In this episode of “When the Call Hits Home,” hosts Jennifer Woosley Saylor and Dr. Ashlee Gethner dive into the complex world of law enforcement with their guest, Jeremy Davis. Jeremy, a seasoned police officer with 30 years of experience, offers a profound reflection on his career, highlighting the concept of moral injury and its impact on first responders.

The Journey to Understanding Moral Injury

Jeremy begins by sharing his extensive career path, which includes roles in various agencies and departments, from patrol to SWAT to detective work. However, it wasn’t just his professional journey that shaped him; his upbringing in a military family also played a significant role. Jeremy recalls how his father’s example of leadership and caring for his soldiers left a lasting impression on him.

One pivotal moment in Jeremy’s career was dealing with a traumatic incident involving a 7-month-old infant who died tragically in a car fire. This incident led him to experience feelings of failure as a father, man, police officer, and supervisor—a situation he now recognizes as moral injury. Moral injury occurs when individuals do something, witness something, or fail to take action in a way that violates their deeply held beliefs and values.

Addressing the Unspoken Challenges

For a decade, Jeremy suppressed the trauma associated with this incident, affecting his sleep and overall well-being. It wasn’t until a sleep specialist pointed out the need for psychological help that Jeremy began his journey toward healing. This introspective journey led him to explore the realms of PTSD and moral injury. He found that while PTSD was a real diagnosis for him, addressing the moral injury aspect of his trauma was equally crucial.

A turning point in Jeremy’s healing process came during an unexpected moment at a safety day event. He found himself explaining a tragic bus crash to a young couple, an experience that mirrored his own trauma. This exposure forced him to confront his feelings and find solace in the fact that life continues, and growth and happiness are still possible.

The Role of Leadership and Communication

Jeremy’s story also underscores the profound impact that leadership and communication can have on first responders. He emphasizes the importance of supervisors understanding and addressing the emotional well-being of their officers. In his own experience, he witnessed both positive and negative examples of leadership, which significantly influenced his perspective.

By sharing his own vulnerabilities and experiences, Jeremy illustrates the importance of acceptance and communication within families, especially those of first responders. He recounts having tough conversations with his adult children, acknowledging his imperfections and the unrealistic expectations he placed on them. This open dialogue helped to bridge gaps and foster understanding within his family.

Conclusion

Jeremy Davis’s candid discussion about moral injury sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of law enforcement. His journey of self-reflection and healing serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of first responders. Whether through therapy, open communication, or leadership that truly listens and understands, there are pathways to healing and growth. For those in positions of authority, Jeremy’s story underscores the responsibility to support and care for their officers, ultimately fostering a more resilient and healthy workforce.

As “When the Call Hits Home” continues to explore the intricate dynamics of first responder families, Jeremy’s insights provide valuable lessons for both professionals in the field and their loved ones.

Book Recommendations

• The POWER Manual: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Police Officer Wellness, Ethics, and Resilience
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
• The Knight in Rusty Armor
• Letters of Juliet to the Knight in Rusty Armor

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