Protecting the Shield

In this episode, host Jeff Spivey sits down with Stephanie Kiesow, a former police officer and the author of Work Aside, for an honest conversation about mental health, identity, and life after the badge. Kiesow shares her firsthand experience navigating the psychological toll of policing and the often unspoken challenges that surface when a law enforcement career begins to unravel. At the center of the discussion is her "Work Aside" triad, isolation, low self-esteem, and occupational trauma, and how these forces quietly shape behavior, relationships, and self-worth over time. Together, Spivey and Kiesow explore the stigma that continues to surround mental health in public safety and why traditional support systems often fail to reach officers before damage is done. Kiesow introduces proactive frameworks such as Connected Wellness Efficacy, emphasizing the need for early awareness, intentional connection, and practical tools that meet first responders where they are. This episode offers thoughtful insight for those currently serving, those transitioning out of the profession, and the families who walk alongside them. Kiesow's perspective underscores a critical truth. Supporting first responder wellness requires more than crisis response. It demands proactive, human-centered care that addresses the full impact of the job.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Safir and Fyles move into the realities of working major crimes, beginning with Fyles' baptism by fire as the newest member of the Aurora Police Department's homicide unit. As the pace, exposure, and stakes intensify, Fyles describes how the cumulative weight of the job begins to press in from all sides, at work, at home, and internally. He reflects on the demands of investigating violent death, navigating public scrutiny, and carrying responsibility during a mass shooting that would place Aurora PD and its officers under a national spotlight. Fyles offers a firsthand look at how prolonged stress, critical incidents, and relentless expectations reshape identity, strain family life, and test coping mechanisms in ways few outside the profession fully understand. Through measured honesty and hard-earned perspective, Fyles shares what he learned about leadership, accountability, and survival during one of the most challenging chapters of his career. His reflections speak to those still carrying the load today, reinforcing the importance of early awareness, trusted support, and proactive wellness as essential tools for longevity in the profession.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, SWORN President Adam Safir sits down with Detective Sergeant (ret.) Matthew Fyles to explore the early foundations of a law enforcement career— and the pressures that quietly accumulate along the way. Fyles reflects on embracing the paramilitary structure of the academy, patrolling the Aurora neighborhood where he grew up, and navigating an early-career traumatic brain injury. As his responsibilities grow, so does the intensity of his caseload, eventually leading to his unconventional recruitment into Aurora Police Department's homicide unit at just 29 years old. Through personal stories and candid reflection, Fyles shares how stress begins to shape the body, mindset, and relationships long before officers realize the cost. His insights resonate with recruits, seasoned professionals, and families alike, offering perspective on preparation, mentorship, and resilience in the early and middle years of the job.

Recorded at IACP 2025, this 15-minute interview with Strategic Communications offers a clear introduction to SWORN and the work behind the platform. The conversation explores why SWORN was created, the gaps it aims to address in public safety wellness, and how its approach supports the long-term health of those who serve. Grounded in real-world experience, the discussion focuses on practical, personalized support for public safety professionals and the importance of building wellness solutions that reflect the realities of the job. This episode provides an overview of SWORN's mission, values, and commitment to caring for those who protect their communities.