EPISODE · Jul 15, 2026 · 44 MIN
S6 E28 Grief and Suicide Loss in Law Enforcement — Dr. Erie Crawford
from Responder Resilience
She lost him. Then she found a way through.Lt. James Crawford (Ret.) of the Chicago Police Department was a pastor, a mentor, and the man everyone leaned on. Months after retiring, he died by suicide. His wife, Erie S. Crawford, LSW, PhD — a licensed social worker who saw the signs — made a decision in her darkest hour: this loss would not take her too.She buried him on a Saturday. By Monday, she was in therapy, fighting for her own healing. What she built from that fight is now helping suicide-loss families across the country find their way back to life.In this episode, Dr. Crawford joins hosts Lt. David Dachinger (ret.) and guest co-host Lynette Shaw-Butler for a conversation about loss, love, and the long road back.In this episode: ▪ Why the "strong ones" carry pain silently — and how families can gently open that door ▪ The warning signs she saw, and what she wants other spouses to know ▪ The retirement transition: why a plan for what's next matters as much as the pension ▪ What suicide-loss families need after the funeral, when the initial support fades ▪ The S.U.N.R.I.S.E. Healing Journey: Surrender, Understand, Nurture, Reconcile, Integrate, Strengthen, Engage ▪ Her guiding truth: when night ends, the sun risesIf you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Healing is possible — and you don't have to walk it alone.Watch on YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Full archive: ResponderTV.com🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience★ Resources for Responder Wellness ★• Fitness: FightCamp (code RESILIENCE for 10% off) http://joinfightcamp.com/rr• Free App: CRACKYL http://crackyl.respondertv.com• Book: Helping the Helpers https://a.co/d/dm0VS4Q
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She lost him. Then she found a way through. Lt. James Crawford (Ret.) of the Chicago Police Department was a pastor, a mentor, and the man everyone leaned on. Months after retiring, he died by suicide. His wife, Erie S. Crawford, LSW, PhD — a licensed social worker who saw the signs — made a decision in her darkest hour: this loss would not take her too. She buried him on a Saturday. By Monday, she was in therapy, fighting for her own healing. What she built from that fight is now helping sui...
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S6 E28 Grief and Suicide Loss in Law Enforcement — Dr. Erie Crawford
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