Police officer turned mental health warrior | Michael Sugrue - S.O.S. podcast #137

S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work

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In what is only my second return guest, I catch up with Michael Sugrue, who tragically had to take a life in the line of duty.
This horrifying experience, along with unresolved childhood trauma, led him down a downward spiral. This ultimately led to him leaving law enforcement behind. However, Michael forged a new path championing the vital need for 1st responder mental health treatment.
Join me as we check in with Michael and see where a best-selling book, numerous speaking engagements and film appearances have led him and what advice he gives to those still struggling with stressful lives.
Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career as a Security Forces Officer in the United States Air Force in 1998. As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments, and Air Base Ground Defense.
Michael served in various assignments, including Flight Leader, Flight Commander, Senior Watch Officer, Chief of Command Post, and Chief of Security Forces. Michael served all over the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. He was also a Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the unique identifier #1173. Michael honorably separated from the Air Force as a Captain in 2004.
Immediately after the Air Force, Michael was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he served in a variety of assignments, including Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC), Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO) and Patrol Sergeant. Michael was awarded the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal in 2014 for his heroic and life-saving actions during a Fatal Officer Involved Shooting in 2012.
Michael ultimately medically retired in 2018. He is now a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW).
In his International #1 BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing. RELENTLESS COURAGE was

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