Cops and Campers Events
copsandcampers.com
UPDATE- We are having our first Cops and Campers Event at Spruce Row Campground in Ithaca NY. We are attempting to have a Documentary film to document the event and to use towards future events across the country.
Hi. I am a 51 year old retired Retired Wounded Police Veteran who suffers from PTSD. I'd like to share with you my story and how I plan to help other first responders that are suffering as I have. In 2012 I was involved in a shooting and got shot in the line of duty. My state of mind and in turn my life has forever changed.
I found myself battling PTSD, heart disease, hypertension, obesity and alcohol abuse. My family was beginning to fall apart. In 2014 my wife finally convinced me that I needed to seek help. I sought various forms of therapy, changed my dietary habits, and continued to exercise. I was beginning to see results. As I set out to overcome my PTSD and health issues I learned that first responders are at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. It made total sense. As first responders we are constantly responding to traumatic incidents often times putting our own lives at risk. With adrenaline being a constant and cortisol levels regularly elevated how can one not suffer stress to the heart? Having realized how my health had suffered as a result of my career in law enforcement it was clear to me that my fellow officers suffer a similar fate. So in 2019 my family and I decided to sell our home and downsize our lives into a 28' trailer to travel the country and share our wisdom to help others as we continued on our own healing journey. In my commitment to help fellow first responders I obtained licenses as a sports nutritionist and as a personal trainer.
When we arrive at campgrounds I put up my thin blue line flag as a reminder to myself of my healing journey, to honor my fallen brothers and sisters, to honor all those who serve and have served and are quite possibly suffering from some form of PTSD and other health ailments, to honor my mother- a retired homicide sgt, my hero and one of my greatest influences. In turn, it has become a great tool in meeting first responders and others and opening up discussions on health. I have met dozens of people whom I have advised hoping to make a difference in their lives.
Well, recently our thin blue line flag was met with resistance at a Campground in Upstate NY. We were told to take it down. I was infuriated. This flag has been nothing but a positive message to me and others on our journey. It holds deep symbolism for myself and my other law enforcement brothers and sisters. I was very offended to be told to 'take it down' and deeply disturbed at the insensitvity of that request. My PTSD kicked in and I got in the 'red zone' fairly quickly. In that moment I came to the realization that I still had a long road ahead of me to heal. This gave me the sense of urgency to do something bigger to help myself and other first responders.
Hence, an idea was born - 'Cops and Campers' - A wellness retreat at campgrounds for first responders where they may come together and share stories and continue a healing process. I'd like to share my knowledge on health, nutrition, exercise and the various therapies that have assisted me. I'd love to have onsite therapists, yoga instructors, healing nutrition options and more. Bringing to light the impact of PTSD and the health effects of our line of work may help first responders overcome the stigma that accompanies this affliction. I'd like to encourage and welcome not only law enforcement officers but all first responders to join.
