Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with Greater Sudbury Police Service Constable James Jefferson. James was involved in a critical incident that had a profound impact on how he managed and functioned.  Until he was ready to acknowledge this impact and do something to help himself, he spiraled to his rock bottom.  But when James did acknowledge the impact, he started a road to recovery for himself, and now uses his experiences and outlook to help others with the GSPS.  Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

Join Chief Neil Dubord as he speaks with psychologist Dr. Mark Davies. Mark has recently joined the Delta Police Department and works with our wellness section to help our officers be mentally healthy. A psychologist on staff is not a completely new thing, but it goes a long way to show how committed the DPD is to employee wellness.   Mark believes organizational culture can reduce barriers and contribute to healthy mental well-being. In speaking about a study conducted at Harvard, Dr. Davies states, “Unit cohesion in the military was a negative predictor of PTSD by a 20% variance.”  Essentially, having the proper mechanisms in place before trauma occurs, can reduce the chance and severity of trauma, if and when trauma does happen.   Mark emphasizes the value of organizational culture, why he chose to work with first responders, and how his own lived experience is now helping him contribute to the DPD’s environment to help its officers.  “Mental health isn’t about preventing bad, it’s about being really great.”   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca  

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Sande Higgins, an RCMP member who bravely shares her unique story of survival, followed by trauma.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Sande who, several years ago, boarded a plane five days before getting married to the love of her life, to moments later finding herself as a survivor. Sande describes the traumatizing experience and how it accompanied her in silence for many years, painfully but away from the sight of her close ones. Sande has remained resilient in the face of all the different obstacles she had to overcome and shares her story to encourage anyone suffering to seek help. Listen to this inspiring story!   Key Takeaways: [2:53] Sande shares her background and how she became part of the RCMP. [5:19] Sande expands on her experience in residential schools. [6:45] Sande describes the mounted community. [8:12] Each member had their own home at the mounted community. [9:25] When the incident occurred, Sande was days away from her wedding. She talks about her relationship with her partner back then. [12:46] Sande boarded the plane, and nothing seemed odd. [15:17] What happened on July 4th? [20:24] What is Telecom? [21:18] Sande stops and tries to process what just happened. [23:25] Sande talks about her injuries. [25:45] Sande made sure everyone was all right. [28:00] Sande got married five days after the incident. [28:41] Sande returned to work pretty fast; she explained what that looked like.  [30:23] Before getting back to work, Sande consulted a psychologist. [33:25] Sande had a son; she is convinced he saved her; shifting the focus was the key to starting healing. [38:15] Sande confesses having thoughts of dying. [39:11] Sande’s doctor told her she had PTSD years after the event. [40:55] Sande receives a treatment plan for her PTSD. [43:23] Sande talks about where she is on her journey today. [45:18] How does Sande see a change in perspectives in the RCMP regarding mental health? [47:33] Sande discusses survivor’s guilt. [48:58] It is never too late to ask for help.   Mentioned in this Episode: RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca  

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by   Ryan Moore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Ryan about his struggle with PTSD and how he ended up helping others due to his own healing journey. Ryan has indigenous roots and received his formal name when he was young, he was called Big Uncle, a name they hadn’t given for a while in his culture, which represents somebody who looks after people, a perfect name that foresaw his destiny.  In his role helping others, Ryan experienced extreme situations, which over time disturbed his peace, work, and relationships. Ryan turned his suffering into an opportunity to find himself again and to learn how to take care of his own mental health, which today he applies in helping others struggling with PTSD. Get inspired by Ryan’s brave journey, if he could, so do you! Key Takeaways: [1:25] Ryan talks about himself, his career, and how he got to join the RCMP. [3:30] Ryan is also an indigenous member. [5:04] Ryan shares his experience with PTSD. [10:45] Ryan finally realizes he is suffering from PTSD (even though it was obvious to his closest ones). [12:46] Ryan recalls the origins of PTSD in his life. [21:34] The training that officers don’t receive. [22:21] Ryan discusses his life as a veteran. [27:43] Ryan and Chied Dubord address that moment when an officer realizes he/she needs time off because something is not correct. [31:57] Ryan wants to get involved in Veteran’s Affairs by making a presentation, but things get complicated, and Ryan loses control. [37:56] Ryan finds himself at home with no road map of what to do next; he shares how he found his way during that time. [40:36] Ryan gets introduced to a particular treatment for people struggling with PTSD. [44:07] Ryan was hesitant about the program; he did not think it was meant for him since he didn’t feel ready to retire.  [46:26] Ryan was sent home, which was the beginning of his recovery. [48:26] Today, Ryan helps others on their journeys toward healing from PTSD. [54:50] Ryan shares how he connects with other service members in need. [56:12] Ryan’s first day back at work felt like a million dollars.   Mentioned in this Episode: K9 Coffee Co.   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca

Chief Neil Dubord is accompanied this week by Dr. Kendra Devor, who dives deep into her efforts regarding the Wellness Program designed to assist first responders in overcoming the repercussions of critical incidents they often endure in service.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kendra Devor Psy. D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist out of Orange County, California. Her professional experience has focused on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Dr. Devor has extensive experience working with first responders and their family members.   Key Takeaways: [1:45] Kendra introduces herself. [4:10] Kendra talks about her certifications. [5:14] Kendra shares about a particular client who has gone through several traumatic incidents. [8:26] EMDR is an amazing therapeutic modality designed to treat trauma, Kendra explains why. [10:39] Kendra continues talking about this specific client who got to therapy after his third critical incident; she addresses the two first traumatic events. [14:49] Now, this deputy went through two more critical incidents. [16:01] Less than one year later, this particular deputy is stronger and happier than ever. [17:45] Kendra shares the best tools for assisting first responders. [20:03] Kendra expresses her gratitude and honor for being trusted by cops. [20:53] Kendra talks about the Wellness Program. [24:01] Kendra addresses the invaluable importance of training. [25:03] Physical wellness is also involved in the Wellness Program. [27:41] Kendra shares her thoughts on the mental health stigma. [30:22] Kendra advises: Go to therapy before you feel like you need it, and if you don’t like the clinician, it is not that therapy isn't for you; just seek another therapist.   Mentioned in this Episode: K9 Coffee Co.   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.  

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by  Kyle Stubbs, who is a member of the RCMP and was formerly in the Surrey Detachment. In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Kyle about how his life took a sudden shift in 2018 with his premature daughter's birth. Kyle openly shares how his entire family was affected by this and especially the impact that the vulnerable health condition of his baby girl had on him as a father, a husband, and a cop. Kyle shares how he struggled to find the support he needed but, fortunately, ran into a therapeutic group that changed his life forever. This transformation brought along a new purpose to him: Nine8, a Health and Wellness Training Program for first responders Kyle created.   Key Takeaways: [1:13] Kyle introduces himself. [1:51] How did the frequent moving affect Kyle and his family? [2:38] Kyle takes us back to 2018, when his younger daughter was born. [5:25] Kyle talks about the delivery of her premature baby girl. [7:31] Kyle ignored how this situation would impact his entire family.  [8:42] They had to fly back to the Children’s Hospital soon after arriving home. [10:21] Kyle was told by the doctors her baby, Matilda, was going to go through surgery and that there was a possibility that she wouldn’t survive it. [11:11] Matilda fully recovered; today she is a typical 5-year-old! [11:33] Kyle talks about the pressure he placed on himself for not going to work during that period when Matilda was recovering. [13:30] How did Kyle deal with the stress? [14:34] Kyle became numb and disconnected from his family. [15:14] Kyle tried therapy without luck, but he found a group that gave him the support he needed. [16:50] Kyle’s least favorite word: Should. [19:56] How did Kyle find the therapeutic group? How long did it take him to find it? [22:14] By assisting the group, Kyle realized he was not alone. [23:04] Kyle began a journey that provided even more meaning to his life and self-discovery. [25:16] Kyle created Nine8, a 10-week program for first responders. [26:18] Kyle shares some interesting statistics about under and over-40-year-old men and their meaningful connections. [28:36] You are not alone. [30:18] Chief Dubord highlights some of the most essential messages brought by Kyle to today’s episode.   Mentioned in this Episode: Find more about Kyle Stubbs   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.    

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the event that took place on January 23rd, 2023, when the Delta Police Department received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge. In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Jonny Morris, who reached out during the crisis faced on that bridge and extended his support through a long negotiation process that lasted 8 hours and also caused the closing of the bridge, which created discontent from the general population which was affected by this security measure. The overall decision to close the bridge was complex but guided by the belief in the importance of preserving life, which first responders and committed officers achieved, saving this man’s life and successfully assisting an individual with a mental health crisis.    Key Takeaways: [4:15] Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins Chief Dubord. [7:13] Jonny talks about his role and how he advocates for mental health. [9:44] Jonny shares the successes accomplished and the services the Canadian Mental Health Association gives. [13:35] Care to Speak and Care for Care Giver and their impact on stress management teams and first responders. [16:33] Jonny talks about building psychologically safe environments and their work on preventive care. [19:58] Jonny speaks of the Study in Blue and Gray, a report with many recommendations in cases of people confronting a mental health emergency.  [23:54] Jonny described the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace.  [32:40] Why is it so difficult for mental fitness to be on the same footing as physical health? [39:08] Jonny expresses his gratitude.   Mentioned in this Episode: Canadian Mental Health Association Learn more about 13 Factors: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace Anxiety Canada Call the crisis line:  3-10-6789   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.  

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Grayson Hawkings and Joel Thirsk from the Delta Police Department.   In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Grayson and Joel about their intervention in a case that had an unexpected turn and how they handled a complex and uncertain incident in the Ferry Terminal, displaying a magnificent team effort.  Both Grayson and Joel share the impact the process that followed the event had on them since they were not able to talk to anyone about the incident for many months. They also speak of the strategies and tools they used to keep their psychological strength and clarity.    Key Takeaways: [1:43] Grayson shares about himself [2:07] Joel talks about how he joined the Delta Police Department. [3:17] Reflection on a previous call involving Grayson and Joel. Four years ago, Joel and Grayson got a peculiar call about a child stuck in mud. [4:09] Introduction of crisis call. Radio clip of the police communicating during the incident at the ferry terminal. [7:50] Grayson talks about that call. [13:05] Grayson had to run after the man that was driving the taxi. [13:36] Joel shares what he knew about what was happening. [14:39] Grayson and Joel were at the moment working by themselves, each in a one-person unit. [14:55] Grayson explains the yelling in the radio clip. [16:33] Joel shares how he got to support Grayson. [18:30] Grayson finds out the man has a knife. [20:55]  Grayson talks about what happened after the man starts to harm himself.. [23:40] From de-escalation to applying first aid. [24:40] Grayson distances himself from the scene to catch his breath. [26:09] Joel shares the events after the man harmed himself and all the questions he had in his mind at the moment. [28:12] Grayson returned to the office, and anxiety started to kick in. [29:46] Grayson and Joel discuss the impact of being unable to speak with anyone about what happened. [32:08] Grayson shares how upsetting it was for his belt to be taken from him. [32:50] Joel did not sleep well after the event. [35:34] How was it like to get back to work?  [36:55] Grayson and Joel did not know how long the process would be. [37:50] They could speak to no one (not even the psychologist or teammates) [40:57] Joel and Grayson discuss their strategies to continue working and staying positive. [44:01] Months turned into years, what did Joel and Grayson do over that period of time? [45:54] Eighteen months later, they have to talk about the incident. How fresh was it in their minds? [47:42] There is a need to understand the process. [49:45] Social connections are crucially important inside and outside of the police. [51:42] Did they do anything to try to stop the event from repeating itself in their minds? [54:09] Would there have been any advantage if they were allowed to tell the story sooner?  [55:13] Joel grew up in a police family. [56:45] Chief Dubord summarizes the advice that Joel and Grayson provided.   Mentioned in this Episode: K9 Coffee Co.   Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Todd Mason from the Victoria Police Department. In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Todd about two tragic incidents that changed his career and affected him deeply, impacting his physical and mental health profoundly.    Todd boldly shares the struggles he endured being diagnosed with PTSD, major depression and anxiety and how he regained control of his life and has his PTSD in remission. Listen to Todd’s inspiring story of transformation, resilience, and perseverance.   Key Takeaways: [1:51] In September of 2021 Todd was a negotiator with the Victoria Police Department, he shares a critical incident he experienced on September 15th. [6:58] Todd took a week off after the shooting. [8:11] Todd talks about the events that happened on September 27th. [13:27] How fast did the car hit Todd? [13:50] Todd talks about the several injuries resulting from the incident. [15:23] How did Tom get to the hospital? [17:37] What happened after Todd got released from the hospital? [21:15] Todd talks about the impact this incident has on his psyche. [25:30] Medication helped Todd a lot. [25:55] Todd speaks of his wife’s unconditional support. [28:54] Todd confesses that he did not know what was happening to him at the time. [31:23] Todd heard about a program dedicated to helping people with PTSD. [34:09] Treatment at Ravensview felt like a full-time job to Todd. [35:04] Todd was out for three months, and he talks about what was different when he came back. [36:00] Depression is a daily battle. [36:43] What is the prognosis for Todd? [37:55] Was Which of the physical or mental injuries was the hardest to get over with? [39:12] What happened to the person that tried to run Todd down? [42:31] Todd shares some of the things that worked for him.   Mentioned in this Episode: Homewood Ravensview    Looking for More Episodes? You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.   Connect with the Delta Police Department: Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and Chief Neil Dubord on Linkedin   Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.