Shooting Trauma Police Sergeant's Story. PTSD and Violence. Digitally Remastered Episode. Navigating the Shadows: A Police Officer's Journey through Trauma, Recovery, and Redemption in California. We delve into the life-altering moments that shaped Retired Police Sergeant Michael Sugrue. Michael opens up about a fateful call where he was forced to confront an armed and dangerous suspect. He recounts the intensity of that life-or-death encounter, as well as a near miss with another armed suspect. These harrowing incidents, combined with the demands of his entire police career, left indelible marks on his physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Shooting Trauma Police Sergeant's Story. PTSD and Violence.
Michael Sugrue embarked on his law enforcement journey in 1998 as a Security Forces Officer in the United States Air Force. His role encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, from Law Enforcement and Global Force Protection to Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments, and Air Base Ground Defense. Michael's service took him to diverse assignments across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. He also held the distinguished title of Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the identifier #1173. His honorable separation from the Air Force came in 2004 as a Captain. Shooting Trauma Police Sergeant's Story.
Following his Air Force tenure, Michael found a new home with the Walnut Creek Police Department, serving in various capacities, including Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC), Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO), and Patrol Sergeant. In 2014, he received the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal for his courageous and life-saving actions during a Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in 2012.
Ultimately, Michael Sugrue retired due to medical reasons in 2018, but his journey was far from over. Shooting Trauma Police Sergeant's Story. PTSD and Violence. He has since become a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW). Michael is a tireless advocate for raising awareness, prevention, education, and training on Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. He continues to share his experiences and insights by speaking at law enforcement agencies across the United States.
In their highly acclaimed and best-selling book, "RELENTLESS COURAGE: Conquering Frontline Trauma," co-authored alongside Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, Michael Sugrue delves deep into the intricate nature of trauma within the law enforcement community. Together, they shine a light on the hidden obstacles to healing and map out a journey toward recovery and building resilience. 
Never miss out on an episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Podcast subscribe to our free email newsletter, never more than 2 issues a week sent out. Click here and scroll down about halfway.
Be sure to check out our website.
If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend or two, or three about it. If you are able to leave an honest rating and, or, review it would be appreciated.
Interested in being a guest, sponsorship or advertising opportunities send an email to the host and producer of the show jay@letradio.com.
Follow us on MeWe, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer.
Shooting Trauma Police Sergeant's Story. PTSD and Violence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.