Episode 19: Exploring Moral Injury

Hosts:

- Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Guest:

- Sgt. Jeremy Davis: Police Officer with 30 years of experience

In this episode of When The Call Hits Home, hosts Ashlee and Jennifer have an insightful and heartfelt conversation with veteran police officer Jeremy Davis. With three decades of service in law enforcement, Jeremy shares his journey through his career, the impact of his upbringing in a military family, and the importance of reflecting on past experiences. This episode delves deep into the concept of moral injury, exploring its profound effects on first responders and their families.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introduction of Jeremy Davis (00:00:07 - 00:02:21): Jeremy recounts his extensive career in law enforcement, including roles in patrol, street crime, narcotics, investigations, SWAT, and bike patrol. He also shares his upbringing in a military family, which significantly influenced his values and outlook on service and leadership.

• The Impact of Early Family Influences (00:02:20 - 00:03:35): Jeremy highlights the vital role his father played in shaping his views on leadership, service, and treating people with care and respect.

• Exploring Moral Injury (00:03:36 - 00:12:32): A significant part of the discussion revolves around the concept of moral injury. Jeremy provides a personal recount of dealing with traumatic incidents, such as handling the aftermath of a tragic accident involving a 7-month-old infant. This leads to a deeper examination of how unresolved trauma and feelings of failure can influence personal and professional lives.

• Leadership and Responsibility (00:12:33 - 00:19:05): Jeremy shares insights on moral injury and its differentiation from PTSD. He emphasizes the responsibility of supervisors in caring for the well-being of their team and the impact of good leadership on dealing with trauma.

• Navigating Personal and Family Struggles (00:19:06 - 00:29:40): The conversation delves into how trauma and moral injury can affect personal and family dynamics. Jeremy discusses the unrealistic expectations first responder parents can place on their children and how open communication is essential in addressing these issues.

• Agency Betrayal and Leadership Lessons (00:29:41 - 00:46:16): Ashlee and Jennifer explore the topic of agency betrayal and its impact on officers. Jeremy provides examples of both poor and effective leadership and stresses the importance of understanding and meeting the actual needs of officers.

• Recommendations for Further Reading (00:46:17 - 00:55:10): Jeremy offers book recommendations for those interested in learning more about moral injury and leadership in law enforcement,

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