Heroes Behind the Badge11 Mar 2025

The Hidden Crisis: How This Former Officer Nearly Became Another Police Suicide Statistic

We confront the hidden epidemic of police suicide with retired officer David Berez. After 34 years in emergency services with the East Windsor Police Department, David courageously shares how he nearly became another statistic—sitting in his patrol car with his service weapon, prevented from taking his life only by one timely call

Police officers are 54% more likely than civilians to die by suicide, and David reveals the neurological impact of experiencing hundreds of traumatic incidents throughout a law enforcement career. "I lost the ability to feel love," he explains, describing how the job transformed him. "I didn't know how to hug my kids and mean it."

Now a Master Resiliency Trainer with a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology, David offers evidence-based strategies for building officer resilience using the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment).

This essential conversation addresses the alarming reality that the average police officer beyond age 50 will live only 7.5 years compared to the civilian average of 30-35 years. David's journey from crisis to becoming an advocate for officer wellness provides crucial insights for departments, officers, and families navigating the psychological toll of law enforcement service.

Join hosts Craig Floyd, Bill Erfurth, and Dennis Collins as they explore this critical issue affecting the brave men and women who protect our communities every day.

#PoliceSuicidePrevention #OfficerWellness #BehindTheBadge #LawEnforcementResilience

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