RIDE ALONG CHRONICLES

Join us for Part 1 of this series as we bring you two unique episodes of Vincent’s and Carolynn’s stories. In this episode, Vincent shares his perspective following a critical incident that resulted in his attending an out-of-state, inpatient treatment facility for 30 days. He shares his thoughts and feelings on what he went through and how his behavior was affecting his family and work life. He also details what his experience was like in treatment and how he adjusted returning home.

Join us as Courtney shares how the aftermath of her LEO's critical incident and subsequent medical retirement ended up feeling like he was carrying boulders in his backpack. Courtney had a front row seat of that journey and explains why it's so important to never give up, and never let your LEO's isolation become his best friend. So, come ride along with us!

Join us for this "Special Episode" as we meet Dr. Dara Rampersad from BluePaz First Responder Services. He is a first responder psychologist who shares his many years of counseling experience and knowledge working with this population. He provides some insight on the the dynamics of first responder relationships and helpful tools that both parties can utilize to improve their connection and communication.

What is medical retirement like for a LEO family? Our guest today, Susan, shares the challenges she endured after her LEO medically retired and how it set her on a path to redefining her relationship and starting her own personal health journey.

On today’s episode we meet Adam, a LEO, who shares his story of how a succession of work-related traumatic incidents set him on a path of anger and mistrust. He shares how it resulted in his participation in a first responder treatment program. He explains what it was like during those 60 days in treatment, how it saved his life, his family, and how integral it was to his recovery.

On today's episode we discuss what it is like for the family when a first responder is dealing with mental health struggles and needs treatment. Charli shares when her first responder suffered some work-related traumatic incidences which resulted in his participation in a 60-day first responder treatment program. With raw honesty she opens up to tell her story of all the emotions and challenges she faced managing their home, her work and taking care of their young children during his absence.

Join us as we chat with Anjelica who has a unique perspective on sleep. As a civilian first responder and LEO wife herself, she will share her struggles working shift work, adjusting to changing sleep patterns, finding balance in her family life, and not being ashamed to ask for help in order to prioritize her sleep and health.

Join us for Part 2 of Melissa's story as she shares how she found a new perspective after motherhood, how she adjusted back to work, and how a life-changing career event challenged everything. Melissa will detail how she re-defined her family dynamics and how her new identity as a mother saved her when an unexpected injury ended her career.

On today's episode we introduce Robin, who shares her experience of how she dealt with holidays and family events throughout her first responder's career. She shares tips she implemented that changed the way she dealt with holidays which used to cause her severe stress and resentment toward her LEO. Come ride along with us!

We all fear getting "THAT CALL" as a first responder family....Now imagine getting that call twice!Today we brought back Lisa who shares what happened after her LEO suffered a second serious on the job injury, shortly after recovering from his first one. She describes what it was like during that dark time, the support received, the unexpected struggles, and her incredible journey of self-care and commitment to her LEO. If you haven't heard Lisa's first episode, please make sure to go back and listen to Episode 2!

Join us for our special Mother's Day podcast episode! Today, we meet with Betty, a mother of a police officer, who shares her journey of her son's career from academy through retirement and beyond. She details how she dealt with her concerns when she learned about his career choice, how she intentionally chose to champion him, and how she maintained her own perspective through it.

Join us for Part 1 of Melissa's story as she shares how she found her place in a male-dominated career, how she navigated dating before marrying her husband, and her experience revealing her pregnancy. Melissa shares some lessons she learned the hard way and details the challenges she overcame to find balance on and off the job. Part 2 of Melissa's story coming soon!

On today's episode we meet with Diane who shines a positive light on working towards a successful first responder marriage. She shares her nearly 40 years of experience as a LEO wife and mother. She highlights how this lifestyle, although difficult at times, has been been enriching and a calling for the whole family!

On today's episode we meet with Monica, who will share her courageous story of parenting a child with mental health struggles. In this episode we discuss "the invisible ones", first responder children who often get forgotten in this lifestyle but end up seeing and absorbing everything. Monica shares her daughter's emotional battle with depression, addiction, and unhealthy coping strategies. Find out how this affected Monica's entire family, and how she and her first responder worked together to save their daughter.Recommended Resources:National Teen Suicide Prevention: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org or call or text 800-273-8255SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): www.samhsa.govAlateen: www.al-anon.orgMental Health America: www.the nationalcouncil.orgAdult & Teen Challenge – Christ-centered drug & alcohol recovery www.teenchallengeusa.comTrauma Stewardship, authored by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk*Disclaimer: Ride Along Chronicles Podcast doesn't support or endorse one resource over another. Some popular resources have been recommended for anyone interested.

On today's episode we chat with Violet who shares her experience of when her LEO transitioned from patrol to an undercover assignment shortly after welcoming their twins. She explains the challenges she faced and the routines she set in order to keep her family in the front seat and her relationship in tact.

Our guest today is Lisa who will share the story of her LEO's first serious on the job injury. This includes getting THAT fateful call, surviving the chaotic aftermath, finding her resilience through his recovery and in the end realizing what mattered most!Look out for another Episode with Lisa coming soon where she will share her story of her LEO's second serious on duty injury!

Our First Episode!! This episode is about us and the journey of how we created this podcast. We are 3 great friends who created our own support system as we raised our families in the first responder lifestyle. Our confidential guests will share their stories in this safe space that didn't exist for us. So Ride Along with us as we chronicle lessons learned and provide helpful resources to keep first responder families in the front seat!