The SHIELD Armory

Sleep....it's a rare commodity in the Law Enforcement and First Responder World. Long shifts, overtime, special events, and many other things make it anything other than easy to get sleep.This is where our guest on this episode comes in! Meet Jennifer Boileau!She is a Mindfulness Coach who specializes in helping Law Enforcement and First Responders learn practical ways to help them start sleeping again, slowing down their minds, lowering stress levels and more! In this episode of the SHIELD Armory, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down with Jennifer to learn practical ways to help get to sleep, stay asleep and make that an everyday habit. Along with all the advice she's given us, she has also sent some resources to hopefully help you as you continue in your career. Simply click on any of the resources below to have full access to what she's shared. Progressive muscle relaxation: https://on.soundcloud.com/7lFWuz180UO937QW9diRest for sleep support: https://on.soundcloud.com/pPQaYKle5dKOZHl6QBiRest for sleep: https://on.soundcloud.com/8vWn9hokm9rffKYqjl

Let's face it...law enforcement officers are put into situations that others could never dream of or will never experience. One of the worst situations they could ever find themselves in is the moment that lethal force becomes necessary. The use of lethal force is something that every officer knows comes with the job. It's something they must work out in their mind and heart long before graduating the police academy and stepping foot in a patrol car. In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down to have a very candid conversation about the moral and biblical case for the use of lethal force. Join them now and take a listen as they process this in ways you might not expect.

Let's face it, most people who enter the world of Law Enforcement do so with the plans to retire from that career one day. While retirement may be a long ways off, it's still the plan and one that preparations are starting to be made for on day one.However, what happens when things don't go the way you plan? What happens when there is a detour and your long-term plan doesn't unfold the way you thought it would.For Patrick Perkins, that is exactly what happened. Law Enforcement, the military...those were his plans for a career. However, when unexpected and unplanned physical injuries showed up, it became apparent that finishing those careers and retiring from them were not possible.Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down with everyone's favorite photographer, Patrick Perkins. Hear his story about how he not only learned how to deal with the injuries, but how a new plan for his life has given him both hope and purpose. Maybe, just maybe, you'll see that the same thing is possible for you if you were to ever find yourself in similar shoes.

Let's face it...in the Law Enforcement world, there has been a stigma for years when it comes to mental health. No one has wanted to talk about it....no one has wanted to deal with it...and everyone was afraid if they did, their career would be over.Those days are over!The world we live in now is much different. The resources available, the conversation around it and the willingness to get those who need it help is far greater than it's ever been.In this episode, Sgt. Stephen Foutz of the Roanoke County Police Department opens up about his journey with mental health, depression and his path to healing as a way to bring hope to others who may be dealing with this silent battle within.Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes for this episode and a very vulnerable conversation that could be the very starting point for the healing you, or someone you know, may need.

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!! THE EPISODE EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING ON!!!!We truly believe that this will be our most listened to episode to date!While our Chaplains may not be officers, we work anything other than normal schedules, we spend countless hours in patrol cars standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who wear the uniform. We carry the weight of the world as we shoulder the needs of our families, as well carrying the weight of many others.And just like you, we have wives waiting at home for our safe arrival, who are making dinner that will be waiting for us when we get home, who are taking the kids from place to place.Join Chaplain Hughes as he sits down with Melanie Potter, Courtney Stephenson and Amber Hughes for a very honest and raw conversation. In that you will hear them talk about things such as:-The wives love for the spouses of officers, dispatchers and first responders.-The weight they carry as they walk beside of their Chaplain husbands-Get the inside scoop on what life is like for them-Much MUCH more!If you are serving and have a spouse at home, we want to encourage you to share this with them!

Police Officers stand out...the uniform, the badge, the radio and all of the other equipment you wear makes it very obvious who you are.But, there is someone just as important who isn't as easily seen: the spouses at home waiting for you to walk through the door so they can breathe a sigh of relief that you're safe.While officers carry the weight of the calls for service, your spouse carries a different kind of weight.In this 2 part series, we will hear from two different LEO spouses, who sit down and open up about what it's like for them as they spend a lot of time away from their spouse, the toll it takes when they hear about critical incidents but haven't heard from their loved ones yet and much more.Join in with Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down for a very candid conversation with Aaron Doyle, the husband of Officer Lindsey Wyatt of Roanoke PD.

Police Officers stand out...the uniform, the badge, the radio and all of the other equipment you wear makes it very obvious who you are.But, there is someone just as important who isn't as easily seen: the spouses at home waiting for you to walk through the door so they can breathe a sigh of relief that you're safe. While officers carry the weight of the calls for service, your spouse carries a different kind of weight.In this 2 part series, we will hear from two different LEO spouses, who sit down and open up about what it's like for them as they spend a lot of time away from their spouse, the toll it takes when they hear about critical incidents but haven't heard from their loved ones yet and much more.Join in with Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down for a very candid conversation with Meg Veal, wife of Officer Greg Veal of Roanoke PD.

Let's face it, the world around us is full of negativity! Then on top of that, you add the stresses of the job for Law Enforcement, Dispatchers and First Responders and the weight seems impossible to lift.What if we told you the weight of that negativity didn't have to weigh you down? What if we told you there is a completely different way of living?In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down with Officer Ryan Brady to talk about what it looks like to live life looking through the lens of gratitude. Hear how he and his family have learned (not perfected) the art of seeing the world through a lens of gratitude.This episode could be just what you need right now, or maybe what you need a little later down the road. Either way, it's a good time to sit down, listen in and take a few notes.

When the SHIELD Armory was being dreamed up by our team, the question was asked: "Do you think any of the Chiefs of the Departments we serve would be willing to sit down with us for an interview some day?"Guess what....not only did they agree to do it, they were excited about it!In Week 4 of this series, you will hear from Chief Derek Weeks from the City of Salem Police Department in Salem, VA.During our time with him, we will:-Learn about who he is.-Learn what he is passionate about-Hear about his journey from the Academy to Chief-Learn what are some of his greatest challenges have been-Hear about some of his greatest moments.-And much, much more!!!Join us now as we sit down with Chief Weeks from Salem PD.

When the SHIELD Armory was being dreamed up by our team, the question was asked: "Do you think any of the Chiefs of the Departments we serve would be willing to sit down with us for an interview some day?"Guess what....not only did they agree to do it, they were excited about it!In Week 3 of this series, you will hear from Chief Scott Booth from the Roanoke City Police Department in Roanoke, VA.During our time with him, we will:-Learn about who he is.-Learn what he is passionate about-Hear about his journey from the Academy to Chief-Learn what are some of his greatest challenges have been-Hear about some of his greatest moments.-And much, much more!!!Join us now as we sit down with Chief Booth from Roanoke PD.

When the SHIELD Armory was being dreamed up by our team, the question was asked: "Do you think any of the Chiefs of the Departments we serve would be willing to sit down with us for an interview some day?"Guess what....not only did they agree to do it, they were excited about it!In Week 2 of this series, you will hear from Chief Fabricio Drumond from the Vinton Police Department in Vinton, VA.During our time with him, we will:-Learn about who he is.-Learn what he is passionate about-Hear about his journey from the Academy to Chief-Learn what are some of his greatest challenges have been-Hear about some of his greatest moments.-And much, much more!!!Join us now as we sit down with Chief Drumond from Vinton PD.

When the SHIELD Armory was being dreamed up by our team, the question was asked: "Do you think any of the Chiefs of the Departments we serve would be willing to sit down with us for an interview some day?"Guess what....not only did they agree to do it, they were excited about it!Wednesday will not only be the launch of Season 2, but it will also be the first of a 4 week series called, "Meet the Chiefs", where you will have a chance to meet and hear the heart behind the men that lead the Police Departments in the Roanoke Valley.In Week 1 of this series, you will hear from Chief Michael Poindexter from the Roanoke County Police Department in Roanoke, VA. During our time with him, we will:-Learn about who he is.-Learn what he is passionate about-Hear about his journey from the Academy to Chief-Learn what are some of his greatest challenges have been-Hear about some of his greatest moments.-And much, much more!!!Join us now as we sit down with Chief Poindexter from the Roanoke County PD.

This episode is the Season 1 Finale of the SHIELD Armory. Chaplains Potter, Stephenson & Hughes take a stroll down memory lane talking about some of their favorite moments of Season 1. They also take some time to give a little preview of what's to look forward to in Season 2 that will be coming out very soon. We are excited to tell you that Season 2 of the SHIELD Armory will be releasing on Wednesday August 6th! We encourage you to take the next 2 months and catch up on anything you might have missed or take a second listen to something that may be an encouragement to you over the summer months. If you have ideas of things you would like to hear about on the upcoming season, please pass those along to us. You can find us on Socials @ShieldChap, on our Website at www.shieldchap.org, or you can email us below:Chaplain Darren Potter: [email protected] Gareth Stephenson: [email protected] Adam Hughes: [email protected] can't wait to be back with you for some new and fresh episodes in August!

Leadership, by one definition, is the ability to lead and guide a person, or a group of people, to achieve results they never could on their own. The question is, who sets the pace? Who steps up to lead? Who raises the bar for themselves and others around them? What does it look like for leaders to lead in a way that makes lasting impact?For years, the world of policing has seen a model of leadership focused specifically on rank and one's ability to obey the orders of those above us. However, could it be that there is more to it than that? Could it be, while rank is still vitally important, that there is a deeper place to lead from? A place where leadership goes beyond the badge...a place where leadership is birthed through connection, conversation and relationships.On this week's episode, join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down with Commander Danny Bruch from Roanoke County Police Department to discuss those very questions. Maybe, just maybe, what we will find is, leadership that makes a true difference could look a little different than what we think it looks like.

Parenting...the word alone is loaded! It carries a massive weight and responsibility. Whether you're already parents or not, trying to prepare to parent, or learning to parent as we go, can be incredibly challenging. That's why we have others to learn from who have already gone through the seasons we are either preparing to go through, or we are going through. That old saying, "it takes a village to raise a child" couldn't be more true.Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down and talk about what it means to parent in today's world. They look at questions such as, "How do our jobs affect our kids? How do we become present parents? What do our kids need?" As three guys in three separate seasons of life when it comes to parenting, listen to what they've learned and how they are still learning as they go.Jump in now to Season 1 Episode 19, "Parenting: Nailed it....Kinda"

Just a little over a week ago, all 3 of our SHiELD Chaplains had the chance to travel to Washington DC to participate in Police Week 2025.Since returning home, we've been asked several questions quite frequently, "What is police week? What all did you do while you were there?" These questions haven't come just from people outside of law enforcement but from officers we work with as well.Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down and share their experiences from Police Week. Some of those experiences you may expect and others were surprises that we couldn't see coming. Join in on this episode to get a glimpse of a week that is unlike any other.

Last week, we started a 2 week series on confronting the negativity in police work. This week, in the second episode of the series, we hear directly from a police officer who understands that negativity. He has struggled with it, but he's also someone who has consciously made a decision to move out of that and help lead in a way where others can see that negativity doesn't have to have the final word. Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down around the table, along with a local police officer in the Roanoke valley, for an in-depth look at how negativity doesn't have to be the norm or the end result.

Negativity is known as the easy way to live life. It causes us to always see the bad in life, in the job, in the family, in everything. Unfortunately, negativity is often seen as a culture within the police world. Why is that? Why do so many officers find themselves caught up in so much negativity? Why do things appear so bad? In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes set out on a discussion to find the root of that negativity, to explore how it effects every relationship we have, and they discuss what it takes to get out of that lifestyle. This is the first episode in a 2 part series. The second episode (Season 1 Episode 17) will be an interview with a local law enforcement officer about this culture of negativity so make sure to join us back and listen in to what he has to say.

The Police Academy is a rigorous period where recruits are put to the test everyday. As a part of that, they get extensive training in both physical and nutritional health. They keep food journals, meal prep, workout multiple times a day and much more.But what happens after the academy is over and new officers start on their platoons? Long 12 hour shifts of call after call. How do you stay in shape and keep eating healthy? Those are the questions we ask the Roanoke City Police Academy Wellness Coordinator and Investigator, Anna Volk.In this episode, Volk shares practical insights in how to develop daily habits of staying healthy on the job and how to take care of oneself while on the job. Join in now and be ready to jot down a few notes as we learn together how to be Fit for Duty!The SHIELD Armory can be found on all major podcast platforms.

There is definitely a draw for men and women to law enforcement, who have served or are currently serving in the military. Why is that? In each of those worlds, combat and law enforcement, there is trauma that an individual will take on. The question is, how similar are these traumas? What differences are there? How can those who have served and are serving help them through the trauma?Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down with former Roanoke City Police Officer, and current Licensed Social Worker, Shane Fletcher to discuss these very things. We believe that the insight that Shane shares will be crucial to officers and veterans who are struggling with letting go of trauma and working through PTSD. Disclaimer - Always remember, you never have to deal with this alone. Contact someone at your agency, a mental health professional, or contact one of our chaplains with SHIELD.

This week is the second part of a two-week series on Marriage. Week 1 we discussed the original design for marriage, why it is important and what its purpose is. On today's episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down and talk about the attacks that marriage face.The question becomes, who is our enemy when the attack is on? Is it our spouse? Or could there be someone else?What do we do when the attacks happen? How do we respond? How do we get out of the attack?For answers to all of those questions, join in on today's episode.

Marriage is something that we are all familiar with. Maybe you are married, or you know someone who is. Regardless of where each of us are, here is the truth of what we know about marriage: it is one of life's greatest experiences, while also one of life's most difficult journeys. With those realities in mind, we are confronted with some deep questions: Where did marriage come from? What is the purpose of marriage? Are there boundaries in and with marriage? How am I supposed to love someone forever? In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down to discuss and answer some of these deep rooted questions when it comes to marriage. Join us now for Part 1 of a 2 Part series on Marriage, "Cuffed & Committed: The Groundwork of Marriage."

At SHIELD Chaplaincy, we believe in what is called the Triangle of Wellness. On every triangle, you have 3 sides. In the wellness triangle, those three sides are made up of: Emotional/Mental Wellness, Spiritual Wellness and Physical Wellness. In Season 1, we have dove into some of the heavy parts of emotional and mental wellness. Also, in every episode, we are weaving the spiritual wellness into what we talk about. Finally, in this episode, we dive into the physical wellness portion.Join Chaplains Potter and Hughes, as well as listen in and gain some incredible wisdom from a current officer whose passion is helping take care of officers on the physical portion of the Triangle of Wellness.

Police Chaplains....some departments have them, many don't.The question is, why are police chaplains important in the life of a department? What do they do? What do they bring to the table for officers and personnel?Take some time to listen to an interview with one officer who, in his own words, explains the value of police chaplains.At SHIELD, our heart as police Chaplains, is to SERVE, HEAL, INSPIRE, ENCOURAGE, LEAD and DEVELOP strategies to assist law enforcement officers in finding fulfillment at work and at home through biblical principles and proven wellness practices.

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about healthy vs. unhealthy coping for law enforcement. The thing is, we don't want to just talk about it, we want to be a part of the solution of helping officers cope in a healthy way with all you encounter.This is where Project Haven and SHIELD Outdoors comes in.We believe that the great outdoors can be a place of peace and healing. Whether that's going for a walk, fishing, camping, or hunting, we know that these things can be healing for people in different ways.In 2024, we established SHIELD Outdoors and Project Haven. Over 100 acres of land with a 2 acre pond where we can take officers and their families for some time to get away from the job and the hustle and bustle of life.Listen in as the guys share about that, how you can benefit from it and how you can be a part of what's happening at Project Haven.

Retirement, an incredible accomplishment but also a major life adjustment.Officers, on average, work 20 years or more to reach the goal of being able to retire and move into their next phase of life. The question that is raised with retirement is, "What's next?" Have you thought about it? Have you started any kind of planning? Are there things you would like to accomplish in retirement? Are you thinking of that next career?In this episode of the SHIELD Armory, Chaplains Potter and Hughes interview retired Lieutenant Mark Gilbert. He retired from Martinsville City Police Department and is now serving as a Captain with Carilion Police. Listen in on the wisdom he shares as someone who has been down the retirement road, as well as someone who has also stepped back into the world of work.

Every human being has to deal with stress, trauma and traumatic events. However, the statistics paint a very sobering difference between the general population and the law enforcement world.The average person, who works a regular job, generally experiences 2 traumatic events in a lifetime. However, the average police officer, in a 20 year career, will experience around 800 traumatic events. That doesn't include all of the day to day stress from everything else surround the job.So the question begs, how do you deal with it? How do you cope with the things you experience at work? How do you not bring the stress home to your family?In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down and talk about Unhealthy vs. Healthy Coping Strategies. Their hope is to give us all some things to think about, as well as some real tangible things to do to cope with everything you take in.

At the end of January, Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA experienced an enormous tragedy when an American Airlines Passenger Plane and a Military Blackhawk Helicopter collided. During the early stages of that incident, SHIELD Chaplaincy was requested to provide support to all of the First Responders who were on site at the airport. The question is, why SHIELD? Why would SHIELD be asked to respond almost 4 hours away to an event and a location we aren't connected with? What could we possibly provide for those who are involved with this incident? Those are the questions we keeping being asked and that's what Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down to answer in this episode.

This week's episode is our very first interview. He grew up as a police officer's son, living the life of dad being gone because of work. Now that young boy is all grown up, he's a police officer at the same department as his father, and now he's a dad to two children of his own.The question is, what did he learn when growing up that's impacting his life now? How has it impacted his career? How has it impacted his marriage and his ability to be a father?Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson & Hughes as they sit down with Community Resource Officer Jacob Underwood and listen in to find out some important life lessons he's ready to share. Strap up and let's dive into the next episode of The SHIELD Armory.

Now that we've had some discussions about the importance and health of relationships, how do we put that into practice in our daily life? That's where the discussion begins but then we move on to how that affects our relationships with supervisors and command staff in our own agencies.Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson & Hughes for this very important conversation on how to make relationships work with all of those we work with and for on a daily basis.

Let's just face it, in the Law Enforcement and First Responder world, we develop deep relationships with the people we work with. Part of that is due to the amount of time we spend together and part of it is due to the things we experience together.Question is, what separates Healthy vs. Unhealthy relationships with those we work with?Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they dive into this topic and discuss that very thing. Hear real life examples of what healthy vs. unhealthy relationships look like.If there's someone you feel could benefit from today's episode, share it with them and let them know we are in this together.

One of the most important things in our life are the relationships we have. That's why we are kicking off a multi-week series on the different types of relationships in our lives.When you think about the word "friend," who comes to mind? Are they people you are close to? Are they more like acquaintances? Are they "friends" on social media?We were never meant to do life alone. We were made to have friends, some for a season and some for a lifetime.Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson & Hughes as they discuss the importance of good friendships and why they matter.

Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson & Hughes as they sit down and discuss why now is the right time for the SHIELD Armory Podcast. You will hear their heart for why this Podcast matters and get a glimpse of the things you'll hear about in the future.

Want to hear a little about what you can expect on The SHIELD Armory Podcast? If so, check this out!