This week hit differently. The news that a fellow Whatcom County officer was shot in the line of duty didn’t just flash across a screen, it landed deep. For those of us in this profession, those headlines aren’t abstract. They echo through every shift, every squad car, every dinner table where the uniform hangs nearby. Whether we knew the officer or not, the impact is real. It shakes something inside us. Because when one of our own goes down, it’s not just their department, it’s all of us who feel it.
My prayers go out to the officer’s family, loved ones, and to the entire Whatcom County law enforcement community.
We go to work with that quiet awareness. Some of us bury it. Others live with it in the open. Either way, the risk is always close. You don’t have to say it out loud to carry it. You might feel it when your spouse leaves for shift, when your phone rings late, or when you look at your kids a little longer before walking out the door. And after news like this, it’s hard not to imagine yourself in their boots, or picture your own family getting that knock on the door. It’s the weight we live with, even when we pretend it’s not there.
I’ve seen it time and time again as officers push through like nothing happened, like they’re fine, like they have to be fine. We show up. We do the job. We joke, we deflect, we put on the armor. But that kind of strength, when it’s never allowed to rest, will wear you down. There’s nothing weak about feeling shaken when one of our own gets hurt. It means you still care. It means your heart hasn’t gone numb. And it means you’re human.
Over the years, I’ve found a few simple things that help, not as solutions, but as ways to manage the weight when it gets too heavy. I’m not talking about therapy right now, though that can be a powerful tool too. I’m talking about small, practical things you can reach for even in the middle of a tough shift or on a quiet drive home. Things that keep you grounded when your world feels a little off-kilter. Sometimes, it’s as basic as sticking to a couple routines like making your bed, stepping outside for some air, or preparing a simple meal. These small acts give your mind and body a sense of stability when everything else feels uncertain.
Movement matters too. I’m not saying hit the gym or train like you’re in the academy again. I’m saying take a walk. Do a few stretches. Move around a little. Stress builds up in our bodies whether we notice it or not, and motion is a way to move that weight through instead of letting it stick. You’d be surprised how much better you can feel after 20 minutes of walking or a quick bodyweight workout. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just move.
Another thing I’ve learned is that silence can be dangerous when you’re hurting. It’s easy to shut down and isolate. But we weren’t built to carry this stuff alone. A quick text to a buddy, a check-in with a partner, or a few minutes talking with someone who gets it can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be deep or emotional. Sometimes just knowing someone’s out there thinking about you is enough to keep you going.
And then there’s prayer. I know not everyone leans into faith the same way, but for me and for many of us it’s been a lifeline. You don’t need fancy words or a perfect mindset. You can show up exactly as you are: frustrated, tired, angry, sad, numb. God can handle it. I’ve prayed some of the messiest prayers in the middle of my lowest moments, and I’ve never once felt turned away. Sometimes just saying, “God, here’s what I’m carrying today,” is enough to feel a little less alone in it.
There’s a verse I keep coming back to in times like this: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). That’s not just poetic comfort. It’s a promise. God doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up. He doesn’t demand that we be strong all the time. He draws near when we’re hurting, when we’re scared, when we’re unsure. That’s where He meets us.
To the families reading this, you may not wear the badge, but you carry your own version of this burden. You’re the ones who wait for the call or the door to open. You’re the ones who make sacrifices quietly, who hold down the home front, who carry the emotional aftermath we don’t always know how to express. You grieve with us when tragedy strikes, because it could have been your spouse, your sibling, your friend. Your strength doesn’t always get recognized, but it’s just as real. And when your heart breaks, that doesn’t make you fragile. It makes you brave.
In the end, this life we’ve chosen is both sacred and brutal. It’s full of moments that inspire pride and moments that bring us to our knees. When tragedy hits close to home, it forces us to pause and remember that we need each other. We need safe places to speak honestly. We need to know we’re not the only ones feeling this way. And more than anything, we need the kind of strength that doesn’t come from pretending everything’s okay but from showing up in the mess and standing together through it.
So, to every officer, medic, firefighter, dispatcher, and family member feeling the weight of this week, you’re not alone.
Brave doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It means you show up anyway. And that’s what we do, every single day.
Brave Together. Always.
If this message helped you or made you feel seen, pass it along to someone who needs it. And if you’re struggling right now, reach out. No shame. No judgment. We’re in this together.
Thank you, Matt Thompson
The Officer’s Prayer: Lord, I ask for courage—courage to face and conquer my own fears, courage to take me where others will not go. I ask for strength—strength of body to protect others, and strength of spirit to lead. I ask for dedication—dedication to my job, to do it well, to be proud of what I do and never give an inch of it away without a fight. I ask for concern—for others who trust me, and compassion for those who need me. And please, Lord, through it all, be by my side.
Waiting on the Lord in the Line of Duty, “Serving in the Kingdom of God”
In the heart of the chaos, when sirens wail and every second matters, first responders step into the storm. They are the unsung heroes who run toward the crisis, embodying courage and compassion. But what if we viewed their profession through the lens of faith—as a mission field in itself?
First Responders: Servants in the Field
First responders—be they police officers, firefighters, paramedics, or emergency medical personnel—stand at the crossroads of human vulnerability. They encounter the broken, the frightened, and the lost. This isn’t just a career; it is a calling, ripe with opportunities to shine the light of Christ.
Recognizing the first responder profession as a mission field means acknowledging the profound impact they have not only on physical lives but also on spiritual well-being. Each moment of rescue, every comforting word, is an act of service that reflects God’s love. These acts, seemingly small, often mirror the compassion of Christ—the ultimate First Responder, who rescues us in our deepest need.
Persevering in Faith: The Call to Wait Upon the LORD
The profession of a first responder is fraught with challenges—long hours, emotional tolls, and moments of uncertainty. But it is in these challenges that the call to “wait upon the LORD” becomes paramount. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Waiting upon the LORD isn’t passive; it is an active trust in His timing and His plans. It is a spiritual discipline, a reminder that strength comes not from our own efforts but from reliance on God.
How to Serve and Persevere
See the Job as Ministry: Embrace the truth that each interaction is an opportunity to be a vessel of God’s love. Your vocation “is” your ministry, ministry isn’t a vocation.
Rely on a Faith Community: Fellow believers can offer encouragement, prayer, and support for the unique burdens first responders bear.
Cultivate Spiritual Resilience: Make time for daily devotionals, prayer, and Scripture reading to renew your strength in Him.
Trust in God’s Timing: Understand that even in the waiting—whether it’s during a shift or in life’s broader challenges—God is at work.
Obedience is key! Your availability to serve this field is vital in the success of the mission. Waiting upon the LORD allows Him to prepare you and those you are called to serve and serve with. It’s God’s strategy.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
The call for service the other evening contained many familiar elements. A person with mental health and drug-related issues was causing problems on public transportation. This time, the man was smoking cigarettes on a bus, shouting obscenities at other passengers, and refusing to get off. The driver parked at the next bus stop and waited for the police to arrive and assist.
The first couple of officers on the scene attempted to engage and reason with the man, but he was uncooperative and responded angrily. De-escalation has become both a legal and anecdotal requirement in the state where I work, and these officers demonstrated high emotional intelligence as they continued communication, waited for additional resources, and ensured the remaining passengers safely exited the bus.
Soon, more officers arrived, and the crowded space turned into a frenzy of activity as it was time to arrest the man. He immediately resisted attempts to take him into custody, leading to the deployment of pepper spray, a Taser, takedowns, and ground control. The man added to the chaos when he vomited and defecated.
When I arrived on the scene, officers were still struggling to handcuff the man. As I stepped onto the bus, the lingering molecules of pepper spray pierced my eyes. The air was saturated with the distinct smells of capsicum, vomit, feces, and mildew. I have always hated foul smells, and it took all my willpower not to dry heave. I tried to breathe through my mouth and immediately tasted the unpleasant mix of odors in the air. After a few more moments, the man was detained and on his way to jail.
Afterward, when I sat in my police car, I reflected on the experience. The sights and smells were still vivid in my mind. The man we just dealt with was disgusting—ugly inside and out. Yet, a stark reality often confronts me after such encounters: God’s grace is the only reason I am not that man. Accepting this truth can be challenging. Our world, ego, and the devil feed us a constant stream of self-inflated, ego-centric thoughts and emotions. Even as followers of Christ, it is easy to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Although I firmly believe in focusing on the power and freedom we have in knowing Jesus rather than dwelling on who we were before knowing Him, I find it incredibly important to regularly reflect on the amazing grace shown to me.
As a Christian, I find police work often presents a strange dichotomy: administering justice and accountability while also embracing compassion and empathy. This dichotomy spans a vast spectrum of situations, and each shift can encompass a challenging blend of emotions. When I encounter calls like the one above, reflecting on grace helps me recalibrate and reflect on truth. It serves as a powerful antidote to cynicism, anger, and bitterness. It prompts my heart to pray for the unlovable person I encountered, gently reminding me of God’s perfect love, power, and grace. He chose to love me even when I was His enemy, unlovable, and spiritually dead. I love because He first loved me. This perspective fosters empathy and keeps me focused on loving God and others in a way that highlights His mercy and grace.
When I founded BRAVE Together, it was driven by one simple yet powerful idea: to create a space where individuals can confront their mental health challenges, particularly the vast array of PTSD symptoms, with support and compassion. This work is incredibly personal to me, shaped by both my experiences in the military and as a police officer, as well as the loss of my best friend and cousin. This decorated combat veteran took his own life while serving, without any noticeable signs or warnings to those around him.
The Need for a Safe Community
In my career as a police officer, I’ve witnessed the emotional toll that repeated trauma takes on first responders and veterans. These individuals often feel isolated, unable to ask for help, and overwhelmed by the pressures of their roles. I’ve seen how crucial it is to provide a space where vulnerability is not seen as a weakness but as a strength. That’s why BRAVE Together was created—to offer a supportive environment where people can be open, connect, and heal.
A Personal Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
The tragic loss of my cousin to suicide was a wake-up call. It motivated me to understand the mental health struggles faced by those who serve our communities and our country. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to support veterans, first responders, and anyone in crisis, offering mentorship, guidance, and a compassionate ear. I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing proper support can be, and I wanted to ensure that others have access to the same support from a peer’s perspective.
Healing Through Connection
What I’ve learned over the years is that healing happens when we come together. Whether through mentoring new officers or offering emotional support to a veteran, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people share their struggles and lean on each other for strength. BRAVE Together is a space where anxiety and mental health challenges don’t have to be faced alone. Together, we can break the stigma and find healing.
BRAVE Together is just the beginning. It is a starting point for those who are seeking help, but the true strength of this program lies within the community of each service member. It is in the connections they build with one another, in the shared experiences and support they offer, where the real healing begins.
My Christian faith has played a significant role in my own healing journey. It has been my foundation of strength, compassion, and purpose, guiding me through the darkest moments and fueling my passion to help others find hope and healing as well. My belief that we are all called to serve and support one another is at the heart of BRAVE Together and continues to drive everything I do.
Due to the deeply sensitive nature of this work, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the profound need for privacy, I have made the decision not to disclose my name. This isn’t about personal recognition; it’s about creating a space where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment or exposure. The people we serve—veterans and first responders—deserve a safe environment, one where their anonymity is respected and their pain is validated. What matters most is not who I am, but that BRAVE Together exists to offer support, guidance, and hope to those in need. This work transcends individual identities—it is about making a lasting, positive impact on those who have too long been ignored or overlooked.
If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to reach out for help.
In a profession facing darkness and evil every day, courageous examples to follow are needed. Lieutenant Bradley Shaw of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama is one of those leaders. A humble, genuine and purposeful man of God, both in his agency and at home, whom I consider to be worthy of following. His testimony is changing lives and leaving an impact for God’s Kingdom.
“When I was Sheriff of Houston Co, AL he was one of my deputies and he still serves as a Lt. with HCSO. To say that I’m proud of Bradley Shaw would be a huge understatement! I’ve personally watched him struggle and also be victorious. The greatest thing is that Bradley gives credit where credit is due, to Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. He is a humble man who is ready and willing to be used by God as his vessel. Bradley once thought that law enforcement was his true calling, but HIS true calling has now been revealed to him and God is only just beginning to use Bradley to reach Cops for Jesus Christ.” – Sheriff Andy R. Hughes (retired)
Watch the 14-minute video where Bradley shares his testimony in his own words.
“This is a wonderful testimony and I love the humility of Bradley and his family on purposeful mission!” – Sgt Jeff Daukas, Glendale PD in Arizona
Bradley’s 23 years of service in law enforcement has led him through difficult personal and professional challenges. In 2022, when the Lord captured his heart, his story changed from despair to hope. You can now hear a renewed joy, peace, and purpose in his life, and how it has impacted his whole family. He desires the same for all those serving and sacrificing as first responders today.
In 2024 Bradley was introduced to Mission First Alliance and immediately began taking bold steps of faith. After joining the alliance, he got connected to others around the country, and also more involved in his local church. Mission First Alliance is a national gospel focused first responder alliance, bringing Real Hope to those serving on the front lines each and every day. You can join this alliance too. Membership is free. You are not alone.
“But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” – Psalm 4:3
Together we can follow Bradley’s example, surrender our lives to Jesus, live Mission First for Him, and watch everything change.
As first responders and public service professionals, how do we properly manage the stress and trauma we see daily? How do we take off the uniform, walk through the doorway of our homes, and connect with the people we love the most? They see us as superheroes, invincible, strong warriors for good. But how do we see ourselves? Sadly, for most of us, we do not see what others see. We are hurt, broken, angry, and full of shame and guilt. We could have been faster, smarter, better trained, and maybe they would have lived. If I could just be better. This is the story we start telling ourselves and sadly, over time we start to believe it. How do we regain control of our thoughts, our minds, our fears, and our shame? There is hope, and that hope is in Jesus Christ and Him alone.
The mental health challenges facing first responders are a significant concern. These challenges raise several questions about how to best help those suffering through these unique hardships. Studies and reports have indicated an alarming rise in the amount of mental health concerns first responders are experiencing due to the constant exposure to traumatic events, and the demanding nature of this job.
Reboot Recovery First Responders Program
Reboot Recovery, founded by Jenny and Evan Owens in 2011, is an organization dedicated to facilitating healing through faith-based programs. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Scott McPherson who serves as the First Responder Program Coordinator for Reboot Recovery. His passion for being a bridge for first responders to heal mentally and spiritually along with his heart for the Lord has created a successful program giving first responders the support needed to begin the process of acknowledging and working through traumatic experiences.
Reboot Recovery Services
The program equips participants with practical tools and coping skills that extend beyond the program, empowering them to navigate life’s difficulties more effectively. Focusing on a strong commitment to holistic healing, community support, faith-based resilience, and skill-building, the programs offered by Reboot Recovery are a valuable resource for first responders. As the organization continues to make strides in facilitating recovery, its impact suggests a potential avenue for rethinking and expanding approaches to mental health and rehabilitation.
Specifically, First Responder REBOOT (a program offered within Reboot Recovery) is a peer-led, faith-based 12-week program. This program is designed to provide a structured and comprehensive approach to healing through various elements that address the emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of critical incident stress and trauma. The program is broken down into weekly segments that include an introduction and orientation, understanding trauma, spiritual resilience, relational healing, coping strategies, integration, and future planning. The program is currently offered both online and in person and class registration can be completed on their website.
The emotional toll of our experiences can be heavy, and seeking mental health treatment is not a sign of weakness but a courageous act of strength. Christ is our beacon of hope that guides us through our challenges, fostering resilience and enhancing our ability to serve with clarity and compassion.
Whether it’s talking to a colleague, seeking professional counseling, or engaging in a wellness program like First Responder REBOOT, prioritizing your mental health is an investment to not only yourself and loved ones but also to the communities we serve. As a fellow first responder who has a deep understanding of the effects of trauma over time, I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining me in leading or participating in the 12-week program. Learn more at https://rebootrecovery.com/responders/, or contact Scott McPherson at scott@rebootrecovery.com.
