Episode 40: Vance Row - Former 20+ Year Law Enforcement and Founder of "Yoga Rescue"

Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.

A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.

In this episode, Erin speaks with Vance Row, a former police officer with the Ocean City PD for over 20 years and current dispatcher for their police and fire departments, the Founder of "Yoga Rescue" a practice that combines breath work, movement and mindfulness, which is used to combat mental health challenges and suicidality in the First Responder and Veteran community and a "Guide" at Boulder Crest Foundation, who offers programs for military members, Veterans and the First Responder community focusing on post traumatic growth.

Vance tells Erin about how he got his start in law enforcement, some of the varied roles he performed and the extent of the extended hours required when you hold a position at a popular beach side town. He explains about how he ended up acquiring his polygraph examination qualification and the toll it took on him, both being time intensive and psychologically heavy as the person hearing everyone's confessions and revelations that they may never have shared before.

To deal with the heaviness of that role, the extended hours he was working and resulting burnout, Vance relied heavily on alcohol as a coping mechanism. This was exacerbated by a LOD injury that resulted in months off work, surgery and with more time to think than ever before, he shares about experiencing suicidal thoughts and ideation.

After being confronted by his wife about his spiraling drinking, Vance realised something needed to change, so he chose to stop and has been sober for over 5 years. He turned to the practice of yoga and after discovering the immense benefits for himself, how it calmed the storm within in, he felt compelled to share this practice and skill with the First Responder and Veteran communities, understanding how it could serve, heal and be a wonderful resource for them. For their overall wellness and in particular, their mental health, for which he is such a strong advocate.

He became a qualified instructor and this is how Yoga Rescue was born! Please check out their website here: https://www.yoga-rescue.com/

Vance has also recently become involved with the Boulder Crest Foundation, who provide important programs for Veterans, Active Military Members, First Responders and their families, at no cost, to help them heal from the the things they experience and endure as a result of their profession. He is a "Guide" and explains the wonderful and unique benefits of programs offered all over the country by this organisation. Find out more here: https://bouldercrest.org/

Vance and Erin also briefly discuss the First Responder documentary PTSD-911 and the Director, Conrad Weaver, and the important impact it's having in showing the realities of life as a First Responder. Please find more information here: https://ptsd911movie.com/

It was a true honour and pleasure to speak with Vance. To have him openly discuss his personal struggles, hear his passion about the practice of yoga and his first-hand understanding of how it can benefit those in the emergency services communities. Please follow him on the socials: yoga.rescue (IG) and "Yoga Rescue" on FB.

We both hope you enjoy listening to this episode!

Please feel free to reach out if you'd like a topic discussed, to be a guest or are