Don't Forget Your Roots

By: Sarah Routhier

Narrated by: Kristan Netterville

Sylvain Routhier was a remarkably successful police sergeant with a struggle that would uproot everything. He was dedicated to his career with the Ontario Provincial Police and active in his community. Affectionately known as “Roots”, he was adored by friends and family, yet no one knew the weight he silently began to carry: PTSD and a mental illness were gripping his thoughts and overtaking his life, which ended, sadly, in the summer of 2018.

This is Sylvain’s story, told by his wife Sarah. It’s an honest and raw account of their love, their struggle, and the tragedy their family lived through. Discover the warning signs Sarah wishes she would have known as a police wife, how she has overcome adversity, and how Sylvain’s death has become a catalyst for change for first responders and their organizations.

©2021 Sarah Routhier (P)2022 Sarah Routhier

Awakening & Informative

This “raw” description is very informational. So Sorry this family had to go through this to begin with, but GREATLY APPRECIATE your candid conversations regarding suicide.
LAs a former paramedic (30-years) active nursing 45-years as well as past community volunteer firefighter/EMT, auxiliary county deputy, I have seen first hand what it can do mentally to our first responders. My husband & I grew up loving EMS/firefighting/law enforcement. Our first two son grew up at a local volunteer fire dept while our last born son grew up teething on EMS. Our first born son was planning to go into fire science/EMS until a very bad accident while he was on the volunteer FD, left a young man his age deceased. He realized early he was not able to do this. Our second son went into law enforcement volunteering on city auxiliary eventually becoming a full LEO. He continues in law enforcement today. We often pray for him to give him strength. Our third son, while he was exposed early to EMS, never felt the urge to follow these paths.
This is a wonderful read/listen for those needing to understand why first responders commit suicide. 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️