Beat The Burnout: Prevention and Recovery Solutions for First Responders
When AK Dozanti started her career in law enforcement at 19 years old, she never imagined that the job she loved would nearly destroy her. Like so many officers, she embodied the mission, working out twice a day, meal prepping, and chasing excellence. By the time she was awarded Officer of the Year in 2015, she was already unraveling. Burnout, depression, PTSD, adrenal fatigue, and suicidal ideation were silently creeping in. Her story isn’t just about what took her out of the job, it’s about how she gave herself permission to choose something different and how that choice saved her life.
Mindset Matters in Law Enforcement
When Richard Crimi’s 14-year law enforcement career came to an unexpected halt due to a debilitating back injury, he didn’t just recover physically, he rebuilt his mindset from the ground up. Now, through his work with first responders, federal agencies, and military personnel, Richard helps others harness the power of the mind to improve performance, enhance resilience, and strengthen their relationships.
And yes, mindset matters in marriage too.
Top 10 Truths Every Law Enforcement Spouse Should Know
Whether you’re brand new to this life or a seasoned spouse who’s mastered holidays solo, there’s a learning curve no one warns you about. So, I pulled together a list, rooted in the lived experience of law enforcement couples and backed by years of working with spouses and officers, that I believe every law enforcement spouse should know. Because understanding the why behind the struggles? That’s the first step to building a stronger, more resilient law enforcement relationship.
Indirect Trauma in Law Enforcement Relationships
In a dual first responder home, there are times when first person and vicarious trauma must coexist. We may experience the traumatic incident firsthand and then hear the other person’s view of the same incident when we are home together. While the differing perspectives can be beneficial, it’s not always true. Every person’s reaction to a singular incident is different, and sometimes it can be difficult to remember it. Lisa and James Robinson are a dual first responder couple that have and continue to work through traumas both individually and shared. They share how they stumble through and what they have learned to help and support themselves and each other.
What to Expect After a Critical Incident as an Officer or Spouse
Learn more about how your body tires to heal itself after experiencing a critical incident either as a Law Enforcement officer, Law Enforcement Wife, or Law Enforcement Spouse.