When The Call Hits Home | Episode 11: Understanding the Silent Burden

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:
- Caitlin Sturges: Daughter of a police officer, sister to a police commander and a firefighter paramedic, niece to a police officer, finishing her graduate studies in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis

Episode Summary: In this enlightening and deeply personal episode, Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Caitlin Sturges, who shares the complexities and challenges of growing up in a law enforcement family. Caitlin’s unique perspectives and experiences as the daughter and sister of first responders provide a heartfelt and informative discussion about the impacts of this lifestyle on families.

Key Discussion Points:

• Caitlin's Background - Raised in a law enforcement family, influenced by her father's work in the police force and the strong bond shared with her siblings due to their similar upbringing.

• Perceptions of Law Enforcement - Caitlin's transition from a positive view of law enforcement during childhood to navigating complex societal perceptions in adulthood.

• Behavioral Analysis Focus - Caitlin's graduate thesis aimed at bridging the gap between police training and understanding the functions of behavior to improve police response and reduce profiling.

• Personal Sacrifices - The conversation delves into the personal sacrifices and traumas experienced by first responder families and the effects on family dynamics.

• Secondary Trauma - Discussion about how Caitlin and her siblings process the secondary trauma from their father's and brother's high-risk professions.

• Media Portrayal - Caitlin critiques the negative portrayal of law enforcement in the media and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human side of first responders.

• Caitlin's Research - Insights into Caitlin’s research on civil unrest, policing statistics, and the need for behavioral training for experienced officers.

• Sibling Relationships - The strong, protective bond Caitlin shares with her brothers, influenced by their shared experiences and childhood.

• Divorce and Bonding - The role their parents' divorce played in strengthening the sibling relationship and the consistent communication with their father.

• Humor and Camaraderie - Stories of humorous interactions and rivalries between police officers and firefighters, reflecting the camaraderie among first responders.

• Field Gaps - The need for more research and resources focused on law enforcement within behavioral analysis.

• Future Aspirations - Caitlin's goal to develop comprehensive training programs for police officers, highlighting the need for better understanding and response mechanisms.

 Humorous Stories:

• A naked man in a trench coat causing chaos near a pet cemetery, demonstrating the unpredictability and sometimes humorous side of police work.

• Ashlee's dad’s fear of bats and a memorable encounter trying to remove a bat from a house.

Personal Reflections:

• Caitlin and Ashlee share their personal struggles with societal perceptions of law enforcement and how it impacted their upbringing