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I would like to thank each of the current and past first responders who submitted stories of their lifelong struggles with addiction, and their journeys to recovery. Many of them lost everything - family, career, home, friends, self-esteem, pride, self-respect. They felt alone and a disappoint to their fellow first responders. They share their personal stories with you in mind. They want you to realize that you can end this hell you are living, and begin a new life. But... you cannot fight this disease alone. It is not an easy journey. You need someone, or several someones, to guide you on the right path. Take the first step. Ask for help.
As co-founder of the Station House Retreat, please refer to the section below about our addiction and substance abuse treatment facility. If you would like to be included in the Station House newsletters, you are welcome to subscribe. By the way, calling their toll free number is a good first step to recovery.
HUGS
Peggy
Peggy Sweeney, Editor
830.377.7389
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THE CRASH OF 9525 - A SUICIDE MISSION
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by Renae Griggs
On March 24, 2015, Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed into the French Alps killing 149 passengers and crew, along with Andreas Lubitz the copilot who, through skillful use of the autopilot supplemented by manual maneuvers of the plane's speed, plowed the Airbus A320 into the mountainside. Headlines, news feeds, commentaries, and columns frenzied to somehow sanitize and characterize the horrible event for the public to more readily digest and have repeatedly referred to the copilot's actions as "premeditated mass murder."
Read more here »
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Joe Kelly - former Lt Philadelphia Police Department
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MY NAME IS JON. I AM AN ALCOHOLIC
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I am also a husband, father, son and brother. And a Police Officer.
As I write this, tomorrow will be my 47th birthday. It will also be my one year anniversary of sobriety, and the beginning of a new life for me and my family. I feel very fortunate to be here today to share my story.
Read more here »
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YEA, FIREFIGHTER LIVES MATTER TOO
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For those of us on the job, it may not always seem like it but OUR lives DO matter. Typically we are the ones out there doing the "saving" and never stop to think, realize or talk about the fact that, often times; it's actually us who needs the saving.Read more here »
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DEALING WITH A LINE OF DUTY DEATH - A POLICE OFFICER'S PERSPECTIVE
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by Maryanne Pope
The following interview took place on Oct 26th, 2014 between Maryanne Pope (Constable John Petropoulos' widow and author of the Crossing the Line blog series) and Rick Gardner, who was John's Sergeant and close friend at the time of his death.
Maryanne: What impacts - emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical - did John's death have on you personally?
Rick: Emotionally, John's death hit me really hard. When John went into that building, I was there. I was the supervisor and John ended up getting injured on my watch. John wasn't just a colleague, he was a good friend. I had golfed with him 7 or 8 times that year. I had renovated his bathroom. We had a professional and personal relationship - and I had got to know John better than many.
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I WILL BE AN ALCOHOLIC FOREVER - BUT NOT TODAY
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by Officer Leo Petrilli
I had been a blackout drinker for a very long time. And I was able to hide it. At work, people talked, but there was nothing substantial. After my divorce, when my children stayed with me, I would drive my kids to school (still drunk from the night before) a thousand times without being caught.
Read the story here »
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by Ross Beckley
TRIGGER WARNING - some readers may find this disturbing
You don't know me. Yet I stood by you through one of the most horrific times of your life. I stood in the freezing cold all night surrounded by a public screen to ensure no-one else had to see the carnage. I heard the screams of a mother as she arrived and was told she would never see her child alive again. Screams of unimaginable grief and disbelief that continue to echo in my dreams. I spent 8 hours making small talk while my crew and I patiently waited for investigations to take place. I kept everyone calm, organized crews, shared information with other first responders, helped the guy who came to pick up the bodies and the towie who removed the cars.
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I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors
I Can't Get Over It directly addresses survivors of trauma. It explains the nature of PTSD and describes the healing process. This book will help you:
- Find out whether you have PTSD
- Cope with post-traumatic anger, grief, and survivor guilt
- Recognize related problems such as depression, substance abuse , compulsive behavior and low self-esteem
- Identify "triggers" that set off flashbacks, anxiety attacks, and other symptoms
- Relieve wounding caused by others' blaming and insensitivity
- Gain a sense of empowerment and hope for the future
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Station House Retreat is an alcohol/drug abuse treatment facility in south Florida exclusively for first responders.
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