From New Jersey to Florida: Taking the Fight for First Responder Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Nationwide

My name is Robert Zbikowski, and I’m the founder/creator of the Behind the Badge Project. The mission of Behind the Badge is to bring awareness to mental health and addiction among first responders, encourage open conversation, support those who are struggling in silence, and remind people that one mistake, one bad chapter, or one difficult time in life does not define who you are.

Recently, I was accepted to be a guest on the 'Rise Above' podcast hosted by Kevin Lanning. This is a unique opportunity for me to share my personal journey with mental health and addiction, how I overcame those challenges, and how that experience inspired me to start the Behind the Badge Project. My hope is to reach first responders, recruits, and anyone considering a career in this field—especially those who may be struggling in silence. By sharing my story, I want to show that recovery is possible and that no one has to face these battles alone.

To make this possible, I need to travel from Hammonton, New Jersey to North Palm Beach, Florida, where the podcast is recorded. I don’t usually ask for help, but I believe in being honest when an opportunity has the potential to make a real impact. If you feel called to support this mission—whether through a small donation or simply by sharing this fundraiser—it would mean more than I can put into words. If you’ve ever believed in what I’m building, this is one of those moments where your support helps take it further than I can on my own. Thank you for standing behind this mission. We’re just getting started. — Behind The Badge Project LLC