First Responder Event.png
First Responder Event.png

Beneath the Badge — 2/26/2026

$0.00

6:00pm

Cracks in the Armor, Healing After the Fall

Dave wore the badge for 24 years. He never thought it would end like this. The job was more than a career — it was an identity. But the weight of years on the front lines, the things he saw and never said out loud, finally broke through. PTSD didn't just force him into early retirement — it nearly cost him his marriage and life. He and his wife, Christi, now speak honestly about what it means to fall apart behind the scenes while still looking strong in uniform. Their story exposes the silent struggle that many live with but few talk about.

They don’t sugarcoat it. From the slow unraveling to the darkest thoughts, Dave and Christi walk the audience through what really happened — the calls that haunted him, the silence at home, the toll it took on both of them. It’s raw. At times, it’s uncomfortable. And it’s exactly what so many need to hear. Through their story, they tear down the stigma around mental health and show how easy it is to slip — and how possible it is to come back. You’ll laugh. You might cry. But most of all, you’ll leave feeling seen, understood, and reminded that there’s always a way forward.

Dave and Christi don’t just share a story — they start a conversation that departments desperately need. Their honesty helps others step out of silence. Their message breaks through the armor so many wear, reminding every first responder: you are not alone, and it's not too late to heal. This isn’t just about survival — it’s about taking your life back.

Significant others and spouses encouraged to join

6:00pm

Cracks in the Armor, Healing After the Fall

Dave wore the badge for 24 years. He never thought it would end like this. The job was more than a career — it was an identity. But the weight of years on the front lines, the things he saw and never said out loud, finally broke through. PTSD didn't just force him into early retirement — it nearly cost him his marriage and life. He and his wife, Christi, now speak honestly about what it means to fall apart behind the scenes while still looking strong in uniform. Their story exposes the silent struggle that many live with but few talk about.

They don’t sugarcoat it. From the slow unraveling to the darkest thoughts, Dave and Christi walk the audience through what really happened — the calls that haunted him, the silence at home, the toll it took on both of them. It’s raw. At times, it’s uncomfortable. And it’s exactly what so many need to hear. Through their story, they tear down the stigma around mental health and show how easy it is to slip — and how possible it is to come back. You’ll laugh. You might cry. But most of all, you’ll leave feeling seen, understood, and reminded that there’s always a way forward.

Dave and Christi don’t just share a story — they start a conversation that departments desperately need. Their honesty helps others step out of silence. Their message breaks through the armor so many wear, reminding every first responder: you are not alone, and it's not too late to heal. This isn’t just about survival — it’s about taking your life back.

Significant others and spouses encouraged to join

Meadows Center for Mental Health Services, LLC will refund workshop participants should a scheduled event be cancelled due to weather or the health of the presenter.  Participants will not be refunded for partial attendance, missed attendance, or if they are unsatisfied with the workshop.  The presenter may offer refunds or discounts to participants based on their own discretion. All program fees, cancellation, and refund information will be made available to participants upon registration. 

Meadows Center for Mental Health Services, LLC will maintain the confidentiality of participants, including name and related program participation, from the general public.  Upon request of workshop participants, information about the workshop or the participants name may be shared with licensing boards. 

Meadows Center for Mental Health Services LLC welcomes both positive and complaint feedback. All aspects of a complaint will be handled in confidence. However, if the complaint involves allegations of illegal or unethical behavior, information may need to be shared with external authorities.  All complaints are documented. The maintenance of complaint files is the responsibility of Meadows Center for Mental Health Services, LLC Owner.