Episode 687: The Will to Survive with Cristina Coria

On today's episode, Dennis sits down with Retired Santa Monica Officer Cristina Coria. Cristina was born and raised in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in a family of police officers who worked for the Santa Monica Police Department. Coria has been a police officer for almost 14 years. During this time, she has gone through two life-threatening experiences. First, she was nearly crushed to death when she was pinned up against her police car by another vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver. Second, she sustained an almost career-ending injury to her left arm after being shot by a murder suspect during a hostage standoff which occurred on the Santa Monica Pier on July 4, 2000. She sustained severe bone and nerve damage and was initially advised by doctors that she might lose her arm. After extensive reconstructive surgery she was told by doctors that she would never be able to have full use of her arm again nor return back to work. Through dedication, determination, faith and perseverance, she beat the odds and regained use of her arm. In 2000, Cristina was a contestant on the 13th season of Survivor: Cook Island and in 2001, she returned back to work full duty patrolling the streets of Santa Monica. After such hardships, she manages to keep upbeat and continues to have a positive outlook on life. Cristina talks about overcoming adversity, keeping a positive mindset when times are tough and how everything happens for a reason. If you like what you are hearing and want to stay in the loop with the latest in Street Cop Training, please follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StreetCopTraining