The Unthinkable: A DEA Wife's Story of Danger, Survival, and Advocacy. Susan Lewis Simons’ life took a terrifying turn when she discovered that her family had been targeted for execution by drug dealers. A year after the incident, Susan learned that her husband, a DEA agent, and their children were nearly murdered during a visit to a crowded shopping mall. This shocking revelation came from investigators who uncovered a "hit list" naming her husband and children. Even more disturbing, the criminals had gathered detailed information about her family, including the children's school locations.
Susan’s story is a sobering reminder of the immense risks faced by law enforcement officers and their families. The ordeal left deep psychological scars on Susan, her husband, and their children. The constant threats and uncertainty created a sense of fear that hung over their daily lives, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. You can hear Susan share more about her experience in a full interview available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms
The Hidden Dangers for Law Enforcement Families
Susan’s story is all the more harrowing because murder plots against American law enforcement officers are rarely discussed publicly. Searching for information on such plots often yields very little. Most content available focuses on general crime statistics, anti-police sentiments, or instances of police misconduct. This lack of awareness points to the unique challenges that law enforcement officers and their families endure, often in silence and without public understanding or support.
Retired law enforcement officer Sgt. John J. Wiley recalls facing similar threats during his career. Wiley and his partners uncovered two separate murder plots against them. One came dangerously close to succeeding; the only reason it failed was that Wiley and his team approached the location from a different direction than the hitman had anticipated. The Unthinkable: A DEA Wife's Story of Danger, Survival, and Advocacy.
Wiley shares another chilling story that mirrors Susan's ordeal. One day, he was called into his Police Major's office, where he learned that homicide detectives had discovered a hit against him and his family. A letter from the Baltimore City Jail, signed by a person known as "Roughneck" — a term used for hitmen in Baltimore — revealed that the writer had been hired to kill both Wiley and a jail officer. The letter also included personal details about where Wiley and his family lived. Fortunately, no attempts were made on Wiley's or his family’s lives.
The Emotional Toll on Families
For Susan, the psychological impact of learning about the murder plot against her family was profound. The constant fear and stress took a heavy toll on her marriage. Her DEA agent spouse began to withdraw emotionally, turning to alcohol to cope with the pressures and dangers of his job. This behavior created a rift between them that ultimately led to divorce. Their marriage, already strained by the inherent risks and uncertainties of law enforcement life, could not withstand the additional pressures.
Instead of being defeated by these challenges, Susan transformed her personal experiences into a mission to help others in similar situations. She founded Under the Shield, Inc., a non-profit organization where she serves as President. Today, Susan is recognized as a leading expert in First Responder Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). Her organization offers the only Stress Coach Certification program in the United States specifically designed for law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, and their families.
The Unthinkable: A DEA Wife's Story of Danger, Survival, and Advocacy. Turning Trauma into Advocacy
Susan’s work focuses on stress management, critical incident response, and understanding the effects of high-risk professions on families. She developed the "Garbage Can Theory," a concept that explains how psychological stress accumulates over time, like garbage piling up until it overflows, impacting attitudes, relationships, and overall well-being. Through Under the Shield, she provides training for supervisors and first responders, helping them recognize early signs of stress and manage the toxic stress that can destroy marriages, careers, and lives.
Under the Shield's approach extends beyond traditional stress management. The organization offers anonymous coaching services that promote Post Traumatic Stress Growth (PTSG), a concept centered on the positive psychological changes experienced following adversity. The goal is to improve sleep quality, reduce symptoms of PTSI, and empower those affected by traumatic events to find a path toward healing. Susan’s unique blend of expertise and personal experience makes her a valuable advocate for those facing the challenges of high-stress, dangerous professions.
To hear more about Susan's journey, listen to her full interview available on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. Her story, along with those of others like her, highlights the often-unseen burdens carried by law enforcement officers and their families.
A Journey Toward Healing, The Unthinkable: A DEA Wife's Story of Danger, Survival, and Advocacy.
Susan’s journey has not been easy, but it has been transformative. Through Under the Shield, she provides a lifeline for those struggling with the psychological toll of high-risk professions. The organization not only supports first responders and their families but also seeks to change the culture around mental health in law enforcement. By raising awareness and offering practical tools for stress management, Under the Shield helps individuals cope with the unique challenges they face daily.
Susan remains committed to sharing her story to increase awareness about the real threats faced by law enforcement families and the critical importance of mental health support in these communities. Her work emphasizes the need for more comprehensive resources and greater public understanding of the complexities involved in law enforcement work. To stay updated on Susan’s story and other similar narratives, follow Under the Shield on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms.
By sharing her experiences, Susan aims to empower others to seek help, build resilience, and find peace amid the chaos. Her story is a testament to the strength of those who serve and their families and a call to action for society to recognize and support the sacrifices they make.
To learn more about Susan’s journey and her work, listen to the podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Her story is not just one of survival but also a powerful example of how adversity can be transformed into advocacy and support for others in need.
Check out the interview with Susan Simons which is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. You can stay updated about her story and many others simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.
The Unthinkable: A DEA Wife's Story of Danger, Survival, and Advocacy.
