Beyond the Badge Finding Purpose and Joy After Policing

What happens when the badge comes off? When the mission changes, but the heart that served still needs a place to go?In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Heroes Behind the Badge host Dennis Collins continues his discussion with David Berez, Dave Howe, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd—exploring what comes after awareness: rebuilding purpose, identity, and joy beyond the uniform. They share stories of recovery, leadership, and rediscovery—how faith, family, and service become anchors in a life that once revolved around duty. This episode isn’t about what’s been lost—it’s about what can still be foundGuests:David Berez (author, retired police lieutenant) Dave Howe (U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation) Bill Erfurth (retired Miami-Dade detective, filmmaker) Craig Floyd (Citizens Behind the Badge)Topics include:Finding identity and purpose beyond law enforcement The power of life planning and gratitude Leadership as service, not authority Healing through faith, family, and freedom Building a culture that values wellness over silence Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge Timestamps:00:00 – Shifting Gears: Life Beyond the Badge 03:45 – Stewards of the Badge 06:10 – The Power of a Life Plan 13:45 – Leadership Isn’t About You 16:40 – Leadership Is Service 23:50 – Faith, Family, and Freedom 27:15 – Learning to Re-Love 30:00 – Closing Reflections #HeroesBehindTheBadge #BeyondTheBadge #PoliceWellness #FirstResponderResilience #PoliceLeadership #LifeAfterPolicing #PositivePsychology #OfficerSupport #PoliceMentalHealth #LawEnforcement