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As a former law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force veteran for nearly 20 years, my mission in life is to answer the call of my fellow warriors when they show signs that they may need help rebuilding their lives. shifted to. To raise awareness about how we can all help our nation’s heroes, here are his four signs that first responders may be struggling I’d like to introduce_______
This story is more than just an opinion to me. This is a record of my life and the lives of those I served with. The struggle is very real. As I sit in this office and write this, it pains me to know that so many of this country’s talented people are in need of help.
The day started as usual at 8:16am. Roll call at 8 a.m., followed by briefing the sergeant on the day’s special assignments. Suddenly my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and thought, funny, he never calls.
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It was a fellow officer, whom I considered a friend. I felt something strange about the call. I answered, and I’ll never forget what he said, “I’m Mike.” I knew that voice, but it sounded like someone I loved and respected. It wasn’t.
Warriors Heart Virginia Executive Director Michael Marotta, a former law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, praised the team at the soft opening on September 11, 2023. (Warriors Heart)
This police officer had nearly 20 years of experience, proudly wore his pressed uniform, was in good physical condition, and always had the right words. The person on the other end of the phone was a police officer who had slurred speech, was crying, and was confused.
I know what this means. My best friend was so drunk at 8am that he couldn’t put two words together. My mind was thinking about how I could help my colleagues and colleagues who had the same difficult task. There is much more to this story, but fortunately, my friend received treatment for alcohol use and is now almost three years sober and thriving in every sense of the word.
This story is not as unusual as one might imagine. Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics are the best of us. Most people would describe themselves as ordinary men and women doing their jobs. As a former law enforcement officer and military veteran, I know these career paths are never jobs.
A life of service requires a special kind of dedication that goes beyond people’s imagination. These career paths are what many would describe as a calling or a purpose-driven life of service. Sounds pretty good, right?
![Warriors Heart Virginia Executive Director Michael Marotta, former law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, thanks law enforcement officers.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/04/1200/675/6_WarriorsHeartVirginia_MikeMarotta_WithFirstResponders-scaled.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Warriors Heart Virginia Executive Director Michael Marotta, former law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, thanks law enforcement officers.
There is a more sinister side to these jobs. However, this aspect has received little attention until recently. Many first responders don’t openly talk about the very visceral emotions they deal with on a daily basis. America’s view of what exactly a first responder does is often shaped by his 10-second media clips that leave observers second-guessing the split-second, life-changing decisions made every day.
What we can say without a shadow of a doubt is that this cycle will come at a high cost to our nation’s heroes. Alcoholism, post-traumatic stress, anger, withdrawal, and loneliness are all synonyms for responders.
When entering these time-honored professions, most warriors want to help people, make a difference, and positively impact people’s lives. Words like service, dedication, and sacrifice easily roll off the lips of new employees.
A proud chest, a world-famous badge, and mirror-polished boots all mark a brand new officer. In some circles, newcomers are sometimes referred to as “boots.” This means a shiny brim look like a new officer’s boots.
![Both Warrior's Heart Virginia and Warrior's Heart Texas healing centers are located on more than 500 acres of ranch land with hiking trails, a wood and metal shop, a gym, and more, and Warrior's Heart refers to these facilities as](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/04/1200/675/12_WarriorsHeartVirginia_HorseswithLogo-scaled.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Both Warriors Heart Virginia and Warriors Heart Texas healing centers are located on more than 500 acres of ranch land with hiking trails, a wood and metal shop, a gym, and, as Warriors calls it, “across the street from the hospital.” It is called.
I’ve spent a lot of time breaking down my own journey and really trying to understand when the changes happened. Over time, I changed and became a person that even my family didn’t recognize.
Looking back, and something I don’t often do, I lament the times my wife said things like, “You’ve changed,” or “Why are you always so angry?” Change occurs early in a responder’s career. So what are the signs? For those of us who love, support, and care about first responders, what should we look for as a warning?
There are four areas that can be important indicators of what is happening to a first responder or veteran. This is not an exhaustive list and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified and trained professional. These are simply reflections of former responders who have finished their work and are continuing their work as husbands, fathers, and followers.
1. Physical changes
First, look for physical changes in the responder. You may see once-healthy responders suddenly drop their regular exercise habits and replace nutrient-dense foods with fast foods. Shift work is not conducive to healthy eating and regular exercise.
What we can say without a shadow of a doubt is that this cycle will come at a high cost to our nation’s heroes. Alcoholism, post-traumatic stress, anger, withdrawal, and loneliness are all synonyms for responders.
Encourages regular physical movement. Much of a responder’s behavior is sedentary, so it’s very important to move regularly. Weight gain is also very common. Weight may fluctuate up or down. According to Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, weight gain and lack of sleep are the two biggest indicators of stress in responders.
2. Cognitive challenges
The second area to focus on is cognitive change. In other words, how the information is handled. There is a connection between the brain and the body, and it depends on mental clarity. The stress of daily work clogs the information highway between the brain and the body.
This overload can slow down processing. We may forget simple tasks, or refuse to plan or even think. A common exchange is “What’s for dinner?” Your response may be, “I don’t care, you decide, I don’t have the energy to think.” Sound familiar?
3. Changes in mental health
The third area to pay attention to is the mental health of the responder. The once idealistic optimist with a vision to save lives and help people has been replaced by an angry and highly irritable cynic who refuses to consider other points of view.
![](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/04/1200/675/2_WarriorsHeartVirginia_SoftOpening_MikeMarotta.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1)
Warriors Heart Virginia Executive Director Michael Marotta has used his experience in both law enforcement and the military to help others.
How does this change occur? The answer is very clear. Trauma, stress, and lack of support are just a few factors that indicate the reasons behind this change.
4. Behavioral changes
And last, but certainly not least, are the behavioral changes that may start to become apparent. In my opinion, these changes may be the most difficult to spot. You may notice behaviors such as being more willing to take risks. Many of our respondents are self-proclaimed adrenaline junkies.
There may also be small, inconspicuous movements. For example, not wearing a protective vest or forgetting an important intermediate weapon. These behaviors may not be signs of a problem, but when combined with other changes, they may require further attention.
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month and it is important to address drug use across these professions. While I don’t have statistical data to support my recommendations, I can offer an insider’s view from my experience working in a department with 2,300 officers.
A life of service requires a special kind of dedication that goes beyond people’s imagination. These career paths are what many would describe as a calling or a purpose-driven life of service. Sounds pretty good, right?
Alcohol abuse is extremely common among first responders and veterans. Drinking alcohol is normal and accepted as part of the culture. This is a condition caused by trauma or high-stress work. Tardiness and absenteeism are closely associated with counterparts suffering from substance use disorders.
Suicide rates are at an all-time high. Some studies have shown that many responders had some degree of intoxicating substances in their bodies at the time of the suicide. The toll of alcohol abuse is costing lives both directly and indirectly.
These challenges may not apply to all responders. While some people adapt and succeed in their career fields, others struggle in silence, feeling stigma and shame about asking for help.
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As warriors and loved ones, always stay alert and ask for help when you need it. When you pick up the phone and dial 911, know that one of these extraordinary people will show up ready to do whatever it takes to help you. Because that’s their level of dedication to their community and to all of us.
Now it’s our turn to stand up and support our nation’s heroes. We all have a responsibility to answer the call when responders call for assistance. If you or a Warrior need help with addiction, PTS, or co-occurring issues, please contact the Warriors of His Heart’s 24-hour hotline at 866-955-4035 and a Warrior will respond or Or visit.