AFTER THE TONES is a 43-minute documentary focusing on many of the issues facing first responder retirees and their families. Through in-depth interviews with retired and active-duty first responders, as well as conversations with culturally competent professionals who work closely with first responders, topics include:
The film also offers support and resources, encouraging first responder retirees to live long and fulfilling lives after their years of public service.
"I keep seeing these images, I can't unsee them."
After a young police officer under his command was murdered, Urbandale, Iowa Police Sergeant Mark Jorgensen (Ret.) instantly developed PTSD. And no matter how much he tried to deny the symptoms, these issues ultimately forced him to take an early retirement from the police force.
"The wheels were falling off the wagon."
Mike Ackman retired as a Captain with the Aurora Fire Department. He describes how being a firefighter is tough on the body and takes a toll after many years.
"I was a man with no purpose and no identity."
Daniel Defenbaugh was forced to retire early from his law enforcement career due to PTSD. In this First Responder Retirement Story, Daniel describes how he lost all purpose and identity in his life, leading to a very dark place. Daniel has since founded the 10-42 Project. 10-42Project.org
"When you are exposed to trauma, literally every day, you can't help but get numb to it."
Kathryn Severns Avery, a Retirement Readiness Coach, explains how many first responders become numb to trauma and how finding a supportive environment is imperative. Kathryn is also the founder and operator of Restoration Ranch, a mountain getaway for military members, first responders and their families. RestorationRanchColorado.com
"I didn't realize I had PTS."
In this emotional story, Assistant Fire Chief Rob Stottlemyre (Ret.) explains how residual PTS in retirement can lead to suicidal ideation and ultimately result in a "ripple effect" suffered by family and friends.
"Even after all these years, I still have work dreams."
Ten years after retiring as a police officer, Mark Beluscak still experiences "work dreams," where visions of past traumatic events continue to invade his sleep.
"There are runs that give you a scar."
In this After the Tones Retirement Story, retired Deputy Fire Chief Mark Ricard discusses how PTSD can actually get worse after retirement.
"There were calls he just couldn't forget."
Jo Terry discusses how PTSD stayed with her husband, years after his retirement from the fire department, ultimately leading to his suicide. Jo has since founded and manages the Chip Terry Fund for First Responders. TheChipTerryFund.org.
"Now you retire, and there's no rush."
Rick and Monique Elgersma, both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists at Real Connections Counseling in Iowa, discuss the loss of the adrenaline rush when a first responder retires as well as the importance of team support. RealConnectionsCounseling.com
"I miss a lot of the people I worked with."
Retired Aurora, Colorado firefighter Diane Schroeder discusses how she misses the routine of being on-the-job as well as the camaraderie of her firefighter brothers and sisters.
"It's the untreated PTSD that we see the biggest challenges."
Lt. Andrew Phipps of the Des Moines, Iowa Police Department warns that without seeking mental health after retirement, officers are the most at-risk for suicidal ideations, addiction issues and other unsafe life behaviors.
"It's important to continue working on your mental health and wellness after retirement."
Michelle Kaye, MA, LPC, discusses some of the issues facing first responders after they retire from the job. Michelle is the founder and operator of Operation Equine, offering equine therapy to military members, first responders and their families. OperationEquine.org
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