Episode 12: Michael Sugrue - Air Force Veteran, Former Police Sergeant, Co-Author of "Relentless Courage"

Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.  A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, certified Life & Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones. In this episode, Erin speaks with Michael Sugrue, a United States Air Force Veteran, with 6.5 years service, including experience with the prestigious Phoenix Ravens, a Former Sergeant with the Walnut Creek Police Department with 14 years service and co-author of "Relentless Courage; Winning The Battle Against Frontline Trauma" with Shauna "Doc" Springer. Michael talks about what lead him to want to join the Air Force, his process through ROTC to serving throughout the world, what being a leader really means to him and how proud it made him to serve amongst his fellow Ravens. Erin and Michael discuss the impact and influence his step-Dad had on shaping his desire to become a law enforcement officer, what the process was like joining Walnut Creek and the differences in the culture of the Air Force vs the Police Department. He kindly recounts his experience with a fatal officer involved shooting, what having to make that decision to choose your life and save the lives of others is truly like, the effect it had on him and how having to relive the event through 4 years of civil litigation took an enormous toll on his mental health. Michael details how administrative betrayal is one of the most harmful, yet not widely spoken about experiences a First Responder can endure and how ultimately it lead to the end of his policing career. Michael also talks about the book he co-authored with Doc Springer, "Relentless Courage"; how this book is incredibly unique and that it's not just for the First Responder community, but for anyone wanting to hear about one man's journey from trauma and unbearable darkness, to thriving once again and enjoying life. Showing that kind of transformation is possible and although many people can struggle with suicidal ideation, it's not the answer. It was wonderful to speak with Michael and we both hope you enjoy listening to this episode! Please check out and follow him on Instagram: @first_responders_stories or @michael_sugrue or @sergeant_michael_sugrue And on Facebook under the same handles.  If you're interested in having Michael come speak at your organisation or department, please contact him via LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue You can purchase "Relentless Courage; Winning The Battle Against Frontline Trauma" from Amazon, all good book stores or listen on Audible. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like a topic discussed, would like to be a guest or are interested in receiving coaching services from Erin Jane. Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/erinjanecoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Call or Text: +1 617 396 4695 You can watch the episodes as video on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@Erin-Jane-Coaching?si=XI8q0z3mhmzO_a7_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feel free to watch, listen, subscribe and share!