In this dynamic episode, Stacy and David sit down with the remarkable Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute. They dive into one of the most pressing issues in law enforcement today: police officer suicide. Dr. Johnson, with a master's in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in organizational leadership management, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. A veteran of the United States Air Force and a former police officer, she knows the battlefield both inside and out.

The conversation catapults into the deep, dark waters of why so many officers are taking their own lives. Dr. Johnson unveils her groundbreaking “Fatal 10” – the ten most common factors contributing to these tragic decisions. The discussion is raw and real, peeling back layers of stigma and denial. The team questions why we keep repeating the same ineffective strategies, hoping for different outcomes. Dr. Johnson argues for mandatory mental health checks to reduce stigma and normalize discussions around mental health, pushing for a seismic shift in how agencies handle wellness.

Blue Wall Institute stands alone as the only organization globally that meticulously collects data on corrections and law enforcement officers' suicide deaths, non-fatal attempts, domestic violence, and accidental overdose deaths. They’ve mapped out the Fatal 10 risk factors, providing a sobering look at the common threads in these tragedies. This episode isn't just informative; it’s a call to action, urging listeners to rethink and reshape the mental health landscape for those who serve and protect.

Contact Dr. Olivia Johnson:
Website: https://www.bw-institute.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-olivia-johnson-41956425/

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Phone: +1 844-344-6655
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
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This week's episode is a wild ride into the heart of leadership with Dr. Candace Ashby, Battalion Chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department. Dr. Ashby dives deep into the essence of "Bottom Up" leadership, revealing how the rank and file can make a difference.

Have you ever wondered why fire organizations feel so disconnected? Dr. Ashby explains it all. She breaks down the critical qualities that define a great leader and tackles tough questions head-on: How do we transform bitterness into betterment? How can we change the culture within a toxic shift or the firehouse?

We don’t shy away from the tough stuff. Dealing with difficult people, including Millennials, is on the table. Dr. Ashby shares practical, no-nonsense advice on producing better leaders and emphasizes the dire need for more company officer training. Can company officers make a difference? Dr. Ashby tells us how. Join us for an episode packed with actionable insights, real talk, and firehouse grit. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss

Episode Sponsor R.E. Lawlor Printing and Graphics:
Website: https://relawlor.com/

Contact Dr. Candace Ashby:
Website: http://elitepublicsafety.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitepublicsafety

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respondertv/
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Join us as we reveal the raw, unfiltered look at the human side of animal control with Jennifer Merenda, Chief Animal Control Officer, City of Bridgeport, CT, and Gina Gambino, Head Animal Control Officer for Monroe, CT. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the careers of these seasoned professionals and gain a deeper understanding of their vital role in our communities.

We explore what Jennifer and Gina wish the public knew about their profession and the impact of public perception on their daily lives and mental health. Jennifer and Gina openly discuss the stark contrasts between working in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Despite their myriad challenges, both women share what motivates them to return to work each day with renewed vigor. They also touch on the personal impacts of their careers, including the toll on their wellness. A poignant part of our conversation delves into whether animal control officers are regarded on par with other emergency personnel and first responders. This topic elicits heartfelt responses from both.

Contact Gina Gambino and Jennifer Merenda:
Website: http://bridgeport.gov/animalcontrol
Website: https://www.monroect.gov/p/animal-control
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BPTANIMALSHELTER/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonroeCTAnimalControl/

Contact Responder Resilience:
Phone: +1 844-344-6655
Email: info@respondertv.com
Our website with past episodes and more: https://www.respondertv.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/
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