Ep. 38 WA State officer’s message of hope after seeking PTSD treatment: you are not alone

On Being a Police Officer

EP. 38 I am talking with Tricia Minkler who served in law enforcement in Washington state for eight years. Tricia's primary reason for doing this interview is that she has a very important story she wants to share about wellness, survival and recovery. Tricia's path has not been easy. She's developed PTSD over the course of her career, including during her time as prosecutor during which she worked at the county level with King County and then Mason County prosecutors' offices, and then as an assistant city attorney for the city of Auburn. Trauma on the job has led her to seek help after struggling with alcohol and attempting suicide. In the process, she has lost her job in law enforcement. We conducted this interview just a few weeks before she received official word of termination from her department. But she is here with a message of hope and encouragement for those who are struggling. She wants everyone to know that her recovery has been worth it even under these circumstances. She is on her way to a new career as a counselor for first responders. Most of all, she wants you to know if you are struggling, you are not alone. We talk about a number of organizations like Code 4 NW and treatment centers where you can get help.

Tricia is also working on creating an in-person support group for first responders in the PNW. If you are interested, you can connect with her through LinkedIn.

In the interview, she mentioned a number of organizations supporting first responders. I will include links here:

Code 4 NW

425.243.5092

Warrior Pathh

First Responder Support Network

And their West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat

First Responder Wellness

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