EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 29 MIN
When the Badge Breaks: PTSD, Survival & Healing in Law Enforcement | Bullet Proof Podcast with Veronica LaRue & Patrick Kreuzer
from Bulletproof True Crime: The Operator Files · host Steve Stanulis + Bleav
Veronica LaRue — Former Detective, Gilbert Police Department (Persons & Violent Crimes Unit); PSB Administrative Investigator at MCSO; Co-Founder, CEO, Podcast Cohost & First Responder Advocate of After Watch Foundation. Patrick Kreuzer — Marine Corps Veteran, Retired Police Patrol Officer & Field Training Officer at Mesa Police Department; Co-Founder, After Watch Foundation. Topics Discussed: The hidden cost of serving: PTSD, stress, and trauma in first responders Veronica’s 14-year career in law enforcement and the impact of a mass homicide case Patrick’s experience with child death scenes and the emotional aftermath How the After Watch Foundation was born and how it helps first responders nationwide Why stigma still prevents officers from seeking help The importance of peer support, community, and immediate post-incident resourcesSteve’s own NYPD experiences during 9/11 and reflections on trauma How humor, camaraderie, and denial play a role in coping with trauma Practical steps for officers and veterans to seek help confidentially Resources Mentioned: AfterWatchFoundation.comAfter Watch Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedInWeekly Peer Support Groups (In-person & Virtual) 24-Hour Crisis Line for First Responders Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
In this deeply emotional and eye-opening episode of the Bullet Proof Podcast, host Steve Stanulis sits down with Veronica LaRue and Patrick Kreuzer — two retired law enforcement officers who turned their trauma into purpose as the Co-Founders of the After Watch Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting first responders battling PTSD and mental health struggles. Veronica, a former Detective with the Gilbert Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, and Patrick, a Marine Corps Veteran and retired Mesa PD Field Training Officer, open up about the darkest moments of their careers — from responding to child deaths and mass shootings to the mental toll of years on the job. Together, they share how they hit rock bottom, found healing through peer support, and built a nationwide network offering mental health resources, crisis intervention, and community for those who protect and serve. Steve also shares his own NYPD experiences from 9/11, creating a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, and the silent battles that officers face behind the badge. If you or someone you know in law enforcement, military, or emergency services is struggling, this episode is a must-listen.
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When the Badge Breaks: PTSD, Survival & Healing in Law Enforcement | Bullet Proof Podcast with Veronica LaRue & Patrick Kreuzer
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