What happens when the one who runs toward danger… can’t outrun his own pain?
In this gripping episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Jeff Wrigley, a veteran police officer, father of 7, and Catholic convert, who spent decades racing into crises to protect others—all while silently falling apart on the inside.
Jeff opens up about what it's like to carry the invisible wounds of decades in law enforcement: the trauma that piles up, the pressure to stay composed, the moments of despair no one sees, and the burnout that nearly ended everything. He shares the moment it all broke, and the turning point that began his road back to joy.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
15:31 The stigma behind being a cop
20:15 How faith informed him as a police officer
25:22 Why bravery without fear is dangerous
31:10 It is responsible to recognize that there are threats in society
34:06 What's it like to be a first responder to tragedy
46:27 Why stuffing pain never works
50:51 PTSD and hidden anxiety in law enforcement
52:30 The simple prayer that saved his life
54:00 The lie of perfectionism as a cop
59:36 The importance of seeking good counsel
Jesus didn’t promise an easy life. He promised we wouldn’t go through it alone. If you’re carrying more than you can handle, this episode will remind you: faith isn’t about faking it. It’s about letting Christ into the dark and letting him carry you out.
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