73 - Staying Healthy Investigating Crimes Against Children with Tony Godwin

Episode Summary In this episode of the First Responder Wellness Podcast, host Conrad Weaver sits down with veteran officer Tony Godwin from the Garland Police Department. With over 31 years of experience, Tony specializes in internet crimes against children, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable populations. They discuss:

• The challenges of investigating child exploitation and human trafficking
• The mental health toll on officers and the evolving support systems in law enforcement
• The role of faith, leadership, and community support in maintaining wellness
• Why seeking help and building strong relationships is essential for personal growth
• Tony shares his personal journey, offering valuable insights into how officers can prioritize mental health while navigating the complexities of their profession.
• His message to fellow first responders: You don’t have to do this alone.
• Seek help, build support systems, and make wellness a priority.

Key Takeaways

✅ 31+ Years in Law Enforcement – Tony has dedicated his career to protecting children and combating internet crimes.
 ✅ Child Exploitation vs. Human Trafficking – Many misunderstand human trafficking; child exploitation is often the bigger issue.
 ✅ Mental Health in Law Enforcement – Stigma is slowly fading, but officers must be proactive in seeking help.
 ✅ The Power of Leadership – Strong leadership plays a crucial role in officer wellness and mental health advocacy.
 ✅ Healthy Coping Strategies – Hobbies and activities outside of work are essential for mental well-being. 
✅ Faith and Wellness – Spirituality and faith can provide strength and resilience in high-stress professions.
 ✅ Transformative Relationships – Unexpected connections can play a crucial role in healing and personal growth. 
✅ Cultural Shift in Policing – Departments are now prioritizing mental health initiatives, making wellness part of the organizational culture.

Connect with Tony

https://www.catfishcops.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CatfishCops5.0/ https://www.instagram.com/catfishcops5.0/ https://www.tiktok.com/@catfishcops50 https://www.patreon.com/catfishcops

+++++

FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST

Register for the LIVE Events here: https://mailchi.mp/ptsd911movie/first-responder-wellness-podcast-live Web site: https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC

Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.