The Moment We Arrive On Scene, We Become a Part of Their Story - Lt. Sarah Shendy

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The Moment We Arrive On Scene, We Become a Part of Their Story - Lt. Sarah Shendy

Some people wear the uniform and slowly disappear inside it—hardened, exhausted, running on fumes. Sarah Shendy is the opposite. Nearly 18 years into law enforcement, she still talks about the job with the kind of awe most people lose after year one. And in this conversation, she explains why.

Sarah’s story starts with an unexpected invitation from a professor at Kent State University—and turns into a career built on compassion, discipline, and an almost stubborn refusal to become numb. She calls it what it is: an addiction to trauma and chaos. But instead of letting that addiction hollow her out, she’s learned to counter it with grounding routines, self-leadership, and the daily choice to show up with steady energy—because when an officer arrives on scene, they don’t just respond to a call… they become part of someone’s story.

Together, Conrad and Sarah unpack what healthy policing actually looks like: weekly one-on-ones, leaders who build family-level connection, hiring for character, and real mental-health support—licensed clinicians on staff, debriefs after critical incidents, and even therapy dogs. This episode is a blueprint for any department that wants to recruit well, retain well, and protect its people without losing its soul.

ABOUT LT. SHENDY Sarah Shendy is a law-enforcement leader and trainer with nearly 18 years of experience. As a lieutenant overseeing training and professional standards, she’s passionate about building healthy agency culture, developing disciplined leaders, and helping officers stay grounded, connected, and human on the job.

https://www.kent.edu/magazine/force-good

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