First Response with Bob Plaschke Episode 16 - Lt. Davin Cole (Ret.): Breaking Silence: A Hidden Mental Health Crisis

First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob Plaschke

When retired Lieutenant Davin Cole reveals that police officers experience three to five traumatic events every month—the equivalent of what most civilians face in an entire lifetime—you begin to understand the monumental mental health challenges behind the badge.

Through raw honesty, Lt. Cole shares his 31-year journey in law enforcement that culminated in addiction, depression, and a desperate act that ended his career. Despite two officer-involved shootings and countless traumatic scenes, it was an injury during canine training that set him on a path of prescription opioid dependency and undiagnosed complex PTSD. His story represents a startling reality: approximately 40% of officers develop substance abuse disorders, while suicide rates soar at four times the national average.

What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Lt. Cole's insight into why people choose careers in public safety. Many first responders, he observes, come from backgrounds of childhood trauma, unconsciously driven to become protectors after feeling unprotected themselves. This creates a dangerous cycle where those already carrying personal trauma are continuously exposed to new traumatic events without adequate processing time or support.

The podcast explores emerging best practices for departments, including confidential mental health access, regular debriefing sessions for seemingly routine traumatic exposures, and early intervention. Lt. Cole emphasizes that the old "suck it up" culture is slowly giving way to recognition that mental wellness requires the same attention as physical fitness and tactical training.

Whether you work in public safety or simply interact with first responders, this conversation will transform your understanding of what it means to wear the badge. Next time you encounter a police officer, remember they may have just witnessed something most of us will experience only a handful of times in our entire lives. Follow Lt. Cole's work at DavinCole.com or connect with him on LinkedIn for more resources on first responder mental health.

챕터

1. Behind the Badge (00:00:00)

2. First Responder Trauma Statistics (00:08:53)

3. Lieutenant Cole's Personal Story (00:15:06)

4. Mental Health Support in Law Enforcement (00:22:06)

5. Homelessness Crisis and Solutions (00:30:49)

6. Closing Thoughts on Empathy (00:37:29)