM is a partner with NCMEC’s Missing Kids & 9-1-1 Readiness Project, an IAED Medical ACE Center and a two-time recipient of APCO’s Agency Training Program Certification (P33).
He is married to Miki-Kay and has a son Joseph. Away from the office Jason is an avid motorcycle rider, sports fan and travels extensively with the family.
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PTSD911 Presents is a production of ConjoStudios, LLCHost: Conrad Weaver
Copyright ©2022 ConjoStudios, LLC
 

So You Want to be a Millionaire?

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: Nick DaughertyToday's Episode: “So you want to be a millionaire”. 
About Nick:Nick Daugherty began his career with the Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) in 2003 serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and underage alcohol and drug task force officer. In 2012 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as a patrol sergeant, field training supervisor, fleet coordinator, and criminal intelligence unit sergeant. Additionally, Nick holds a Master Peace Officer certification and a TCOLE instructor’s certificate. He semi-retired in August of 2017 and continues to serve as a reserve officer for GPPD. During his career he was awarded numerous honors and commendations, including a lifesaving award, as well as being named officer of the month 4 times, Jim Thorne Officer of the year 2 times, and the Sergeant Gregory Hunter supervisor of the year award.
At a young age Nick did a lot of irresponsible things with money partaking in “stupid tax” purchases (the art of buying toys that you can’t afford using plastic). Before he knew it, he had accumulated over $80,000 in consumer debt, most of which was wrapped up in car stereo equipment, cars, and just plain ole stuff. He was tired! Tired of being in debt, and tired from being stuck in the overtime cycle just to keep afloat!
He quickly realized that he needed to educate himself on personal finances and work to get out of the hole he dug himself into. He was introduced to the Dave Ramsey show and became an avid listener, supporter, and believer of the Total Money Makeover Program’s 7 Baby Steps to financial freedom.
He worked over a thousand hours of overtime, and sold a bunch of stuff, to be able to scream out to the world “I’m debt free” on March 7th , 2007!  A graduate, and coordinator, of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, he is also a certified Ramsey Solutions master trained financial coach* and has coached hundreds of first responders through financial crisis.
In 2012 he created a revolutionary financial wellness class for GPPD, “Building Financial Strength in First Responder Families” that has been taught to over 10,000 first responders nationally.
Nick is also the president, and owner of FinancialCop LLC, a full-service financial firm for first responders, run by first responders as well as being a licensed life insurance agent. Additionally, he has completed classes through Ken Zahn’s Certified Financial Planning professional education program.
Nick also serves in various volunteer capacities nationally including the nonprofit www.serveprotect.org as an “A-Team” member as a financial wellness coordinator and crisis coach along with serving on the Texas Police Chief Association Officer Suicide Committee, focusing on the financial wellness impact in regards to officer suicide / PTSD.
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Push the Reset Button - Bev Perez

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: Mirian “Bev” Perez
Today's Episode: Push the Reset Button
About Bev:Mirian “Bev” Perez is a retired police officer, motivational speaker and CEO/Founder of SHIELDUS Co., (Self Help In Every Law-Enforcement Department). SHIELDUS is a non-profit organization focused on breaking the stigma of mental health amongst First Responders, offering wellness retreats, peer-support training, and mindfulness groups. After her experience as a police officer and her educational background she has now dedicated her life to sharing her story of overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and depression. Her goal is to end the suicide epidemic. Bev is currently working in partnership with FHE Health’s Shatterproof program in Deerfield Beach, FL facilitating groups with First Responders.
Connect with Bev:https://www.shieldus.app/
Instagram: @shieldus.app
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David (Diem) Leath - Side Hustles for First Responders

Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: David (Diem) Leath
Today's Episode: Side Hustles for First Responders
About David:
David (Diem) Leath was 20 years into his career as a police officer when he saw a need to transition into business. While many first responders make decent salaries, most have never been trained how to manage their money or even start new businesses. According to David, most frontline heroes don’t know how to talk about their 20+ years of experience in a way that translates into money. David is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer at The Hero Coach and he is the host of the Hero Academy Podcast in addition to being a full time police officer!  On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast  David tells his story and how he is turning his side hustle into a sustainable business that will carry him well into retirement. Stay tuned for this compelling conversation. 
https://www.davidleath.com

 
Other resources mentioned in this episode: MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHEShttps://www.youtube.com/c/LawofAttractionCoaching
 
HERO ON A MISSION - By Donald Millerhttps://amzn.to/3xPRKd5
+++++LEARN MORE ABOUT PTSD911 DOCUMENTARY:

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CLEAR! The Impact of Working in a Level One Trauma Unit - Dennis Blocker

On this episode of the PTSD911 Presents podcast, EMT and Author, Dennis Blocker II, talks about the personal toll of working in a level one trauma center. 
WARNING: THIS CONVERSATION CONTAINS SUBJECT MATTER THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. 
If you are having suicidal ideas, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 
HOST: Conrad Weaver
GUEST: Dennis R. Blocker, ii
ABOUT DENNIS:Dennis R Blocker II was born into a military family and as such was always on the go. A cycle of military assignments led all over the globe; Iceland and Guam. From an early age Dennis had a desire to help people. In 1990 a 16-year-old Dennis spent a month in the jungles of Zaire, Africa conducting mission work. A personal accident in the old Congo gave Dennis a serious lesson on the importance of medical training.
Through the years Dennis has sought to help others who had suffered from the ravages of Mother Nature. Floods, hurricanes, fires and all sorts of mayhem would find Dennis right in the middle, lending a hand. Journal keeping was important to Dennis and those books proved to be a boon during the writing of his book CLEAR! which is based on his 23 years in Emergency Medicine.
Purchase CLEAR!:  https://amzn.to/3t3g608
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Jeff Dill: Firefighter Wellness

Jeff Dill joins Host, Conrad Weaver to talk about firefighter wellness.
 
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PTSD911 Podcast is for first responders and those who support first responders. 
HOST: Conrad WeaverGUEST: Jeff DillTODAY'S EPISODE: Wellness for firefightersABOUT JEFF: Jeff Dill founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) in 2011. He travels the United States and Canada holding workshops to teach firefighters about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA is the only known organization that collects and validates data on firefighter and EMT suicides across the United States. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/chaplains, family members, and those preparing for retirement. Jeff holds a master’s degree in counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a retired captain, and he’s currently with the Las Vegas Fire Department in Las Vegas Nevada. 
CONNECT WITH JEFF:https://www.ffbha.org
 
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Surviving Suicide - ShaRonda Young-Calderon

Host: Conrad Weaver Guest: ShaRonda Young-Calderon
Today's Episode: Surviving Suicide
About ShaRonda: ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate that lives in the DFW Metroplex with her three children.  In June of 2018, ShaRonda lost her husband, Deputy Homero Calderon, to suicide.  Homero, an 18yr veteran of the Dallas County Sheriff Dept, suffered with PTSI.  ShaRonda has used the traumatic loss of her husband as a catalyst to educate and spread awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the law enforcement community.  She joined the organization Blue H.E.L.P., which focuses on breaking the stigma of mental health as well as providing comfort to the families left behind after the loss from a suicide.  She quickly became a guest, as well as served on the committee of several mental wellness workshops and conferences.  She has volunteered with organizations such as the National Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the One Tribe Foundation.  ShaRonda has coordinated awareness walks, fundraising events, and is currently working on Blue H.E.L.P.'s first camp for the children of Police Officer suicides. ShaRonda has a degree in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University.  The loss of her husband has ignited a passion in her to be an advocate for mental health, which has currently led her to pursue advanced studies in psychology.  It is now her life's mission to continuously educate herself, as well as others.  ShaRonda understands the difficulties living with mental health issues, suicide, the affect it has on families and the stigma surrounding it.
www.nami.org
https://www.naminorthtexas.org/
https://www.copline.org/
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Line for Law Enforcement: 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)
 
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PTSD911 PRESENTS: Jennifer White

LINK TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN FIRST RESPONDERS:  https://bit.ly/3KUT6qV
 
PTSD911 PRESENTS
HOST: Conrad Weaver
GUEST: Jennifer White
ABOUT JENNIFER WHITE
Jennifer White, ENP, is the 9-1-1 Director of the Loudon County (TN) Emergency Communications District and the current President of the National Emergency Number Association. She and the rest of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors were sworn in on July 28 at the NENA 2021 Conference and Expo in Columbus, OH. White now leads the organization’s more than 17,000 members in advancing NENA’s mission to improve 9-1-1 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy. In remarks to the conference, Ms. White emphasized the need for 9-1-1 professionals to invest in themselves and in the association. “Give something of yourself and see the improvement in your own life, in the lives of those around you, in our profession, and in our association,” she said. White also underscored the importance of education and active engagement in the 9-1-1 community, stating that, “When you participate, you’re not only growing as a 9-1-1 professional, but also ensuring that the public will get the best help possible when they need us.” She continued, “Find your voice and be heard! We all have something to share that can benefit our peers.” White has been a public-safety professional for more than 23 years. Active on both the local and national levels, she served three times as the President of Tennessee NENA, and she chaired the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. She has held multiple positions, including President, on the NENA Institute Board, the body responsible for overseeing the association’s Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification program.
 
www.nena.org
 
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Dr. T: First Responders are Elite Athletes

On the program today, Dr. Heather Twedell, "Dr. T" talks about her work with first responders through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) in the North Texas area. She says first responders are elite athletes and should be trained as such.
ABOUT "Dr. T"Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011; she is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California. Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her family ties to law enforcement, gives her a strong appreciation and understanding of the culture and stressors specific to first responders. She has developed a diverse and unique set of skills working in various clinical settings, including emergency departments, outpatient hospital programs, neuropsychology rehabilitation centers, corrections, and with law enforcement and fire departments. During her time with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Twedell provided critical incident debriefs, individual, couples and family therapy for sworn and civilian employees, co-developed and provided trainings, conducted inter-Department research, provided consultations and training for the Department's Peer Support Program and consulted with various bureaus including the Special Victims Bureau. Certifications include FBI Crisis Negotiations, Peace Officer Standard & Training, Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructors Course, and as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Dr. Twedell takes great pride in treating individuals with respect and compassion while providing therapeutic tools that are relevant and effective.
Through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) Dr. Twedell's current treatment services include individual, couples, and family therapy, group therapy, critical incident debriefing, psychological crisis intervention, trainings, program development, research, and consultations for both police and fire departments. She also provides support to two non-profit organizations in North Texas as a trauma-focused psychologist for a comprehensive outpatient program for first responders and is part of a team providing equine assisted resiliency training for first responders and their families at a horse ranch. She is dedicated in her efforts to ensure first responders are provided the education, training, and support that is critical for occupational and personal resiliency.
Learn more at https://www.htwedell.org/
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Courageously Broken - DA Michaels tells her story

Courageously Broken - DA Michaels tells her story
Host: Conrad WeaverGuest: D.A. Michaels
 
ABOUT D.A. MICHAELSDonna Michaels has had a distinguished career which began by serving in the U.S. Navy and followed by 21 years in law enforcement which she is now retired from. She is a proud mom of a teenage daughter and enjoys her time with their three hysterically funny dogs.
After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2017, she began a journey to find answers to questions she had struggled with for years. In the course of doing so, she started to journal and before she knew it, she had written a book. Her discoveries not only allowed her to find the answers she was seeking, but in choosing to share her story she realized she could help others as well.
She credits the strength of her “Never Quit” mentality to the three years she spent working alongside the Navy SEALs. There she established enduring friendships that would eventually save her life. 
Donna spent much of the past two decades in law enforcement helping others in crisis, from various mental health problems. She is a Crisis Intervention Officer, Critical Incident Stress Management member and is all too familiar with how traumatic events can affect anyone.  Even the bravest and strongest among us. 
In an effort to erase the stigma of PTSD, Donna hopes to not only encourage those to get help who battle their own invisible wounds, but also help the general public gain a better understanding of PTSD and not to fear those who have it. Donna’s book, Courageously Broken, may be purchased on her website and online bookstores.www.courageouslybroken.com
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#firstresponders #ptsd #mentalhealth #documentary #resilience #resiliency