Episodes
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
24-What is Law Enforcement Chaplaincy?
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
24-What is Law Enforcement Chaplaincy?
According to the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), Chaplaincy offers one of the most impactful support available to law enforcement professionals. The ICPC raises the standard for training and supporting chaplains while they maintain an intentional focus on moral excellence, cutting-edge training, and effective communications to encourage every law enforcement agency to establish and maintain a powerful chaplaincy.
Today on the podcast I have the President of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, Chaplain Jim Bontrager, and the Assistant Director of Region Seven of the ICPC on the show to talk about what law enforcement chaplaincy does for an agency.
ABOUT JIM BONTRAGER
Jim is a United States Marine, former Reserve Officer and full time Chaplain with the Elkhart (IN) Police Department. He holds his Diplomate Chaplain credentials with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) and serves as President of the organization. He is a recipient of the 2012 Wilbert A. Cunningham Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, a 2013 Excellence in Leadership Award from Pointman Leadership Institute, the 2016 recipient of the Richard S. Kassel Award, the 2017 recipient of the Pilsung Warrior Award, and a 2018 recipient of the John A. Price Excellence in Chaplaincy Award.
Jim was appointed a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Mike Pence in 2015. He is author of the official law enforcement curriculum for the movie Courageous, is an Indiana State certified LE Instructor as well as an instructor with the ICPC. He is founder/ director of Warrior on the Wall which works to address law enforcement suicide, family breakdown, and the unique emotional/ spiritual challenges to the profession.
ICPC
PO Box 5033
Knoxville, TN 37928
United States of America
Email Address
icpc@icpc4cops.org
ABOUT KEN SCHLENKER
Chaplain Ken Schlenker is the Founder and Executive Director of RKM Crisis Team, dba CAREForce, a nonprofit 501(c)3 providing Crisis Training, Response, Organizational Development and coaching for community & first-responder organizations. He also serves as an Assistant Professor, Director and creator of the Chaplain Degree Programs at Grace School of Theology, a fully accredited (ATS and TRACS) seminary located in The Woodlands, TX. The degree programs at Grace range from undergraduate through doctorate and serve 38 countries in 8 different languages.
Ken graduated from Talbot School of Theology, BIOLA University with a M.Div. degree and from Southern Illinois University with a BA in Health Care Management. Ken served as a Corpsman (HM2) in the US Navy and has spent over 30 years in ministry--as a Care and Missions Pastor and Public Safety Chaplain providing crisis intervention services and training nationally.
Chaplain Schlenker is the author of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Law Enforcement Chaplain Curriculum in 2011 which was created as part of the POST Master Instructor Instructional Development Institute (MICC3) Training Program. He is a recognized national public speaker.
Ken currently serves as a trainer and Law Enforcement Chaplain with the Montgomery County Texas Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney Offices.
Connect with Ken at ken@careforce.us
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
23-All-in to help first responders. With Darren Purcell
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
23-All in on helping first responders. With Darren Purcell
Some first responders go their entire career and don’t realize how the job is impacting them. That's what happened with Darren Purcell. About nine months into his retirement, after 35 years of being a fire fighter and paramedic, the trauma of the job caught up with him. But Darren got help.
Darren has turned his recovery into a personal mission to help as many first responders as he can. In 2023, with the help of his church, he launched a first responder support group. In fact he and his wife both help lead support groups at Saddleback Church. Darren’s wife, Jody helps lead the First Responder spouse support group.
Listen to his inspiring story.
ABOUT DARREN PURCELL
Darren served the Orange County Fire Authority for 35 years as a firefighter, paramedic, and captain. He worked all the busy stations and also involved in training, mentoring and helping young aspiring fire fighters. He never thought about PTSD while doing the job.
First Responders Wellness at Saddleback Church
This support group is like no other. This is a place for first responders and first responders only. We share a common bond and experience things in our work that are unique to our profession. The things we see affect every person differently. Some of us have no issues at all and some have major issues. The hours we work, the lack of sleep, and the different types of people we encounter all have effects on our well-being and if not addressed properly can come out in a variety of ways. Every single person has a different story and a different way this affects them, but we all get it. This is a place to share, listen, learn, and have a space to transform our behavior. It’s not impossible alone, but it’s not the best way to get better. It’s a fact that more first responders die from suicide each year than on duty. This is a place not only to get the help you need, but we will teach you how to take this hurt and use it to help others.
This support group meets in-person the first Tuesday of every month at the Saddleback Lake Forest campus and meets online the third Tuesday of every month.
https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/first-responders-wellness/lake-forest?
Contact Darren
Our first responder spouse support group is a community of individuals who share a common experience of being married to first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. The group is rooted in the belief that faith can provide strength, comfort, and support to spouses facing the unique challenges of being married to first responders.
The primary purpose of the group is to provide emotional and spiritual support to spouses of first responders. Members of the group share their experiences, concerns, and struggles with one another in a safe and confidential environment. The group provides a space for spouses to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. Overall, the first responder spouse support group provides a space for spouses to come together, share their experiences, and find strength and support in their faith as they navigate the unique challenges of being married to a first responder.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
22-Are you losing your religion? - Jeremy Wade
How do you reconcile your faith - whether you consider yourself a Christian or otherwise - and being a first responder? You’ve seen the darkest side of humanity, and have experienced loss within your own ranks with those who have given up hope.
That’s the very thing that Jeremy Wade struggled with while he was an officer with the Seattle police department.
Today on the podcast Jeremy talks about this struggle and how he was able to overcome this dichotomy. In his years at Seattle PD Jeremy helped launch a wellness program and in his last few years there he was the executive director of the Seattle Police Chaplains Association.
Today, Jeremy and his Wife Ketryna have launched a national first responder ministry called Mission First Alliance who’s mission is to encouraging ministries and engage the Church to equip our nation’s first responders and their families to live in Christ and on Mission.
ABOUT JEREMY WADE
Jeremy served for the Seattle Police Department for 13 years, but struggled with his identity in Christ vs his identity in the badge early in his career. After a few years on the department he fully surrendered his life to the Lord, which started an amazing journey that the Lord has been blessing along the way. While not free from challenges like the Seattle riots, and many critical incidents, Jeremy could see God’s hand in directing his paths.
On the Seattle PD, Jeremy was awarded Officer of the Year, and Medal of Valor. He worked in patrol, in the training unit, as a peer support coordinator, and assisted in developing the department’s first wellness unit. He co-founded the SPD Beds for Kids Program with Ryan Gallagher, that continues on today. Jeremy also served as the executive director of the Seattle Police Chaplains Association, and came alongside many other local and national first responder ministries.
In 2021, Jeremy, his wife Ketryna, and four kids, felt God calling them to move to Tennessee and step out in faith to do full time ministry, supporting first responders nationwide. This led to serving as the Training & Development Coordinator for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers- USA, until God started directing his path, and opening doors to start Mission First Alliance.
CONNECT WITH JEREMY
Mission First Alliance is building a gospel focused first responder alliance. We are uniting and equipping all who have a heart to reach our nation's first responders and their families for Christ. Together we can have a greater Kingdom impact.
www.MissionFirstAlliance.com
-Membership Application for Mission First Alliance attached. Membership is free. Everyone accepted before the end of the year will be our Charter Members. Completed forms can be emailed back to me.
Link: https://www.missionfirstalliance.com/join-now
- Some Membership Benefits:
- Two Facebook Groups (one private group for members only of Mission First Alliance (invite only), and one private alliance network group for ministry leaders and first responders to network (must be verified and accepted into this group). Here is the link to the alliance network group. Join. Share. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfanetworkgroup)
- Monthly Zoom for Mission First Alliance Members- First Wednesday of every month at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST.
- 3-4 Leaders Summit Retreats in 2024 around the country.
- 2024 Annual Conference for ALL who have a heart to reach our nation's first responders and their families for Christ.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
21 - Chasing Curiosity with Cassie Sexton
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
21 - Chasing Curiosity with Cassie Sexton
Cassie Sexton spent a number of years as a first responder, first as a jail officer in her southern California community, and finally as a 911 dispatcher. But the job took a toll on her life. Stay tuned for her compelling story and as she shares a few of the things she did to get her health and wellness back to what it should be.
ABOUT CASSIE SEXTON
Originating from Southern California, Cassie Sexton possesses an extensive background in Law Enforcement, with the majority of her career dedicated to serving in the 9-1-1 Center. Presently, she holds the position of an Account Executive at Mindbase, where her primary focus revolves around proactive wellness initiatives and resource provision for first responders through technological means. Cassie's desire for assisting first responders is deeply rooted in her personal journey of healing from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) through wellness practices, meditation, and recovery. Notably, she continues to actively contribute to the Regional Peer Support Team and holds a position on the APCO International Health and Wellness Committee.
Instagram: @Cassiegirl911
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiesexton
http://www.getmindbase.com
Instagram: @_mindbase
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
How is your Peer Support Team doing? With Nik Fiorito
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
How is your Peer Support Team doing? With Nik Fiorito
Explore the world of PeerConnect, a groundbreaking tool designed to mobilize your Peer Support team. Picture this: your well-trained team is ready to provide the support they've been trained for, but perhaps they find themselves idly waiting for calls. How can you ensure that your peer support team is not only effective but also actively contributing to its intended purpose?
Join us in this episode as we delve into a solution crafted by a dynamic Canadian company that addresses this exact challenge. Our guest, Nik Fiorito, Chief Strategy Officer of the company, shares insights into the development and management of PeerConnect. Unveiled by First Response Mental Health in 2019, this platform has evolved through years of collaborative efforts with frontline first responders, health professionals, and individuals in high-stress occupations. PeerConnect stands out as the sole proactive peer support platform on the market, having undergone extensive field testing and integration of real-life experiences and evidence-based feedback.
Get ready to discover the intricacies of PeerConnect and gain valuable insights from Nik Fiorito's wealth of experience in software and tech project development. Don't miss out – stay tuned for an engaging conversation that unveils the unique features and effectiveness of PeerConnect in today's podcast.
Learn more about PeerConnect: https://firstresponsemh.com
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
https://www.podbean.com/pro/conjostudios
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
19 - Inspiring Firefighter Transforms Mental Health Support with Jeremy Fuller
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
19 - Inspiring Firefighter Transforms Mental Health Support with Jeremy Fuller
Meet Captain Jeremy Fuller, a seasoned firefighter with over two decades of experience. Fueled by a passion for the well-being of his colleagues at the Little Elm Fire Department in Texas, Captain Fuller, alongside Dr. Heather Twedell (Dr. T), spearheaded a groundbreaking wellness plan.
In a strategic move, Captain Fuller successfully lobbied city leaders to allocate funds in their budget for mental health support, creating a unique program that covers wellness and mental health for all first responders and their families. This initiative has transformed the Little Elm Fire Department into a pioneering model for proactive mental health care.
To delve into the remarkable journey of Captain Fuller and the impact of this program, tune in to the podcast or watch on YouTube. Witness firsthand how a single firefighter's vision has turned his agency into a beacon of positive change.
ABOUT JEREMY FULLER
Jeremy comes from a line of firefighters as his grandfather, father, brother, and cousins have all spent some time in the fire service. He is currently in administration as the Training and EMS Captain at Little Elm Fire Department in his 22nd year of service in the fire service. Jeremy says, "Over the years of seeing what my father has gone through in the fire service, then experiencing my own 20 years of filling the plate, I have become passionate about providing much better mental and physical health resources for our first responders."
About 4 years ago he met Dr. Heather Twedell and they started working together building a program for Little Elm Public Safety. The program worked well, and soon other agencies started to contact them to learn how they could do the same thing. Jeremy also assists Dr. T in two 3-day Conferences a year and continues the passion for sharing these resources with other deserving first responders.
Feel free to contact Jeremy to learn more at: jfuller@littleelm.org.
Jeremy Fuller
Captain-Training and EMS
Health and Wellness
Little Elm Fire Department
Office 214-975-0436
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
18 - Let’s Change the Language with Dr. Phil Baquie
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
18 - Let's Change the Language with Dr. Phil Baquie
Dr. Phil Baquie works with members of law enforcement and a number of "Three Letter Federal Agencies." His LinkedIn Bio says, "I teach warriors left of bang tactics to combat traumatic stress." He's my guest on the podcast today where we talk about changing the language of mental health when working with high level first responders. Tune in to learn more!
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Dr. Phil Baquie helps Law Enforcement, military personnel, and security contractors operate to the best of their abilities, and become force multipliers in their environment. In addition to a master’s degree in counseling and a doctor of psychology, he holds a black belt in martial arts and he is a law enforcement firearms instructor, certified in high-risk global protective operations, and a trained hostage/crisis negotiator. Dr. Baquie has trained Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, first responders, US Marshals, the DEA, US Border Patrol, and other federal and state law enforcement agency professionals.
Phil also had a significant role in our award-winning documentary, PTSD911.
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Year-End Summary with Conrad Weaver
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Year-End Summary with Conrad Weaver
Podcast host and filmmaker, Conrad Weaver gives a year-end summary and a sneak peek at what's on tap for 2024.
Thank you to all who have been listening to the podcast, and a special thanks to all of the guests who've been on the show. I'm so grateful for everyone who has encouraged, supported, listened to, or shared this show. Let's go into the new year with renewed hope and anticipation of a great year!
Be well, take care of yourself and those around you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Conrad Weaver
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
16 - What is a win? With Kenny Schroeder
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
16 - What is a win?
Join me on the podcast today as I chat with Kenny Schroeder, a firefighter and paramedic in Kentucky who is part of a regional peer support network. We delve into the importance of maintaining a healthy career as a first responder and what it means to achieve success in this field. While sports teams invest in their athletes to ensure victory, what is your agency doing to help you perform at your best? Let's explore how your life choices can impact your success as a first responder. Note: you can also WATCH this podcast on our YouTube channel. Search: PTSD911 Movie.
ABOUT KENNY SCHROEDER
Kenny Schroeder currently serves as a Firefighter Paramedic with the Fort Mitchell Fire Department in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Independence Fire District in September of 2022 after 26 years with the department. It was then that he faced the biggest challenge of his life as he quickly watched it spiral out of control overwhelmed by the chaos that PTSD and depression can create. After being connected to health and wellness for most of his career, Kenny did not recognize his own need for help. Fortunately his friends and family did as they sought the resources necessary to get Kenny into a program that not only saved his life, but changed it completely as he began his healing journey.
As part of his recovery, Kenny volunteers his time in various capacities throughout the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area including as Team Coordinator for the Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team, Team Coordinator for the Pet Partners First Responder Pet Therapy Support Team, Board Member for the Tri State Peer Support Team, and Board Member for the Tri State FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic) Team. Serving in these roles, he is committed to building connections to get his peers the help they need while educating them on the importance of health and wellness.
Kenny is married and has four children ranging in ages 21 through 10. Time spent at home with family is a priority in his life along with traveling, exercising and health related activities, working on cars with his oldest son and training their Australian Labradoodles.
Connect with Kenny....
https://tsfirstresponderpst.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-schroeder-5919b3189/
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
15 - From Social Drinker to Problem Drinker with Tara Rivera
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
15 - From Social Drinker to Problem Drinker with Tara Rivera
This time of year can be especially stressful for many of us. And it’s sometimes easy to think that a drink will help us relax. But what do you do when that drink turns into a problem?
Tara Rivera has worked as a Treatment Advocate for almost 7 years and has helped countless people begin their recovery journey. Tara is also an adjunct professor of addiction studies at Anna Maria College. In 2018 she began recording podcasts and hosts a monthly recovery radio show on WPKZ. Tara serves on several boards for local non-profit health and human service organizations and is a person in long term recovery. January 2023, she celebrated 26 years of continued sobriety. Her life revolves around helping others and being a voice for the disenfranchised. She is passionate about breaking the stigma of addiction and educating others about the disease.
Connect with Tara:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-rivera-mba-984b8a60/
Banyan Treatment Centers: https://www.clearbrookinc.com/locations/massachusetts/
Radio Show: https://soundcloud.com/kzoneradio/12-5-23-clear-brook-road-to-recovery-radio-show-with-tara-rivera
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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE
Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/
Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/ptsd911-digital-toolkit-pre-orders-only
The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC
Copyright ©2023 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.