"My Badge Was a Mask": The Breaking Point That Ended a 19-Year Police Career

In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with Jared Wasmek, a retired police officer with a remarkable story of healing and transformation. Jared is a gentle soul—an artist, a helper, a peacemaker. So how did he end up spending 19 years in law enforcement? To fill a void, he put on the badge like a mask, hoping the uniform would make him feel noble and special.

For nearly two decades, Jared absorbed the trauma of the streets. As a natural empath, the constant negativity manifested in over 30 debilitating physical and mental symptoms. He was the department's peer support expert, yet he was the last person to see how broken he had become.

This is the story of his shattering. Jared shares the vulnerable moment he finally asked for help, walking away from his career and feeling completely fractured. But in that brokenness, he discovered a profound truth: it was his persona, not his spirit, that had been destroyed. His healing journey began with an unusual retirement gift from his fellow officers: not a gun, but a yoga study.

Today, Jared has turned his pain into purpose. He is the founder of Second Response, a peer support organization dedicated to helping first responders find connection, heal from trauma, and learn that they are not alone.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

(02:45) Jared's identity as a peacemaker and why he became a police officer to "fill a void."

(09:30) Nicknamed "Father Was" because of his unique ability to get confessions.

(12:15) As an empath, how he took on the negative energy of the job, leading to 30+ physical symptoms.

(24:00) "I was invincible until I wasn't": The slow breakdown and burnout from years on patrol.

(29:00) Being the department's peer support expert while completely ignoring his own trauma.

(33:43) The moment he realized, "I can't do this alone anymore."

(39:00) Leaving his career and feeling completely broken, fractured, and in despair.

(44:00) The unusual retirement gift he received from his fellow officers that started his healing journey.

(49:15) His new mission founding Second Response to bring peer support to first responders.

(55:00) The embarrassing, vulnerable story he kept secret for years and the healing power of sharing it with peers.

About the Guest:

Jared Wasmek is a retired 19-year veteran of law enforcement and the founder of Second Response, an organization providing peer support and resources for first responders. After a medical retirement due to cumulative PTSD, Jared dedicated himself to a journey of healing, embracing modalities like yoga and peer connection. He now uses his experience to help other first responders navigate the unique traumas of their profession.

Website: https://www.secondresponse.net/

Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wasmek-3b4a53230/

About the Host:

The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."

Learn More About Men's Peer Groups: https://www.menspeergroups.com/

B's Website: bhalevi.com

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