#firstresponder

Today we had the opportunity to meet a first responder spouse, Carmen, who knows what it's like on both sides of living as a first responder family. Carmen had so much insight and personal experience to share that we made it a two-part episode. Carmen shares how her positivity, serving heart, and determination to continually stay on the path of healing has helped her overcome multiple unhealthy relationships, parenting challenges, and navigating a successful first responder family life. In Part 1 of Carmen's story, she shares how she became part of the first responder lifestyle, what she experienced in her initial first responder relationships and how she first realized the need to get help and find support. So, come Ride Along with us!

On today's special episode, we meet Jennifer, a licensed mental health professional who primarily work with the first responder population. Jennifer shared her expertise working with first responders and highlight the various therapeutic methods she utilizes to help them deal with the trauma exposure they experience in their career as well from their personal life. She brings significant insight into why first responders struggle to seek emotional wellness and shares why she is so passionate to help first responders become emotionally and physically healthy. So come ride along with us!

On today’s episode, we meet Craig, one of the owners of Guardian Garage. Craig is a retired police officer, who along with his brother, created a safe place where first responders and veterans suffering from service-related trauma can feel connected and supported. Realizing his own unresolved trauma and PTSD from his 25+ years in law enforcement, Craig decided to give back and turn a childhood passion for cars into a place of camaraderie, compassion and creativity. He turned his personal workshop into an environment where these two groups could partake in the customization of vehicles, and restoring of projects and collectibles to redefine their purpose, find support and utilize available resources. So come ride along with us! To learn more about Craig and Guardian Garage, visit guardiangarage.org or listen to Craig's full episode coming soon! So come ride along with us!

In honor of the 22nd Memorial Anniversary of 9/11, today's Special Episode highlights an event that commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, the Salt River Fire Fighter's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb being held on Saturday, September 9th in Arizona. We meet Riley, a firefighter and the coordinator for this amazing cause. Riley explains what this event is all about, why he is so passionate about it, and how people can support this great cause. Riley also shares why he loves being a firefighter, serving his community with a servant's heart, and why honoring the fallen first responders and their families is so important. So come ride along with us!

On today's episode we meet Michelle, a first responder's adult daughter who shares her story of growing up in a family where her father and mother put their family unit first. Michelle explains how it is possible to have a "normal" upbringing in a first responder family with all the continued trauma, rotating shift work, and overtime that exists in that lifestyle. She will share her own experiences and offers insight into how other families can succeed as well. So, come ride along with us!

On today's episode, we spoke with Jennifer, a licensed mental health professional, who works with the first responder population. We brought back Jennifer to share her insight and educational knowledge on mindfulness and meditation. Jennifer shared her experience with guided meditation and using different mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. She introduced her concept of "Find Your Feet" to ground oneself during an overwhelming moment and then reengage to the present situation. Jennifer's passion and knowledge in mindfulness was very ensightful. So, come ride along with us and be sure to catch Jennifer's Special Episode on the challenges and benefits of treating first responders and their families coming soon!

On today's episode we meet Rebecca, a Financial Coach and owner of Priority One Financial Coaching. Rebecca focuses her financial expertise on first responder families and discusses her strategies to help families have the tough financial conversations to reduce their debt and eliminate the need to HAVE to work overtime to survive. To learn more about Rebecca's financial coaching visit her website at www.priorityonefc.com and follow her on IG @bluelinemoneycoach. So, come ride along with us!

On today's episode we meet Will, a Police Peer Support & Wellness Coordinator who retiring after 34 years, returned to his agency in the role to give back. Will breaks down the role of a Police Peer Support & Wellness Team and explains the many different components that should exist. He shares his own experience with peer support from when he was an active LEO, how he came to be one, and the challenges he encountered re-building one in his agency. Will provides some very insightful knowledge and information to consider. So come ride along with us!

On today's episode, in light of father's day, we meet Joe, a retired law enforcement officer and a DAD. Joe shares what he has learned as a first responder dad over his 25+ year career. He explains how he stayed connected to his children during his career, the lessons learned, and the challenges he faced as his children grew older. Joe provides some insighful information he hopes will help others stay connected as they raise children in this public safety career. So come ride along with us!