PTSD From Police Work Life and Death. A Fight for Life domestic violence call where the suspect beat up 2 Sheriff Deputies, and his mother. The suspect was high on cocaine, meth and heroin. He grabbed his gun and tried prying it out of my holster while we fought for some time until the suspect's heart stopped from the drugs and fight. Causing his death. Plus, a Hostage shooting incident where a suspect fired at at him and other officers with a rifle which lead to deadly force.
Jeremy Wood developed debilitating PTSD from these and numerous other traumas as a Police Officer. He is a guest on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. You can listen to the interview as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website and platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms. He talks about the incidents, the effect on him, his family members and how he is recovering and living a full life. Follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
The Reality of PTSD from Police Work
Jeremy Wood retired from the Marysville, Washington Police Department after 21 years of service, half of which he spent on the SWAT team. His career was marked by numerous traumatic incidents, including a hostage situation and a life-and-death struggle with a suspect under the influence of multiple drugs. These events led to severe PTSD, altering his life in profound ways. Read the supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium, Newsbreak and Blogspot.
Major Incidents Leading to PTSD
One of the most harrowing moments of Wood’s career occurred during a SWAT operation in February 2007. A suspect, armed and threatening, refused to surrender. Despite negotiations, the suspect fired his weapon, forcing Wood to return fire. The suspect was killed.
Shortly after returning to duty, Wood was called to another crisis: a suicidal individual holding what appeared to be a firearm. Though the weapon turned out to be an airsoft gun, the stress of the event compounded his existing trauma. PTSD From Police Work Life and Death. The interview is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast website, also available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast outlets.
Another defining moment came during a domestic violence call, where a suspect, intoxicated with cocaine, meth, and heroin, violently attacked two sheriff’s deputies and his own mother. The struggle escalated as the suspect attempted to grab Wood’s firearm. The intense altercation ended only when the suspect's heart stopped due to the combination of drugs and physical exertion.
Understanding PTSD: Symptoms and Effects
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing traumatic events. Symptoms include:
Intrusive memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, and severe distress when reminded of the trauma.
Avoidance behaviors: Steering clear of situations, places, or conversations that trigger distressing memories.
Negative changes in mood and thinking: Persistent negative emotions, memory problems, emotional numbness, and detachment from loved ones.
Altered physical and emotional reactions: Heightened alertness, self-destructive behaviors, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
For Wood, these symptoms manifested in deep emotional exhaustion, hypervigilance, and an overwhelming sense of distress. The impact on his personal and professional life was profound, leading him to seek help and eventually retire. PTSD From Police Work Life and Death. Follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
The Road to Recovery: Seeking Treatment
Understanding the need for support, Wood co-founded Brothers In Healing, an initiative dedicated to helping first responders and veterans manage PTSD. Alongside his partner Chris, he established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Bigger Than Us, to provide financial assistance for inpatient PTSD treatment at accredited facilities.
Breaking the Stigma: The Role of Social Media and Podcasts
Social media platforms such as The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have played a crucial role in spreading awareness about PTSD and reaching those in need. These platforms allow first responders to share their experiences, find support, and access mental health resources. Check out the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
Additionally the interview with him on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show is available as a free podcast on their website, it is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast platforms. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast Newsbreak page is also a powerful tool in normalizing conversations about PTSD. Through these mediums, Wood and Chris discuss:
The realities of PTSD in law enforcement
The importance of seeking professional treatment
Effective coping strategies and self-care techniques
Real-life recovery stories from first responders and veterans
Transforming Pain into Purpose
Wood and Chris travel across the U.S., conducting workshops and training sessions to educate others about PTSD. Their mission is to ensure that no first responder feels alone in their struggle. By providing financial sponsorships for treatment, they remove barriers to recovery and offer hope to those who feel trapped by their trauma. PTSD From Police Work Life and Death. It is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
Lessons in Healing
Through their work, they emphasize key takeaways:
Acknowledgment is the first step: Recognizing PTSD is critical to beginning the healing process.
Seeking professional help is essential: Therapy, medication, and inpatient treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Peer support is invaluable: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma fosters a sense of understanding and community.
Self-care and resilience-building strategies matter: Regular exercise, mindfulness, and healthy lifestyle choices aid in long-term recovery.
A Message of Hope
PTSD is not the end of the road. With the right support, treatment, and community, recovery is possible. Through Brothers In Healing and Bigger Than Us, Wood and Chris continue their mission to help first responders and veterans reclaim their lives. PTSD From Police Work Life and Death.
Stay Connected
For more information, visit www.brothersinhealing.com. Follow their journey on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages, in addition to their appearances on the radio show and listen to the free podcast versions on their website, also on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast platforms.
You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie. The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary "gift" to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com.
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PTSD From Police Work Life and Death.
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Retired Police Sergeant, Music Radio Personality, Talk Radio Show Host, Podcaster and Producer
John J. Wiley is a retired Police Sergeant turned radio personality. He has been a full time FM Music Radio DJ since 2005. In 2017 he founded the Law Enforcement Today Podcast, in a partnership with Robert Greenberg of Law Enforcement Today. The show is now named the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
Within a couple months a radio station heard an episode of the podcast and asked him to create a radio version, which he did. It has been syndicated since the Spring of 2017 and has numerous affiliate radio stations across the US.