Bend Don't Break (Neil Dubord)

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Sande Higgins, an RCMP member who bravely shares her unique story of survival, followed by trauma.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Sande who, several years ago, boarded a plane five days before getting married to the love of her life, to moments later finding herself as a survivor. Sande describes the traumatizing experience and how it accompanied her in silence for many years, painfully but away from the sight of her close ones. Sande has remained resilient in the face of all the different obstacles she had to overcome and shares her story to encourage anyone suffering to seek help. Listen to this inspiring story!

Key Takeaways:

[2:53] Sande shares her background and how she became part of the RCMP.

[5:19] Sande expands on her experience in residential schools.

[6:45] Sande describes the mounted community.

[8:12] Each member had their own home at the mounted community.

[9:25] When the incident occurred, Sande was days away from her wedding. She talks about her relationship with her partner back then.

[12:46] Sande boarded the plane, and nothing seemed odd.

[15:17] What happened on July 4th?

[20:24] What is Telecom?

[21:18] Sande stops and tries to process what just happened.

[23:25] Sande talks about her injuries.

[25:45] Sande made sure everyone was all right.

[28:00] Sande got married five days after the incident.

[28:41] Sande returned to work pretty fast; she explained what that looked like. 

[30:23] Before getting back to work, Sande consulted a psychologist.

[33:25] Sande had a son; she is convinced he saved her; shifting the focus was the key to starting healing.

[38:15] Sande confesses having thoughts of dying.

[39:11] Sande’s doctor told her she had PTSD years after the event.

[40:55] Sande receives a treatment plan for her PTSD.

[43:23] Sande talks about where she is on her journey today.

[45:18] How does Sande see a change in perspectives in the RCMP regarding mental health?

[47:33] Sande discusses survivor’s guilt.

[48:58] It is never too late to ask for help.

Mentioned in this Episode:

RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

*This episode contains graphic language.* In this episode, Cst. Mike Willford of the Abbotsford Police Department joins the podcast to share his personal story on compassion fatigue.

Mike and Chief Neil Dubord discuss Mike’s experience of being the ‘helper’, but not seeking help for himself and how that led to physical symptoms he could not ignore.

His story is a unique but common one in the sense that there was no one, single event that stood out or led to his symptoms; it was the small incidents that added up over time.

Today’s story is an incredible one — but even more incredible is the resiliency today’s guest shows through his journey over the last several years. 

Ryan (Chopper) Masales started as a police officer in 2001 at the Vancouver Police Department. He worked there for 11 years before he transferred to Abby PD in 2010. He spent the major part of his career working as a undercover operator and is well known in the policing world for his knowledge of drugs. Chopper has been a good friend of the Delta Police Department for a long time — helping them through many significant investigations with his incredible undercover work. He’s done many wonderful things to help keep our community safe. To this day, he continues to work at the JIBC by delivering lectures to the new recruits related to drugs and UC work. 

On August 26th, 2016, Ryan suffered a seizure while at work. He was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital where a subsequent scan revealed a tumor in the left lower quadrant of his brain. Surgeons were able to safely remove 95% of his tumor but a biopsy of the tumor later revealed the devastating news that Ryan has Glioblastoma Multiforme: Stage 4, Terminal Brain Cancer. The expected survival rate of this form of cancer is no longer than 5 years and Chopper has just passed 3 years living with this disease. Though Chopper has come to terms with the fact that his life will probably not be spared, he has promised his family that he will continue to fight the fight. 

To say today’s episode is a powerful one is an understatement. The resiliency Chopper shows and the story he shares cannot be put into words — so we hope you all will listen in.

Chopper's family has created a Go Fund Me page to help raise $200,000 to get him to Arizona for treatment at the Ivy Brain Tumor Centre. 

If you want to support Chopper in the fight for his life, please go to: GoFundMe.com/f/Fight-Chopper.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] About today’s incredible episode.

[:55] Chief Neil Dubord gives his thanks to listeners and shares a special story from a fellow police officer listener.

[2:25] Chopper and Chief Neil Dubord provide some background on Chopper’s career as a police officer as well as his medical condition that first showed up in August, 2016.

[4:25] Chopper speaks about his career as a police officer and the passion he had for the various positions he held.

[9:00] Taking a look further into his career, Chopper speaks about his involvement in Project Starboard with DPD in 2016.

[16:14] Taking us to August 2016, Chopper recalls the day he learned about his brain tumor.

[25:17] Chopper shares the experience of receiving his diagnosis.

[34:42] Chopper shares some of his experiences living with glioblastoma.

[39:56] Chopper speaks about what he has done to manage his glioblastoma and general health.

[45:00] Chopper speaks about one of his other passions: art!

[49:34] What Chopper wants his legacy to be.

[55:00] Chopper’s wife, Estelize, speaks about her experiences as a police officer and her perspective on their journey together.

[1:03:57] Chopper shares a valuable story about Keith Logan from the BC Municipal Undercover Program (BCMUP).

[1:15:54] Chopper expresses how important social support has been during his journey.

[1:18:02] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some important pieces from Chopper’s story.

[1:19:35] Aaron Hill thanks Chopper for sharing his story on the podcast and shares his thoughts.

[1:20:20] Chief Neil Dubord thanks Chopper for joining the podcast and presents him with a commitment coin.

Mentioned in this Episode:

GoFundMe.com/f/Fight-Chopper

Chopper’s Instagram: @Choppermxforlife

FightChopper.Wordpress.com

Vancouver Police Department
Carolyn Sinclair - Manager of the Provincial Overdose Mobile Response Team

Project Starboard

Glioblastoma

Gord Downie

Marc Roy Tattoo Artist

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

On this week’s episode, Bend, Don’t Break is welcoming on their first guest from the Vancouver Police Department — Constable Craig Look!

Constable Craig Look is a 16-year member with the Vancouver Police Department and has worked in various sections within the department, with a focus on taking a proactive approach toward policing. Away from work, Constable Look spends his time with his family and volunteer-coaching for his children's sports teams.  

In this episode, Constable Look shares his stories about two significant calls he received within his career. One of them dates back about 15 years ago when he first started out at the department and still impacts him to this day. It began as a standard report call and ended with him being stabbed several times, followed by months of recovery. Constable Look outlines these events in great detail on this podcast, reflects on some of his main struggles and challenges throughout these trying times, and explains some of the primary methods of recovery that helped him get better (both mentally and physically.)

The purpose of this podcast is all about hearing other people’s stories on the force and learning about how they persevered through the challenges they’ve faced — and Constable Look’s is no exception! He shows incredible resilience and truly highlights what the show is all about.

Key Takeaways:

[:50] Chief Neil Dubord gives thanks to listeners for tuning in.

[1:22] Chief Neil Dubord introduces today’s episode and guest.

[1:48] Constable Craig Look introduces himself and speaks about his background with the Vancouver Police Department.

[4:07] Constable Look tells the story of attending a very significant call early within his career.

[14:36] The incredible impact these kinds of incidents has on first responders and police officers.

[15:08] Constable Look recounts what happens next in his story.

[16:05] Craig reflects on the huge amount of support immediately following the event and the challenges and struggles he faced while recovering.

[19:07] How long was Craig off work?

[19:50] Craig speaks about the struggles he faced after the incident such as night terrors and flashbacks.

[21:24] What did Craig do to help himself recover, both mentally and physically?

[25:12] How did Craig spend his time alone while recovering?

[26:33] Craig reflects on the incident and the “what ifs,” then tells the story of another significant incident that occurred 9 years later (in 2013).

[36:54] How Craig managed this 2013 incident.

[39:32] How Craig used humor to assist in his recovery.

[41:37] Chief Neil Dubord highlights the unique lessons in Constable Look’s stories.

[42:34] Craig speaks about the written log he kept for his daughter and how it was incredibly therapeutic for him.
[44:55] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some of the key learnings from today’s podcast.

[45:29] Aaron Hill chimes in with some of his closing thoughts.

[46:04] Chief Neil Dubord thanks Constable Craig Look for joining the podcast today.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Vancouver Police Department

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Chief Neil Dubord is accompanied this week by Dr. Kendra Devor, who dives deep into her efforts regarding the Wellness Program designed to assist first responders in overcoming the repercussions of critical incidents they often endure in service.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kendra Devor Psy. D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist out of Orange County, California. Her professional experience has focused on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Dr. Devor has extensive experience working with first responders and their family members.

Key Takeaways:

[1:45] Kendra introduces herself.

[4:10] Kendra talks about her certifications.

[5:14] Kendra shares about a particular client who has gone through several traumatic incidents.

[8:26] EMDR is an amazing therapeutic modality designed to treat trauma, Kendra explains why.

[10:39] Kendra continues talking about this specific client who got to therapy after his third critical incident; she addresses the two first traumatic events.

[14:49] Now, this deputy went through two more critical incidents.

[16:01] Less than one year later, this particular deputy is stronger and happier than ever.

[17:45] Kendra shares the best tools for assisting first responders.

[20:03] Kendra expresses her gratitude and honor for being trusted by cops.

[20:53] Kendra talks about the Wellness Program.

[24:01] Kendra addresses the invaluable importance of training.

[25:03] Physical wellness is also involved in the Wellness Program.

[27:41] Kendra shares her thoughts on the mental health stigma.

[30:22] Kendra advises: Go to therapy before you feel like you need it, and if you don’t like the clinician, it is not that therapy isn't for you; just seek another therapist.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Welcome to Bend Don’t Break — a Delta Police podcast on police officers using the power of storytelling to strengthen their resiliency — with your host, Chief Neil Dubord. In this episode, Chief Dubord is joined by Delta Police Officer, Constable Aaron Hill, to bravely share his story in its entirety. 

Aaron’s story greatly reflects the themes of this podcast: resiliency and overcoming incredible challenges. His story provides significant lessons and key takeaways that can be applied to anyone — regardless of position, career, or aspirations.

His story starts back in 2011, when he was the subject of an excessive use of force complaint. During that process, he also received a deceit allegation which threatened his career as a police officer. Amidst that, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and found out his father’s health was on the decline. With his aspirations headed towards a SWAT Operator he began to lose hope — but through it all, he persevered. 

Join Chief Dubord and Aaron this episode to hear all about how he overcame his challenges, turning his life and outlook around from one of immense negativity, to one of positivity and abundance.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Chief Dubord welcomes Constable Aaron Hill to the podcast and they share some banter.

[1:43] Aaron tells his story of the main challenges he has faced.

[17:58] How Aaron was feeling about his job at the time of facing his career challenges.

[19:48] How management could have made Aaron feel supported back when he was facing his career challenges.

[22:55] What initially helped Aaron get out of his “funk.”

[24:37] How Aaron recognized and broke out of his victim mentality.

[26:40] Why it is sometimes necessary to hit rock bottom in order to go up.

[28:18] Could anyone else have told Aaron the truth during his “rock bottom?” Would he have listened?

[29:45] When he started to notice a really big change in his outlook.

[30:54] The key takeaways of Aaron’s recovery.

[31:27] Other things Aaron does to manage stress.

[34:34] Aaron’s advice to those who are struggling to overcome their own challenges.

[34:00] Does Aaron look at others differently now as he continues to have a more positive outlook in the workplace?

[37:05] What does Aaron hope to come from these podcasts?

[38:14] One last, tough question for Aaron: you’re going into Dairy Queen, what are you ordering?

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at: DeltaPolice.ca.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Chris Bentley.

Chris and Chief Neil Dubord discuss the topic of vicarious trauma. You don’t always have to be right on the front line to experience the side effects from a traumatic incident.

Chris shares his experience assisting with the wildfire effort in 2011 in Slave Lake, AB, and how it impacted his mental health in the years that followed. He speaks about the ups and downs he went through during and following the catastrophic event.

When we see despair all around us, we can be weighed down by the helplessness of the situation. Chris’ story is one that will relate to many others. Be sure to not miss out on his powerful story.

In this episode, Chief Neil Dubord speaks with Detective Greg Linkert from the Calgary Police Service, who shares his journey of resilience in the face of adversity after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Greg discusses his career in law enforcement, including his time in specialty sections such as the tactical team and bomb unit. He recounts the symptoms he experienced before his MS diagnosis and the challenges he faced in accepting his condition. Greg emphasizes the importance of communication, support systems, and maintaining a positive mindset. He also shares his involvement in the MS walk and peer support programs.

Takeaways

Appreciate the simple things in life and find joy in everyday experiences.

Adapt and accept the challenges that come with a diagnosis or disability.

Maintain open communication with your support system and seek help when needed.

Choose to define your own story and focus on the possibilities rather than dwelling on the past.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Appreciating Simple Things

00:30 Specialty Sections in Police Career

01:25 Greg Linkert's Career Journey

03:10 Diagnosis of MS

04:08 Living with MS

05:28 Refereeing and Skating Issues

06:26 Delayed Diagnosis of MS

07:24 First Real Incident of MS Symptoms

08:55 Continued Symptoms and Denial

09:23 Seeking Medical Help

10:21 36-Hour Adventure at the ER

11:16 MS Diagnosis Confirmed

12:44 Medical Professionals Involved

13:42 Physiatrist and Coping Skills

14:38 Peer Support and MS Walk

16:05 Fear and Adapting to MS

18:05 Teaching Recruit Class and Body Worn Camera

20:04 Life Now and Physical Limitations

22:30 Walking Around the Island

23:56 Support Systems

25:23 Importance of Communication

26:53 Choosing Your Story

28:19 Peer Support and Giving Back

28:55 Message to Others

30:25 Summary and Gratitude

This week, Bob Rich joins the podcast! Bob was the Chief of the Abbotsford Police for 10 years, retiring in 2018. Prior to that, he was with the Vancouver Police for 28 years, finishing his time as the Deputy Chief of Operations.

Bob’s story begins just before 2015. During his time in Abbotsford, the Department faced a number of difficult events — both in the community and within the Department.

He dealt with two suicides, him and his team being under investigation, a member being charged through an internal investigation, a leadership crisis, and several more traumatic events.

After a very difficult 2015, Bob and his team changed their focus to "the two M's: the Mission and the Members” after realizing how many first responders are being hurt by the work they do. Since then, Bob has been working to change how we can run our agencies so members stay well throughout their entire career.

Tune in as Bob shares his key learnings through his experiences, both personally and professionally; how he has stayed intune with his emotions through these extremely tough events; what he has done to help himself and the other members of the organization deal with these tragic events as well as their mental wellbeing; and, overall, what has helped Bob stay together in these trying times.

Key Takeaways:

[:46] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes retired Chief Bob Riche.

[1:51] Discussing the theme of resiliency.

[3:00] Bob begins his story with the two events that happened in early 2015.

[7:42] What Bob has learned from these experiences as a leader.

[8:00] Continuing his story, Bob outlines the next horrible event that followed.

[9:40] Bob’s lesson in this story.

[10:16] In June, shares the story of another devastating suicide.

[13:38] Bob speaks about his son, a police officer, and how that impacted him during all of these events.

[15:05] How Bob has managed to connected to his emotions and vulnerable side during all of these extremely tough events.

[17:54] What Bob has done in the organization to help its members deal with harassment, tragic events, and their mental wellbeing.

[27:29] Bob describes his leadership style, the change in their workplace culture after 2015, and the wellness plan that came about in 2017.

[33:09] Bob speaks the next two significant traumatic events.

[41:01] What has helped Bob stay together during these trying times.

[46:50] Chief Neil Dubord covers some of the key lessons and takeaways from Bob’s stories on leadership and learning over the last 4-5 years.

[49:28] Bob leaves the podcast with some final, profound thoughts.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Brené Brown’s Ted Talk on “The Power of Vulnerability”

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

In this week’s episode, Retired Sergeant Chris Borgstede joins the podcast to speak with Chief Neil Dubord about the impactful experiences in his life — both personally and professionally.

Chris has been a longtime member of the Delta Police Department, starting his career back in 1992. Previously, Chris was a lawyer, but decided to make the career switch and found his true passion in policing. Chris is now coming up on his 26th year with the department and will be retiring this month. He’s had a career full of rich experiences and was a fantastic cop.

With Chief Neil Dubord today, Chris shares some of the significant struggles that he has gone through; an incredibly difficult relationship, a nearly fatal motorcycle accident, a diagnosis of pancreatitis, and a suicide.

Listen in to hear all of the lessons Chris has learned personally and throughout his career — and hopefully, you can apply some of these takeaways to your own life as well.

Key Takeaways:

[:43] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Chris Borgstede to the podcast.

[1:05] Chief Neil Dubord kicks off the podcast with some easy questions for Chris.

[1:33] Chris gives a background on his career with the DPD.

[4:26] Chris talks about his background in canine work with DPD.

[6:41] About the relationship Chris had living with another police officer.

[9:48] The early signs of depression and mental health issues Chris started to notice in his girlfriend.

[12:31] Chris speaks about the general routine of things when her depression was at its worst.

[14:08] How this was effecting Chris’ emotions and stress levels.

[15:28] What Chris’ work life was like at this time.

[15:53] Chris talks about when he realized he had to make a change in his life, what decision he decided to make regarding the situation, and how he began to cope with it.

[17:50] Chris’ building issues, being diagnosed pancreatitis, and seeing a psychologist for the first time.

[20:34] Chris’ nearly fatal motorcycle accident.

[24:32] Chris reflects on his change of heart and motivation to make the best of his life.

[26:33] What Chris pursued after physical and emotional rehab.

[27:56] Getting a call from his ex who was in an accident.

[28:38] Chris speaks about his experience coping with the suicide of his ex.

[30:45] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes some of Chris’ key lessons.

[32:27] What else Chris would say has helped him cope and work through his emotions.

[34:45] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes the podcast and thanks Chris for his time.

[35:40] Chris signs off with some parting words.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Today on Bend Don’t Break, your host Chief Neil Dubord is interviewing someone from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) — a first for the podcast! Cathleen Falebrinza is an RCMP officer who first was trained at the RCMP training academy, ‘Depot’, in 2004. When she graduated in 2005, she was posted to Quesnel, British Columbia where she met her future husband, Stuart, who she now has been married to for 14 years and has two stepdaughters with.

In 2014 however, life as she knew it changed forever. During her time in the Chilliwack Serious Crime Unit she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis — a lung disease she was told could not be cured and would get progressively worse until she died from it. Cathleen didn’t let this news stop her however. She continued to go to work and was fitted with an oxygen change on her back that she had to change out 3-4 times a day. She soon learned that having a double lung transplant would be the only way to continue living.

The incredible resiliency and passion Cathleen displays through her story is powerful. Her ability to come back in such a strong and dynamic way after facing such challenges and contribute in such a meaningful way to the community is second to none.

Tune in to hear about Cathleen’s journey as she speaks about how she faced this incredibly challenging and life-changing health concern, how she balanced work, what helped most in her recovery — from her colleague’s support to physical therapy, and where she is today with everything.

Key Takeaways:

[:40] About today’s episode and guest, Cathleen Falebrinza.

[1:14] Chief Neil Dubord reads a few of the emails they’ve received about the podcast!

[3:07] Cathleen speaks about her role as an RCMP officer and her journey to getting to that role.

[4:29] Cathleen shares what she was experiencing at the time when she was becoming sick and the ultimate deciding factor in her deciding to seek help/get diagnosed.

[7:13] Getting her diagnosis and what her life was like immediately after.

[10:08] Cathleen speaks about what this diagnosis meant for her career.

[11:17] Why did Cathleen immediately decide to go back to work after her diagnosis?

[12:13] What Cathleen change anything now about this situation if she could?

[12:35] Cathleen speaks about showing up to work with an oxygen tank on her back.

[13:12] During this time does Cathleen go to see any counselors or psychologists?

[13:49] Did Cathleen have any days of, “Why me?” How did she get through them?

[15:22] Cathleen elaborates on the organ donation odds and process.

[15:47] After receiving her diagnosis, how long did Cathleen work for?

[16:45] How did Cathleen receive oxygen when she was asleep at home?

[17:08] How much did this all cost?

[17:50] How the organization helped reduce Cathleen’s stresses related to her diagnosis.

[19:29] Does Cathleen believe everyone would receive the same treatment she did from the organization?

[20:40] How long was Cathleen at home for, waiting for a transplant?

[20:46] Cathleen tells the story of her transplant experience.

[25:14] What is Cathleen’s husband’s memory of the transplant experience?

[25:35] Waking up with a new pair of lungs: Cathleen shares her experience.

[28:00] Cathleen speaks about her family support at the time.

[28:58] What was her doctor at the time saying to Cathleen?

[29:11] What helped Cathleen’s lungs begin to work?

[29:32] Does Cathleen know who’s lungs she has?

[29:47] How does it feel to have new lungs? How does she feel toward the donor?

[30:50] 2 ½ years into receiving her new lungs, how does Cathleen feel now?

[31:47] Back at work, Cathleen speaks about the kind of work she is now doing.

[32:53] Cathleen speaks about life in general and reflects on the news of her diagnosis and learning that she needed an organ donor.

[34:24] Cathleen speaks more about the importance of becoming an organ donor.

[35:00] What Cathleen thinks helped keep her resilient and positive and be able to make it through to the other side.

[36:05] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some key parts within Cathleen’s story.

[38:03] Cathleen gives a quick shout-out to the colleagues that supported her during this difficult time.

[38:48] How physical activity had a huge impact on Cathleen’s health both physically and mentally.

[41:00] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes some of the key pieces in Cathleen’s story that helped with her recovery and Cathleen brings up a few more key pieces.

[42:27] Chief Neil Dubord gives his many thanks to Cathleen.

[43:13] Chief Neil Dubord presents Cathleen with a commitment coin.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Bend Don’t Break Episode: “The Challenge of a Lifetime: Sergeant Ray Athwal’s Wait for a New Heart”

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by RCMP Cst. Shelby Murphy. In this episode, Shelby shares her story from her time in the RCMP’s Sex Crimes section investigating child sexual assaults and child pornography. Shelby shares that these investigations deeply impacted her physically, mentally and emotionally, to the point where she ended up suffering from PTSD and lived in shame for years.

Shelby talks about how sharing her story was met with love and understanding, not the judgement and stigma she feared. Her story is inspirational, filled with life lessons and hope.

A 20 year RCMP officer, Rob Farrer recognized the need for more awareness associated with post-traumatic stress disorder amongst first responders. Rob took it upon himself to hike 1 kilometer for every fallen officer of the RCMP -  239 kilometers in 56.5 hours, over the course of three straight days.

Rob shares his process of why he decided to do the walk, what the walk was like, and what happened as a result.

After a 21-year career with B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), Cst. Julien Ponsioen joined the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, serving Vancouver’s Downtown Community area as a Neighbourhood Police Officer. In this episode, Julien speaks about the adversities he’s faced on and off the job, including trauma while with EHS, as well as coming to terms, and coming out as gay to family and colleagues.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by   Ryan Moore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Ryan about his struggle with PTSD and how he ended up helping others due to his own healing journey.

Ryan has indigenous roots and received his formal name when he was young, he was called Big Uncle, a name they hadn’t given for a while in his culture, which represents somebody who looks after people, a perfect name that foresaw his destiny. 

In his role helping others, Ryan experienced extreme situations, which over time disturbed his peace, work, and relationships. Ryan turned his suffering into an opportunity to find himself again and to learn how to take care of his own mental health, which today he applies in helping others struggling with PTSD. Get inspired by Ryan’s brave journey, if he could, so do you!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Ryan talks about himself, his career, and how he got to join the RCMP.

[3:30] Ryan is also an indigenous member.

[5:04] Ryan shares his experience with PTSD.

[10:45] Ryan finally realizes he is suffering from PTSD (even though it was obvious to his closest ones).

[12:46] Ryan recalls the origins of PTSD in his life.

[21:34] The training that officers don’t receive.

[22:21] Ryan discusses his life as a veteran.

[27:43] Ryan and Chied Dubord address that moment when an officer realizes he/she needs time off because something is not correct.

[31:57] Ryan wants to get involved in Veteran’s Affairs by making a presentation, but things get complicated, and Ryan loses control.

[37:56] Ryan finds himself at home with no road map of what to do next; he shares how he found his way during that time.

[40:36] Ryan gets introduced to a particular treatment for people struggling with PTSD.

[44:07] Ryan was hesitant about the program; he did not think it was meant for him since he didn’t feel ready to retire. 

[46:26] Ryan was sent home, which was the beginning of his recovery.

[48:26] Today, Ryan helps others on their journeys toward healing from PTSD.

[54:50] Ryan shares how he connects with other service members in need.

[56:12] Ryan’s first day back at work felt like a million dollars.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

In this week’s episode of Bend, Don’t Break another firefighter joins the podcast! Erik Bjarnason is a career firefighter with the North Vancouver City Fire Department, who has recently retired. He is also a long-time member of North Shore Rescue and an avid mountaineer. Erik has climbed mountains in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America; completed a month-long dogsled trip in the Arctic to the magnetic North Pole; and explored the entire length of the Amazon from the highest point in Bolivia to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Today, Erik is sharing the story of the most impactful expedition he went on that almost turned fatal. The aftermath of this expedition left him missing all of his fingers and one of his thumbs. His family was told to be prepared for the worst. 

Listen in to hear how he overcame challenges related to the loss of his fingers such as alcohol addiction, conflict in the workplace, and ultimately finding ways to alleviate his stress, recovery, getting back to work, and more.

Key Takeaways:

[:40] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Erik Bjarnason to the podcast.

[1:04] What did Erik have for breakfast today?

[1:28] Erik speaks about his background as a firefighter.

[2:30] Erik tells the incredible story of how he lost all of his fingers and one thumb.

[5:00] Erik speaks about the lasting impacts (of the expedition that took his fingers) on his colleagues.

[6:09] How long was Erik in the hospital after this expedition?

[7:38] Erik speaks about the grave news his family received when he was in the hospital.

[8:19] Erik shares what was going through his mind when he thought he potentially might lose his job due to the injuries he sustained during the expedition.

[10:04] Erik speaks about some of the dark days during his healing and how he coped.

[11:13] Erik speaks about where his main support came from and what ultimately helped him get back to work.

[12:15] How long did it take for Erik to get back to work?

[12:28] When was Erik’s first expedition back?

[13:10] Erik shares some of his interactions with his colleagues when he got back to work.

[13:58] How Erik coped with withdrawing from his coworkers and feeling isolated.

[16:25] What changed in Erik’s life to flip the switch and change his life around.

[18:18] How Erik got the helped he needed through a motorcycle club.

[22:08] Is Erik still friends with the people from the motorcycle club that helped him get better?

[21:03] Erik explains the controversial photo and article that destroyed the club overnight.

[24:12] Did Erik witness anything ‘nefarious’ at this club from his own experience?

[24:35] How Erik regained the use of his left hand through Naked Prosthetics.

[27:31] How Erik developed through these experiences

[29:04] Erik speaks about his retirement and what he’s doing now.

[30:15] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some of the key lessons from this week’s episode.

[31:19] Why having a purpose makes all the difference in the world.

[31:55] Erik speaks about how you’re the only one who can haul yourself out of your dark days.

[32:58] Chief Neil Dubord thanks Erik for joining him in this episode.

[34:07] Aaron Hill joins the podcast and gives his thoughts.

[35:31] Chief Neil Dubord presents a commitment coin to Erik Bjarnason and thanks him once again for joining Bend, Don’t Break today!

Mentioned in this Episode:

North Vancouver City Fire Department

North Shore Rescue

Naked Prosthetics

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

In this powerful episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Dr. Nolan Beise, neuroscientist and CEO of Circle—a groundbreaking Canadian neurotechnology company.

Dr. Beise shares how first responders can proactively strengthen their brain health using innovative brainwave sensing technology.

Drawing parallels to physical fitness, Dr. Beise explains how measurable, actionable insights can transform mental resilience and prevent the neurological injuries often caused by high-stress careers.

First responders will learn:

• How to identify early signs of mental strain before it becomes a crisis.

• The critical link between brain health and peak performance.

• Practical, self-directed tools to build long-term resilience without stigma.

Whether you’re a first responder or a leader in policing, corrections, or firefighting, this episode introduces a game-changing approach to mental wellness.

Discover how Circle's technology equips you to face the toughest challenges, stay mentally sharp, and redefine what "normal" can look like.

🎧 Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize how you care for your most essential tool—your brain.

Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with psychologist Dr. Mark Davies. Mark has recently joined the Delta Police Department and works with our wellness section to help our officers be mentally healthy. A psychologist on staff is not a completely new thing, but it goes a long way to show how committed the DPD is to employee wellness.

Mark believes organizational culture can reduce barriers and contribute to healthy mental well-being. In speaking about a study conducted at Harvard, Dr. Davies states, “Unit cohesion in the military was a negative predictor of PTSD by a 20% variance.”  Essentially, having the proper mechanisms in place before trauma occurs, can reduce the chance and severity of trauma, if and when trauma does happen.

Mark emphasizes the value of organizational culture, why he chose to work with first responders, and how his own lived experience is now helping him contribute to the DPD’s environment to help its officers.  “Mental health isn’t about preventing bad, it’s about being really great.”

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

In this powerful episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, we sit down with Daniel P. Smith, a seasoned journalist and author with deep personal ties to law enforcement.

Daniel shares intimate stories from his life growing up in a family of Chicago police officers and explores the emotional toll the job takes on those who serve. From tragic incidents that forever change officers’ lives to the ripple effects on their families, this conversation reveals the unseen struggles and resilience of first responders.

Daniel's unique perspective sheds light on the trauma and triumphs of law enforcement, offering hope, understanding, and a powerful call for empathy.

Get ready for another fascinating, powerful, and insightful episode of The Bend Don’t Break podcast! This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Vancouver Fire Lieutenant Jenn Dawkins. Jenn has some incredible experience both in and out of her role as a firefighter and a powerful story of resilience that anybody can learn from.

Jenn’s story is one that anyone could relate to. She speaks about the challenges of being one of seven women that were a part of an 800-person organization, her firefighting career, the health challenges she has faced and overcome, and the strategies she has put in place to keep her physically and mentally well. No matter what your journey in mental health and wellness may look like, Jenn’s story is one not to miss.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined again by James Hardy who has been in policing for more than 4 decades, he was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police then over to the  Calgary Police Service, and later developed a consulting career.

This episode is the second part of an amazing conversation with James. He shares how a large team of police officers investigated the murder of 4 RCMP officers on a rural property in Alberta in 2005. In addition to investigating the murder, James was one of the senior members in charge of making sure the mental health of his team was taken care of, and he speaks of the increasing importance of continuing to care for officers mental wellness 17 years after the tragedy

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the event that took place on January 23rd, 2023, when the Delta Police Department received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Jonny Morris, who reached out during the crisis faced on that bridge and extended his support through a long negotiation process that lasted 8 hours and also caused the closing of the bridge, which created discontent from the general population which was affected by this security measure.

The overall decision to close the bridge was complex but guided by the belief in the importance of preserving life, which first responders and committed officers achieved, saving this man’s life and successfully assisting an individual with a mental health crisis. 

Key Takeaways:

[4:15] Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins Chief Dubord.

[7:13] Jonny talks about his role and how he advocates for mental health.

[9:44] Jonny shares the successes accomplished and the services the Canadian Mental Health Association gives.

[13:35] Care to Speak and Care for Care Giver and their impact on stress management teams and first responders.

[16:33] Jonny talks about building psychologically safe environments and their work on preventive care.

[19:58] Jonny speaks of the Study in Blue and Gray, a report with many recommendations in cases of people confronting a mental health emergency. 

[23:54] Jonny described the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace. 

[32:40] Why is it so difficult for mental fitness to be on the same footing as physical health?

[39:08] Jonny expresses his gratitude.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Canadian Mental Health Association

Learn more about 13 Factors: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

Anxiety Canada

Call the crisis line:  3-10-6789

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Joining the Bend, Don’t Break Podcast today is Geoff Young. Geoff is 42 years old and has been with the Delta Police Department for 12 years. Prior to joining Delta Police, he served in the infantry in the Canadian Armed Forces in New Brunswick with the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was also a Corrections Officer at Surrey Pre-Trial Services Centre, as well as a commercial pilot for both land and seaplanes. 

In today’s episode, Geoff transparently shares his incredibly courageous story centered around his struggle with opioid addiction. Geoff speaks about the struggles with managing complications from Crohn's disease which led to multiple hospital stays and surgeries, and how the narcotics he was given for 23 months threw his life into a downward spiral. 

From reintegrating work, having tough conversations, the importance of receiving support, to coming out on top of your struggle by ‘owning it,’ and more — you don’t want to miss this week’s episode and the key lessons Geoff shares!

Key Takeaways:

[:40] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Geoff Young to the podcast.

[1:05] Chief Neil Dubord reads a comment from a listener!

[2:21] Geoff Young begins telling his story, starting with an illness he sought medical attention for as well as managing Crohn’s disease.

[6:30] Geoff talks about the emotional side of his addiction to opioids due to his medical condition.

[11:03] Geoff speaks about what’s happening at work while all of this is going on.

[12:42] What happened after Geoff wasn’t getting enough opioids from his medical prescriptions.

[15:37] Life after recovery: receiving criminal charges for altering prescriptions, a police act investigation, learning that he was not getting fired, and receiving treatment.

[17:48] Geoff speaks about what supported him during these stressful times and what gave him the strength to continue.

[19:28] Did Geoff find it bumpy to get reintegrated back into work?

[21:57] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some key lessons and takeaways from Geoff’s story thus far.

[22:50] How “owning it” and having the tough conversations was key in Geoff’s recovery.

[26:15] How long has Geoff been back at work? And how is he feeling today?

[27:25] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes the key lessons from Geoff’s story.

[28:08] Geoff brings up another key lesson from his recovery.

[30:15] Chief Neil Dubord highlights an important aspect from today’s episode.

[30:58] Where to go through the details of Geoff’s trial.

[31:33] Aaron Hill pops into the podcast and thanks Geoff for coming in and highlights his favorite key takeaway.

[33:02] Chief Neil Dubord gives thanks to Geoff Young for sharing his story in this episode.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with Greater Sudbury Police Service Constable James Jefferson. James was involved in a critical incident that had a profound impact on how he managed and functioned.  Until he was ready to acknowledge this impact and do something to help himself, he spiraled to his rock bottom.  But when James did acknowledge the impact, he started a road to recovery for himself, and now uses his experiences and outlook to help others with the GSPS. 

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] Kevin talks about his background and how he became a psychologist working with police officers.

[5:58] Kevin learned in a very short time that his prejudgements and stereotypes about law enforcement officers were not valid.

[6:30] Kevin became the Chief Police Psychologist at LAPD.

[8:35] Kevin talks about the stereotypes regarding policing.

[13:33] Kevin shares an example from a particular consultation a police officer brought to him.

[19:11] How can our worldview be balanced between awareness and hypervigilance?

[22:47] Black-and-white thinking is still really predominant and it is true that on the job this kind of thinking can be life-saving.

[26:51] It is crucially important to connect with a psychologist before a major event happens.

[27:13] How does a psychologist help clients to get perspective around their worldview?

[30:32] Kevin emphasizes the importance of open communication.

[32:04] Kevin talks about organizational stress.

[36:20] Kevin shares a piece of advice to expand a constricted worldview.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

In 2015, Sgt John Musicco, a 14 year veteran with the Victoria Police Department, took what started out as a fairly standard break-and-enter call. The events following were anything further from standard. In the 3 ½ years that followed, John went through a process that, to this day, remains a big part of his life. His story is incredibly invaluable to hear and learn from. He shares the significant hurdles he faced, the strategies he used to cope and move forward, his key lessons, and advice

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes John Musicco on to the podcast and kicks off the episode with an easy question: what did he have for breakfast?

[1:26] About today’s guest, John Musicco.

[1:59] John speaks about his background in policing at the Victoria Police Department.

[5:48] John tells the story of the significant call that came in November 2014 and the events that followed.

[14:11] John speaks about what was going through his head at the time of the incident.

[16:28] John speaks about the days and weeks that followed after the incident.

[19:41] Chief Neil Dubord explains the general process that follows after a critical injury or death.

[20:50] John speaks more about his experience following the incident and details the timeline of the event.

[22:19] Was John back at work during this whole process? And was VPD supportive?

[23:23] John speaks about the counseling he received.

[24:26] John speaks about how his family was feeling during this time.

[25:35] How long was John off work for? And did he take any more work off further down the line due to this incident?

[27:05] How long did it take to get an answer from the IIO?

[28ish] Did he feel he went back to work too soon?

[29:22] John speaks about the moment he broke down and discovered how he was going to start working through it and learn how to cope.

[33:50] John shares the information he received from the IIO 2 years after the incident.

[34:57] How is the media reacting to all of this?

[35:20] Did John know about all the processes he’d have to go through after the IIO?

[36:35] John speaks about the process of the coroner’s inquest.

[38:15] How was John was able to cope throughout this entire process? What were some of his strategies?

[41:34] John shares the results of the coroner’s request.

[42:40] Chief Neil Dubord reiterates John’s journey, key lessons, and advice.

[45:53] Aaron Hill chimes in to speak about his own experience with a similar incident.

[46:55] John gives his advice on letting your family in on the whole process.

[47:53] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some more key lessons from John’s story.

[49:15] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes John’s key strategies.

[49:36] Chief Neil Dubord thanks John for telling his story on the podcast.

[49:45] Aaron Hill comments on John’s story and also thanks him for joining.

[50:05] Why John wanted to share his story on the podcast today.

[50:46] Chief Neil Dubord awards John with a commitment coin.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Greens Plus

Victoria Police Department

IIO

OPCC

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Today’s guest is Lane Douglas Hunt. Lane has been a member with the Victoria Police Department since 2008. She has spent most of her career on the front lines in patrol where she was on the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team for 6 years. Currently, she serves as the Explosives Technician, a Detective in the Special Victims Unit, and a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Outside of work, Lane and her amazing husband, Jeff, are parents to 2 dogs, 50 chickens, a 700-gallon reef tank, and 5 honey bee hives! When they aren't lifting weights or farming they are riding their Harleys on beautiful Vancouver Island together.

In this episode, Lane has an amazing story to share that displays incredible resiliency. The incident happened back in 2011 when she was just a junior member at 24 years old with less than 2 ½ years on the job. Her day started off like any other. She spent the morning filing paperwork and was called to a routine call at a 7-Eleven for someone who reportedly stole a chocolate bar. This routine call took a turn for the worst when she was targeted for a spontaneous attack.

In this powerful story that Lane shares with listeners, she details out all of the events that took place, what she gained from these experiences, and her advice to others. She also speaks about the post-traumatic stress that came with it, but mostly her post-traumatic growth and how she managed to reduce her stress.

Key Takeaways:

[:49] Chief Neil Dubord thanks listeners for their recent feedback and ratings on iTunes.

[1:37] Chief Neil Dubord thanks the team behind the Bend Don’t Break podcast.

[1:57] If you have your own story of resilience you’d like to share on the podcast, you can get in touch with the team at DeltaPolice.ca/Podcast or send them an email at media@deltapolice.ca. 

[2:18] About today’s episode and guest, Lane Douglas Hunt.

[3:09] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Lane to the podcast!

[3:26] What did Lane have for breakfast this morning?

[3:36] Lane’s motivation for staying in shape!

[4:32] What types of movies are Lane’s favourite?

[5:17] Lane gives some background to the story she’s going to tell.

[7:35] Did Lane always want to be a police officer?

[8:55] Lane begins her story that started with a standard, one-man-job call in January 2011, and ended with her sustaining (what she thought at the time to be life-threatening) injuries.

[24:55] Lane continues her story from when she got taken to the hospital after her injuries (the support she received from fellow officers, the treatment she received, and what this situation meant for her going forward).

[30:38] Lane speaks about what she did — as well as what her department did — to help reintegrate her back into work.

[32:30] Lane tells us about what she went on to do after recovering from her injury.

[34:26] Lane elaborates on what was happening for her personally and emotionally when she got back to work and explains the PTSD she was experiencing.

[40:48] Lane speaks about her lowest low: getting removed from the ERT team.

[44:56] How Lane turned things around for herself (with some help from Brian Willis).

[48:12] What else played a role in Lane recovering and beginning to feel a lot better?

[52:37] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some key takeaways from Lane’s story.

[52:10] Lane speaks about the road that got her back to where she needed to be.

[54:55] How long was Lane off from work the second time? Would she have given herself more time to get back to work in hindsight?

[57:20] Lane shares how mindfulness played a big part in her recovery.

[58:44] Chief Neil Dubord summarizes the timeline of Lane’s story.

[59:16] Lane speaks about what happened when she lost her position on the ERT team and was back on patrol in her old position.

[1:01:55] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some more key takeaways from Lane’s story.

[1:03:13] Aaron joins the podcast and gives his thoughts on Lane’s story.

[1:05:41] Chief Neil Dubord rewards Lane with a commitment coin for sharing her incredible story on the podcast.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Bosch (Amazon Prime TV series)

Brian Willis

Bob Delaney

Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress, by Bob Delaney and Dave Scheiber

Bend Don’t Break Episode: “When a Routine Call Turns Life-Threatening: Constable Craig Look’s Story”
Ten Percent Happier App

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Welcome back to the Bend Don’t Break podcast! Chief Neil Dubord is welcoming RCMP Sergeant Major Sebastien Lavoie to this episode.

Sgt. Major Lavoie’s career highlights include the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program and the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team.

In their conversation together, Sgt. Major Lavoie talks about his career journey, the lessons he has learned through difficult experiences and the recovery plan that he developed to ensure people on his team were provided with enough support through critical incidents. He also shares how to build resilience without trauma, and how to build your emotional IQ.

If you’re a leader or colleague of someone who is going through a difficult time right now this episode will be particularly impactful for you.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Grayson Hawkings and Joel Thirsk from the Delta Police Department.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Grayson and Joel about their intervention in a case that had an unexpected turn and how they handled a complex and uncertain incident in the Ferry Terminal, displaying a magnificent team effort.  Both Grayson and Joel share the impact the process that followed the event had on them since they were not able to talk to anyone about the incident for many months. They also speak of the strategies and tools they used to keep their psychological strength and clarity. 

Key Takeaways:

[1:43] Grayson shares about himself

[2:07] Joel talks about how he joined the Delta Police Department.

[3:17] Reflection on a previous call involving Grayson and Joel. Four years ago, Joel and Grayson got a peculiar call about a child stuck in mud.

[4:09] Introduction of crisis call. Radio clip of the police communicating during the incident at the ferry terminal.

[7:50] Grayson talks about that call.

[13:05] Grayson had to run after the man that was driving the taxi.

[13:36] Joel shares what he knew about what was happening.

[14:39] Grayson and Joel were at the moment working by themselves, each in a one-person unit.

[14:55] Grayson explains the yelling in the radio clip.

[16:33] Joel shares how he got to support Grayson.

[18:30] Grayson finds out the man has a knife.

[20:55]  Grayson talks about what happened after the man starts to harm himself..

[23:40] From de-escalation to applying first aid.

[24:40] Grayson distances himself from the scene to catch his breath.

[26:09] Joel shares the events after the man harmed himself and all the questions he had in his mind at the moment.

[28:12] Grayson returned to the office, and anxiety started to kick in.

[29:46] Grayson and Joel discuss the impact of being unable to speak with anyone about what happened.

[32:08] Grayson shares how upsetting it was for his belt to be taken from him.

[32:50] Joel did not sleep well after the event.

[35:34] How was it like to get back to work? 

[36:55] Grayson and Joel did not know how long the process would be.

[37:50] They could speak to no one (not even the psychologist or teammates)

[40:57] Joel and Grayson discuss their strategies to continue working and staying positive.

[44:01] Months turned into years, what did Joel and Grayson do over that period of time?

[45:54] Eighteen months later, they have to talk about the incident. How fresh was it in their minds?

[47:42] There is a need to understand the process.

[49:45] Social connections are crucially important inside and outside of the police.

[51:42] Did they do anything to try to stop the event from repeating itself in their minds?

[54:09] Would there have been any advantage if they were allowed to tell the story sooner? 

[55:13] Joel grew up in a police family.

[56:45] Chief Dubord summarizes the advice that Joel and Grayson provided.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Mark Bouchard. Mark first joined the Delta Police Department in 2007 and in 2020, Mark left the Delta Police to join the RCMP. Currently, he is serving on RCMP’s North District Emergency Response Team that he has been a part of since March 2021.

In this episode, Mark shares some of the life-changing experiences he has gone through throughout his career from patrol to ERT. He candidly speaks on how these experiences have impacted his mental health, what he has done to recover, and his advice to both leaders and first responders on what they can do to support others going through similar experiences or recover from these difficult experiences themselves.

Mark is working on a book about his experience and has a website with helpful resources for first responders. Check out Mark's website at https://markbouchard.ca/

Edmonton Police Service 20 year veteran, Gary Benoit shares a common story that most first responders can relate to - the impact that day-to-day stress can play on one’s health and wellness. Gary shares lessons on facing these challenges head-on, and how to discover your ‘why’ and pave your path to recovery and self-improvement.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Edmonton Police Service

The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman

Bring About What You Think About, by Eddie LeMoine

Oola: Find Balance in an Unbalanced World — The Seven Areas You Need to Balance and Grow to Live the Life of Your Dreams, by Troy Amdahl and Dave Braun

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families, by Kevin M. Gilmartin

This week, John Jasmins joins Chief Neil Dubord to discuss the challenges he has been through throughout his career.

John Jasmins started with the Delta Police Department as a Reserve Constable, and has been a regular member with the department for over 13 years. He has worked in Patrol, Street Crime Unit, Uniform Gang Task Force, CFSEU, Youth Section, and Community Policing. Currently, John is assigned to the North Delta District Community Policing Office and is working on his Master of Laws Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. His wife, Kristina, is also a police officer and is a member of the Surrey RCMP. Together they have 3 children: Dante, Brooklyn and Ari.

John has been through a number of difficult challenges over the course of his career, with the most recent challenge happening only a month ago (from the time this episode was recorded.) From two collision incidents to heart surgery to being stabbed while intervening in an altercation off-duty — John has been through many traumatic events but has also learned a lot along the way. In this episode, he shares in great detail the stories of each event, what he did to overcome them, how he recovered after each one, and what he did to get back to his normal working routine.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes John Jasmins on to the podcast.

[1:15] Chief Neil Dubord opens up this week’s podcast with an easy question for John: what did he have for breakfast?

[2:19] John speaks a bit about his career and then dives into a story of what occured while he was working towards his goal of getting into the CFSEU.

[6:42] What was going through John’s mind when he got into an accident on his first shift in his new position with the CFSEU? And was he getting the support he needed from management at the time?

[9:20] About John’s recovery from the collision accident: how long it took for him to get back to work and the long-term impacts.

[9:54] How much time did John spend with the Uniform Gang Task Force? What position in the department did he hold next?

[10:10] What the Street Crime Unit does at Delta.

[10:47] The second collision John was involved in — this time, with the Street Crime Unit — less than a year later.

[14:42] The importance of management supporting their police officers.

[15:20] Did John feel support from management with this second collision?

[15:42] What could have management done to make John feel more supported during this incident?

[16:14] How John’s career unfolded after this second collision incident.

[16:44] Now transitioned to the Youth Section at the DPD, what sort of work was John doing?

[18:30] In the fall of 2015, John fell brutally ill, leading to him needing open heart surgery.

[20:29] How long was it between the time John was diagnosed and when he had the open heart surgery? How did he manage to keep on working while waiting for the surgery?

[23:12] The tough choice John had to make with which kind of surgery he wanted to have on his heart.

[25:52] The outcome of John’s surgery, the length of his recovery period, and what he did to stay resilient.

[28:36] John begins the story of the most recent incident he was involved in.

[29:38] What were John’s first concern after being stabbed? Did he know how bad it was?

[32:10] Does John have any memories from the ambulance ride or the hospital?

[33:43] John recounts the conversations he had before his life-saving surgery.

[36:18] About John’s recovery post-surgery.

[37:21] What helped John from the organization to overcome these incidents and what he did, himself, to overcome these challenges.

[39:22] Chief Neil Dubord turns it over to Constable Aaron Hill, who speaks about becoming the victor in these kinds of situations; not the victim.

[41:01] John shares some final pieces of wisdom about the lessons he has learned.

[42:20] Chief Neil Dubord thanks John for joining him this episode!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Bend Don’t Break Episode: “The Challenge of a Lifetime: Sergeant Ray Athwal’s Wait for a New Heart”

Bend Don’t Break Episode: “On the Brink of Losing Your Job, Your Health, and Your Father: Constable Aaron Hill’s Lesson in Resiliency”

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

On this edition of Bend Don’t Break, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by a 23-year member of the Calgary Police Service, Dave Sweet.

In this episode, Dave shares key lessons he has learned as a Homicide Detective, impactful moments in his career that have changed his perspective on policing, and the coping strategies he leverages to protect his mental health.

On this episode of "Bend Don't Break," Neil speaks with Jess Flores, a former police officer who has navigated the challenging journey from law enforcement to becoming a transition coach.

Jess shares her gripping story of near-death experiences on the job, her struggle with injury, and the painful reality of losing her law enforcement identity.

Listeners will hear how Jess battled feelings of betrayal, isolation, and hopelessness before finding a new purpose in helping other officers transition out of policing. Jess also dives into how fitness and personal development saved her and inspired her to start "Next Shift" – a coaching service for law enforcement officers finding a new path. This conversation is filled with raw insights into the mental struggles of policing and powerful lessons on resilience, growth, and rediscovery.

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Chief Neil Dubord speaks to the founder of the Vancouver chapter of Beyond the Blue about the need for more peer support for family members of police officers.

As the spouse of a Vancouver Police officer, Erica McKeddie founded Beyond the Blue after tragedy touched her family and her extended police family. Erica shares her story about how Beyond the Blue is working to strengthen and support law enforcement families.

Sergeant Ray Athwal joins Chief Neil Dubord on this week’s episode of Bend Don’t Break. Ray Athwal is 49, married for 23 years, and has two teenage boys. Professionally, he has spent 19 years with DBD. Ray enjoys spending his days motorcycling, socializing with friends and family, and accompanying his children to their hockey and lacrosse games.

On the fateful day of May 8th, 2016; mother’s day, his and his family’s lives were changed forever. His wife suffered a major heart attack that developed into heart failure, leading to many surgeries and a wait for a new heart. With her rare blood-type and the many ups and downs that come with waiting on any kind of transplant, their journey was not an easy one.

In this episode, Ray talks about the challenges they faced together as a family and how he helped support his wife, children, and himself in trying times. This is a story of perseverance, resiliency, family, support, hope, and love.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Ray talks about his motorcycling hobby and the recent trips he’s made.

[2:18] Ray begins telling the story of the biggest challenge in his life thus far.

[7:58] Ray continues his story, meeting up with his wife at the hospital and hearing about the full breadth of damage.

[15:19] Recognizing her heart attack as heart failure, Ray’s wife began to get proper treatment. However, with her blood-type being very difficult to match, more struggles arose.

[16:21] Ray speaks about what happened within his family once they found out she needed a heart transplant.

[18:54] Waiting for a donor; Ray talks about home life, work, and how he managed his stress during this time.

[21:17] Ray talks about how work was going at this time and how he felt supported.

[22:36] Continuing his story, Ray explains their game plan and the recent development of a ventricular assist device being implanted in his wife’s heart.

[23:47] Ray elaborates on the donor drive he started in support for his wife.

[26:05] Chief Neil Dubord highlights important aspects and lessons from Ray’s journey.

[27:27] Ray continues his story about the donor drive and the outcome of it.

[28:18] Ray talks about the ups and downs of their journey and their experience with getting their hopes up with their first offer of a heart transplant.

[30:48] About Ray’s wife finally receiving the heart she needed.

[32:06] Post-transplant, Ray talks about the recovery stages of his wife receiving her heart.

[34:58] Ray speaks about the current situation and how his wife is doing now.

[36:08] How Ray managed to keep his spirits up and the spirits of his family up during this time.

[37:36] Aaron Hill joins the podcast and gives some feedback on how Ray and his situations relate.

[39:05] Ray’s final thoughts for today’s show.

[39:41] Chief Neil Dubord highlights key takeaways from this week’s episode.

[40:35] A few last-minute, hard-hitting questions for Ray: “What’s your favourite movie?” “...Favourite book?” and, “What’d you have for breakfast?”

Mentioned in this Episode:

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Training Day (Film, 2001)

Fear: Trump in the White House, by Bob Woodward

A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, by James Comey

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Courtney Luxen from the Calgary Police Service shares her journey of overcoming functional neurological disorder (FND) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She initially joined the police service with a background in sports medicine but fell in love with the idea of becoming a cop after seeing a female officer in action. Courtney experienced various physical symptoms, including uncontrollable blinking, breathing difficulties, and loss of motor control. After a long and challenging recovery process, she returned to work in a part-time capacity and now advocates for mental health and wellness within the police service.

Takeaways

Seeking therapy and regular check-ins with a mental health professional are essential for everyone, especially those in high-stress professions like policing.

Maintaining physical health, practicing gratitude, and incorporating breath work and meditation can contribute to overall well-being and resilience.

Don't judge others and avoid comparing yourself to others. Each person's journey is unique, and it's important to focus on your own progress.

Recovery from mental health challenges is a lifelong journey, and it's crucial to have a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues.

Never lose hope. Even in the darkest times, there is always the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:12 Becoming a Police Officer

04:05 Getting Sick and Seeking Help

08:25 Diagnosis and Treatment

10:49 Recovery and Rehabilitation

27:00 Returning to Work and Advocating for Mental Health

30:29 Lessons Learned and Advice

34:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Today, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Glen Fenimore, former member of the Calgary Police Service, and currently a Constable with the RCMP. Glen was with the Calgary Police for 14 years before leaving policing to be closer to his family. His service with Calgary included a role in the Priority Crimes Unit which involved being part of undercover operations.

On November 13th, 2011 a horrific crime occurred in Calgary that would eventually have a big impact on Glen’s career and life. In this episode, Glen shares details of the undercover operation he was part of, his trauma that followed, and how he overcame these difficulties both in and out of policing.

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, your host, Chief Neil Dubord, is joined by Delta Police Officer, Constable Jordan MacWilliams once again, to continue his story from last week’s episode.

Jordan has gone through significant events over the last several years — making him the perfect person to discuss the topic of resiliency in the field.

His story starts on November 8th, 2012, a fateful night in both his life and work. Having been sent to a dangerous hostage situation at Starlight Casino, Jordan has to make one of the toughest decisions of his life for the safety of his colleagues. In this episode, Jordan outlines the events that followed this event: his court appearances, avoiding the media, and managing his stress, emotions, and feelings around the whole ordeal. He also highlights key factors in how he managed to overcome his struggles surrounding the situation and gives advice on how to get through similar situations.

Key Takeaways:

[:43] Chief Neil Dubord recaps last week’s episode and Jordan picks up the story where he left it, with the fated phone call.

[3:06] Jordan outlines the events following the phone call: getting a lawyer, going to court, receiving bail, and avoiding the media.

[7:55] Jordan talks about the internal part of the week after being charged: managing stress and emotions, and his feelings towards the organization.

[11:00] Jordan explains how he managed to have a positive outlook on the situation and gives his advice to others.

[13:51] Who helped Jordan the most get through this difficult time? And what did they do to make him feel better?

[15:57] How Jordan’s 2014 ended (in terms of where he was with the organization).

[19:43] The early events in 2015, 30 months after being charged: watching the tape of the incident for the first time, his second court appearance, and hearing the hostage’s side of the story.

[24:04] The summer of 2015: the moment Jordan was waiting for that marked his freedom.

[26:00] Jordan talks about an important factor in his recovery: choice.

[27:47] Jordan reflects on the importance of structure.

[29:30] What Jordan considers to be a key component in helping him to overcome his struggle.

[32:02] Jordan’s suggestions for how to help others we may not know are carrying silent struggles or burdens.

[34:45] Chief Neil Dubord gives his thanks to Jordan for talking about his story.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

This episode is part two of the two-part series with Lt. Joshua Bitsko from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

In the first part of the series, Josh recounts the day of the October 1st, 2017 Las Vegas shooting as one of the first responders on the scene. He took listeners moment-by-moment from when he first received the call up to finding the shooter deceased in his room.

In this episode, Josh shares further insight into his mindset, emotions, and mentality during and post-incident. He also speaks about the key lessons he learned about resiliency, and the pieces that played the most important roles in helping him heal and move forward.

His body cam footage from the incident can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlrwOaQTuFw

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Todd Mason from the Victoria Police Department. In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Todd about two tragic incidents that changed his career and affected him deeply, impacting his physical and mental health profoundly. 

Todd boldly shares the struggles he endured being diagnosed with PTSD, major depression and anxiety and how he regained control of his life and has his PTSD in remission. Listen to Todd’s inspiring story of transformation, resilience, and perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

[1:51] In September of 2021 Todd was a negotiator with the Victoria Police Department, he shares a critical incident he experienced on September 15th.

[6:58] Todd took a week off after the shooting.

[8:11] Todd talks about the events that happened on September 27th.

[13:27] How fast did the car hit Todd?

[13:50] Todd talks about the several injuries resulting from the incident.

[15:23] How did Tom get to the hospital?

[17:37] What happened after Todd got released from the hospital?

[21:15] Todd talks about the impact this incident has on his psyche.

[25:30] Medication helped Todd a lot.

[25:55] Todd speaks of his wife’s unconditional support.

[28:54] Todd confesses that he did not know what was happening to him at the time.

[31:23] Todd heard about a program dedicated to helping people with PTSD.

[34:09] Treatment at Ravensview felt like a full-time job to Todd.

[35:04] Todd was out for three months, and he talks about what was different when he came back.

[36:00] Depression is a daily battle.

[36:43] What is the prognosis for Todd?

[37:55] Was Which of the physical or mental injuries was the hardest to get over with?

[39:12] What happened to the person that tried to run Todd down?

[42:31] Todd shares some of the things that worked for him.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Homewood Ravensview 

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and Chief Neil Dubord on Linkedin

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by  Steve Joordens, a Professor at the University of Toronto where he teaches psychology, and Sgt. Dave Haynes, a Police officer who has been working for the Toronto Police Services for 21 years.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Steve and Dave about how they put together a course for police officers to help face the stress and anxiety that come with their very challenging jobs.  Steve explains how this course became an amazing opportunity to give back to the community by helping officers in need.  Steve and Dave share how their course fits with police culture, while at the same time, acknowledging the often unrecognized psychological challenges police officers have to face.

Today is a special episode for the Bend Don’t Break podcast. Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Lt. Joshua Bitsko from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, who recounts the day of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.

Lt. Bitsko takes listeners moment-by-moment from when he first received the call, to finding the shooter deceased in his room.

Be sure to tune in to our next episode, where Josh shares further insight into his mindset, emotions, and mentality during and after the crisis.

Strength in the Face of Trauma - BRIAN MURPHY 
In this compelling episode of Bend, Don’t Break, host Neil Dubord sits down with Lieutenant Brian Murphy, a survivor of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting. On August 5, 2012, Brian responded to a distress call, confronting a gunman who had already claimed multiple lives. Despite being shot 15 times, Brian refused to back down, displaying unwavering resilience as he continued to assist his fellow officers.

Brian opens up about his recovery, the challenges faced by his family, and the importance of mental strength in law enforcement. He sheds light on the value of accepting support and stresses that seeking help is a courageous choice. Brian’s journey serves as a striking testament to resilience, illustrating how personal strength and a strong support system can guide one through the darkest times.

"Insights into Resilience of First Responders"

This episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast features a role reversal, with Brian Willis of the Excellence in Training Academy interviewing Neil Dubord, about the lessons and insights gained from the first 70 episodes of Bend Don't Break. The podcast explores the resilience of first responders, touching on critical incidents, mental health challenges, and strategies for overcoming adversity.

Key Themes Discussed:

1. Origin of the Podcast:
   Neil shares how the Bend Don't Break podcast started as a Delta Police Department initiative, inspired by the need to reduce stigma around mental health and tell authentic stories of resilience. The podcast focuses on sharing personal experiences to help others navigate their challenges.

2. Hope and Personal Accountability:

   • A recurring theme across episodes is the importance of maintaining hope during difficult times.
   • Resilience often begins when individuals embrace accountability and take ownership of their journey toward recovery. Phrases like "embrace the suck" and "own it" encapsulate this mindset.

3. Building Support Systems:

   • Peer support emerged as a vital factor in recovery. Simple gestures, such as a text or call, can foster optimism.
   • Neil highlighted the CareTrack program in Delta, which ensures ongoing connection with officers on leave to prevent feelings of isolation.

4. Proactive Resilience Strategies:

   • Establishing wellness plans early in careers, including routines for fitness, financial literacy, and mental health, can prepare individuals for future challenges.
   • Neil emphasized integrating resilience training into regular shifts, advocating for "a little, a lot"—small, consistent doses of training on mental health and personal wellness.

5. Navigating Identity and Transition:

   • Losing the professional identity tied to being a first responder can cause significant mental health struggles. Supporting officers through these transitions, especially those who cannot return to active duty, is essential.

6. Lessons from the Field:

   • Recovery is not linear; it’s filled with ups and downs.
   • Small, incremental goals can lead to significant progress.
   • Spending time in nature, focusing on fitness, and maintaining routines can aid recovery.

7. Addressing Suicide in Law Enforcement:

   • Neil discussed the complexities of addressing suicides within agencies, balancing recognition for service with preventing a contagion effect. He stressed the need for open conversations, support for families, and proactive mental health programs.

8. Work-Life Harmony:

   • Neil challenged the notion of work-life balance, advocating instead for harmonizing priorities and being present in the moment—whether at work or home—without guilt.

Takeaways for First Responders and Leaders:

• Resilience is a Skill: It can be cultivated through habits, support systems, and proactive planning.
• Peer Support Matters: Strong connections, both formal and informal, are critical for recovery.
• Small Steps Build Momentum: Daily rituals and incremental progress are more sustainable than lofty, overwhelming goals.
• Leadership's Role: Leaders must foster open conversations about mental health, provide ongoing support for families, and prioritize wellness throughout careers.
• Self-Compassion: Officers must learn to be kind to themselves and allow grace during difficult times.

Connect with Neil Dubord at neildubord.com or on Linkedin

The focus of today’s episode is on creating positive situations out of the darkest moments. Joining Chief Neil Dubord today is Deepak Prasad, a Divisional Wellness Coordinator for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

April 18-19th, 2020 in Nova Scotia marked one of the darkest moments in the history of the province and the country. A gunman went on a rampage and took many innocent lives including the life of Constable Heidi Stevenson, a mother of two who had been with the RCMP for 23 years. On the morning of the 19th, Deepak’s phone went off to ‘steady-up’ and deploy the peer support team to do everything that they could do to support their community.

In this episode, Deepak Prasad shares his experience of this event, the silver lining of the community coming together, the importance of being proactive in your wellness, and why you need a support structure. This is a deeply impactful conversation and episode you do not want to miss.

This week Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Laurie White. Laurie graduated from the RCMP training academy, ‘depot’, in 1996 and was posted to Kitimat, B.C.

Less than three years into her career she was shot in the leg while executing a search warrant at the home of a sex offender. Laurie shares her incredible story of losing her leg, her physical and mental recovery and her heroic return to work as the first police officer in Canada to return to full, unrestricted policing duties, with an artificial leg.

Laurie and Chief Dubord discuss how the injury sent her to a dark place mentally, and how she struggled with constantly being told ‘you are lucky to be alive’, while at the same time feeling incredibly angry.

Laurie went on to have a full career and write a book about her experience after her retirement in 2020. (Link Book – 10-33 Officer Down)

https://www.amazon.ca/10-33-Officer-Down-Steps-Back/dp/1039115748

This is a story you won’t want to miss.

This month on the Bend Don’t Break Podcast, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by not one, but three fantastic guests. S/Sgt. Mike Bloxham, Sergeant Dave Fouche, and Superintendent Dave Teboul are all experienced RCMP Crisis Negotiators here to talk about the critical incident that brought them all together.

In this podcast, Mike, Dave T., and Dave F. speak about a 9-month long international kidnapping of two Canadian citizens. The three negotiators share their experience during the months long negotiation, and how they managed their mental health struggles after the incident was over.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Aaron Courtney, a 19-year veteran of the Abbotsford Police Department.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Aaron about how his career and life were completely altered in 2019 after he was a victim of a serious on-duty pedestrian hit-and-run motor vehicle incident. He shares his personal story, his struggles with career loss, his major health changes, organizational pressures, and the dark realities of PTSD  and depression. He also opens up about the turning point that sparked his transformation and how his journey has led him to starting a business that assists with the medical bills of retired Canadian police dogs from coast to coast. https://supportretiredlegends.com/

This episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast features Katie West, a civilian transcriptionist for the RCMP, who opens up about her journey through chronic stress and PTSD.

Often overlooked, civilian staff like transcriptionists and 911 operators are regularly exposed to traumatic content, yet lack the same mental health support systems available to front-line officers.

Katie shares her deeply personal experiences with PTSD, detailing the toll of listening to traumatic cases for hours on end and the difficulties she faced when seeking help. She discusses the systemic gaps in mental health support for civilian roles, her challenges with WorkSafe, and the need for greater understanding and resources for "trauma-exposed professionals."

Through her story, Katie advocates for change and sheds light on the unseen struggles of those working behind the scenes in law enforcement, urging for a more inclusive approach to mental health care for all first responder staff.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police Constable (Cst.) Josh Harms joins the podcast to discuss his recovery after he was shot while on duty in early 2019. After going through this traumatic event, Cst. Harms returned to work, concentrating not on the number of days it took to return, but the work he put into his recovery, resiliency, and mindset.

In this episode, Mitch Hardington from the Calgary Police Service shares his experience with PTSD and his journey to recovery. Mitch recounts a traumatic call where he found a man who had cut his own throat and the impact it had on Mitch's mental health. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and therapy, including the use of EMDR therapy. Mitch also discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how he has found a new identity outside of being a police officer. He shares his reintegration strategy for returning to work and encourages others to live authentically and take control of their own lives.

Takeaways:

Seeking help and therapy is crucial for dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

EMDR therapy can be effective in processing traumatic experiences and reducing emotional attachment to the memory.

Post-traumatic growth is possible, and individuals can use their experiences as an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement.

Reintegration into work should be done gradually and with a plan in place to ensure a successful transition.

Living authentically and finding an identity outside of work is important for overall well-being and resilience.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement

01:01 Mitch's Experience with PTSD

03:10 Starting Career in Law Enforcement

04:08 The Traumatic Call

08:17 Saving the Man's Life

10:31 Impact on Mental Health

12:03 Seeking Help and Therapy

13:58 EMDR Therapy

21:50 Post-Traumatic Growth

25:56 Reintegration into Work

30:56 Living Authentically and Taking Control

34:19 Final Words and Gratitude

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jeff Wenninger, a former LAPD veteran and law enforcement consultant, as he dives into the heart of police culture and the challenges of creating resilient, well-rounded officers in today’s world.

Jeff shares his own journey from experiencing police misconduct firsthand to dedicating over three decades to transforming policing from within. Discover his bold insights on mental resilience, officer wellness, and the untold power of higher education in reducing force incidents.

If you're ready for a fresh perspective on what it takes to improve law enforcement and strengthen community trust, this episode is a must-listen!"

In this episode, Chief Neil Dubord is excited to be joined by two guests who are both long-time Edmonton Police Service members, Colleen Mooney and Glen Klose. In this episode, Glen and Colleen discuss how Edmonton Police look after their members after traumatic events on the job, and how for the past 11 years, the department’s Reintegration Program has been helping police officers get back to work.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, I sit down with Jake Suelzle, a seasoned corrections officer with over a decade of experience, to delve into the challenges faced by those working in one of the most demanding fields. Together, we explore the often-overlooked realities of life behind the fence, the emotional toll it takes, and the resilience required to thrive. Key topics include:

• Moral Injury and Burnout: Understanding the cumulative impact of administrative pressures, long hours, and difficult policies on corrections officers.

• Personal Responsibility in Mental Health: Why individual accountability for resilience is as important as organizational support.

• Leadership’s Role: How fostering a culture of care and trust can transform the workplace for corrections staff.

• Actionable Steps for Resilience: The importance of peer support, daily routines, and finding resources tailored to individual needs.

Jake offers raw, unfiltered insights into the realities of corrections work, emphasizing the need for both systemic change and personal empowerment. This conversation is a call to action for corrections officers to share their stories, foster community, and prioritize their well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Moral injury is a silent killer in corrections, rooted in feelings of betrayal and lack of support from institutions.

2. Personal resilience starts with small, consistent actions like seeking peer support and engaging in activities that clear the mind and body.

3. Leadership accountability is critical—leaders must prioritize staff well-being and foster trust through genuine engagement.

4. Community and peer support can break the isolation many officers feel, creating solidarity beyond the workplace.

A human approach to corrections is needed to address the unique challenges officers face, moving beyond buzzwords to meaningful actions.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by  Kyle Stubbs, who is a member of the RCMP and was formerly in the Surrey Detachment.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kyle about how his life took a sudden shift in 2018 with his premature daughter's birth. Kyle openly shares how his entire family was affected by this and especially the impact that the vulnerable health condition of his baby girl had on him as a father, a husband, and a cop. Kyle shares how he struggled to find the support he needed but, fortunately, ran into a therapeutic group that changed his life forever. This transformation brought along a new purpose to him: Nine8, a Health and Wellness Training Program for first responders Kyle created.

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Kyle introduces himself.

[1:51] How did the frequent moving affect Kyle and his family?

[2:38] Kyle takes us back to 2018, when his younger daughter was born.

[5:25] Kyle talks about the delivery of her premature baby girl.

[7:31] Kyle ignored how this situation would impact his entire family. 

[8:42] They had to fly back to the Children’s Hospital soon after arriving home.

[10:21] Kyle was told by the doctors her baby, Matilda, was going to go through surgery and that there was a possibility that she wouldn’t survive it.

[11:11] Matilda fully recovered; today she is a typical 5-year-old!

[11:33] Kyle talks about the pressure he placed on himself for not going to work during that period when Matilda was recovering.

[13:30] How did Kyle deal with the stress?

[14:34] Kyle became numb and disconnected from his family.

[15:14] Kyle tried therapy without luck, but he found a group that gave him the support he needed.

[16:50] Kyle’s least favorite word: Should.

[19:56] How did Kyle find the therapeutic group? How long did it take him to find it?

[22:14] By assisting the group, Kyle realized he was not alone.

[23:04] Kyle began a journey that provided even more meaning to his life and self-discovery.

[25:16] Kyle created Nine8, a 10-week program for first responders.

[26:18] Kyle shares some interesting statistics about under and over-40-year-old men and their meaningful connections.

[28:36] You are not alone.

[30:18] Chief Dubord highlights some of the most essential messages brought by Kyle to today’s episode.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Find more about Kyle Stubbs

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Today on Bend Don’t Break, your host, Chief Neil Dubord, is joined by Delta Police Officer, Constable Jordan MacWilliams.

Jordan has gone through significant events over the last several years — making him the perfect person to discuss the topic of resiliency in the field. He’s happily married with two young daughters. Currently, he’s seconded, working at The Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team. He joined the Delta Police Department as a Reserve Constable back in 2007, graduated in 2009, and then worked Patrol until 2012 when he got onto the Emergency Response Team.

Jordan’s story starts on November 8th, 2012, a fateful night in both his life and work. Having been sent to a dangerous hostage situation at Starlight Casino, Jordan has to make one of the toughest decisions of his life for the safety of his colleagues. In this podcast, Jordan details the event that changed his life; how he dealt with it in the following days, months, and years; his thoughts and emotions during and after; how he persevered through his struggle and was able to maintain his committed and engaged attitude throughout; and whether or not he would have done it all differently if he could do it all again.

Key Takeaways:

[:59] About today’s show with Jordan.

[1:15] Starting off easy, Chief Dubord asks: When was the last time you ate at McDonald’s?

[1:35] Jordan’s favourite book and what he’s currently reading.

[1:58] Jordan’s current status; life and work-wise.

[2:50] Jordan talks about his history working for the Delta Police Department, his family’s lineage within it, and his initial career goals.

[4:28] Jordan begins his story, starting with the events that lead up to the fateful Starlight Casino file.

[5:55] Continuing his story, Jordan details the events that happened that day.

[15:12] Jordan’s thoughts and emotions during the shootout, and the events that followed.

[26:33] How the following media coverage impacted Jordan’s life.

[28:28] How many days off did Jordan have after everything had happened? What happened when he got back?

[32:10] Is there anything the organization could’ve done better for Jordan in this situation?

[33:18] Now working in the training unit, Jordan outlines his work in the following months and his wait on more information in the coming years.

[37:00] How Jordan dealt with the wait and managed to maintain a committed and engaged attitude during work.

[38:25] What Jordan would’ve done differently if he knew what he knows now, going into it all.

[40:08] Jordan talks about some of the additional stressors that were in his life at the time.

[41:21] Jordan explains what happened for him in 2014.

[46:58] A preview of next week’s episode. Tune in next week to hear the rest of Jordan’s story!

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by  Nathan Kapler, who has his own podcast called Ten Thirty-Three,  where he tells some of his experiences through extremely challenging situations as a Police Officer. Nathan shares in his show how he learned to handle his emotions, and also deal with his own unresolved trauma.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Nathan about how he grew up in a small town in Northern Alberta wanting to be a caring and compassionate policeman. He shares the beginning of his career when he only was 21 years old,  and how, several years later,  his mental health started to suffer, developing PTSD and later, facing addiction. Nathan, bravely, openly, and unapologetically, shares his journey through PTSD, its origins, and its consequences, so others know they are not alone.

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Nathan shares what motivated him to become a Police Officer.

[3:25] Nathan speaks about the early years of his career.

[5:01] Nathan talks about some of his first experiences when he was only 21 years old.

[6:41] Nathan elaborates on the impact that had on him to face other people’s trauma.

[8:42] Did Nathan have any tools to help him deal with his emotions?

[10:09] Nathan talks about what post traumatic stress was for him.

[10:52] Nathan confesses that what he thought was a healthy way of coping turned out not to be that way.

[12:01] How did Nathan get diagnosed with PTSD?

[13:27] Nathan confesses he did not know how to talk about his emotions.

[14:05] Nathan was a General Duty Police Officer from 2007 to 2011, and later entered a drug section until 2014 and then became part of the Federal Service Organized Crime.

[15:36] Nathan did not take any time off due to PTSD until 2017.

[16:03] Nathan talks about the treatment plan he started following when received the diagnosis of PTSD.

[18:30] Nathan talks about the most critical years for him: 2017/2018.

[20:53] Nathan explains how he became interested in medical cannabis to treat his symptoms while dealing with the stigma of cannabis being a drug.

[22:54] Nathan openly shares his problems with addiction.

[26:08] Nathan realized in 2019 that he has developed an addiction and that he needed to go on leave.

[28:18] Nathan openly shares the fears he had in regard to how his career would be impacted by taking time off to heal.

[30:16] Nathan chose to stop policing, he could not be a part of any more trauma.

[32:45] Nathan was off for two and a half years.

[34:13] Nathan shares his message: Embrace the vulnerability early on.

[35:41] Nathan gives his suggestions to everyone trying to own their own mental health.

[36:28] What does Nathan miss about the job?

[38:46] Nathan talks about his podcast: Ten Thirty-Three.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Listen to Ten Thirty-Three Podcasts

Visit  https://www.tenthirtythreeco.com where Nathan provides more support to First Responders!

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Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

RCMP Sergeant Greg Toogood was at home enjoying an evening with friends and family when his chocolate labrador Abby started uncharacteristically barking outside.  He went to the back door of his house to check on the dog.  Greg, silhouetted in the door, was ambushed from afar and shot causing significant, permanent damage to his right arm.

On this episode of Bend Don't Break, Greg joins Chief Neil Dubord to talk about how the shooting affected him, and how he found the courage to come back both physically and mentally. 

Join Chief Dubord and Sgt. Toogood as Greg shares the power of his story of resilience.

First responders are on the front lines daily, keeping our communities safe and facing some of the most dangerous situations; there is no doubt that the mental health toll of the job is significant. In recent years, the first responder community has worked hard to reduce the stigma and increase awareness, fostering an overall culture of wellness.  The power of healing through story is the goal of Bend Don't Break, listed as one of the Top Policing & Law Enforcement Podcasts.

Follow and like Bend Don't Break on your podcast platform of choice.

This month Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Constable Jenny LeQuesne from the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) who is sharing her incredible story.

In this episode, Chief Dubord and Jenny speak about how being injured on the job led to the end of her beloved 12 year career. Jenny talks about trying to return to work as a police officer on patrol, the realization that a brain injury would mean that would never happen and the subsequent feeling of loss and how she ended up saying goodbye to policing.

In this episode, we sit down with Chief Chad Martin to explore a powerful story of resilience, redemption, and leadership. From overcoming a turbulent childhood and the scars of early trauma, Chad’s journey is one of perseverance in the face of adversity. He shares candidly about his military and early law enforcement career, where unresolved personal challenges surfaced, leading to setbacks, including addiction and job loss.

After hitting rock bottom, Chad had to rebuild his life and career from scratch, enduring multiple failures before finding his footing again. His path back into law enforcement, rising unexpectedly to the position of chief, highlights the power of self-reflection, humility, and faith in personal growth.

Chad also dives into his innovative approaches to leadership, especially in building peer support programs and focusing on officer wellness. His commitment to creating a positive environment for his team reflects his belief in the importance of internal strength.

This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and hope, showing that even after significant setbacks, success and redemption are possible with dedication and support. Tune in for a story that will inspire you to face your own challenges head-on and rise stronger than ever.