Chad Bruckner, a U.S. military combat veteran and former police officer, knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom. He also knows how to pull himself out of a mental health crisis, with the help of his Christian values and deep human connections. Today, Chad is committed to improving mental wellness and leadership in law enforcement.
As an orthodox Jew, I was personally excited to talk to Chad about the application of religious values in the security field. From the role of faith in the healing process to navigating morally ambiguous scenarios, you don’t need to be a religious person to gain benefit from the insights culled in our conversation. It was also interesting to compare and contrast the Christian vs. Jewish perspective when it comes to leading an elevated life. Ultimately, we have more in common than most people probably realize.
Applying values and best practices from over a decade of experience in the security field, Chad’s book, “The Holy Trinity of Successful and Healthy Police Organizations: Improving Leadership, Culture, and Wellness,” reflects his dedication to transforming police culture. He addresses pervasive issues like shame among officers, stemming from the moral complexities and pressures of their roles. He also advocates for creating supportive environments that destigmatize seeking help and foster resilience through shared experiences and empathetic leadership.
Looking forward, Chad proposes proactive mental health initiatives within police academies to prepare officers for the emotional challenges they will face. His vision includes comprehensive resilience training and peer support networks to mitigate the long-term impact of trauma and stress. Chad’s insights underscore the importance of nurturing strong leadership and supportive cultures within police organizations, grounded in principles of faith, empathy, and ethical responsibility.
By fostering a culture of mental wellness, integrity, and resilience, our law enforcement officers will be better equipped to handle the complexities they face with courage and compassion. Police officers take on some of the most demanding roles in our communities; let’s make sure they have the right tools to thrive.
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About Jessica Lauren Walton: Jessica is a communications strategist, video producer, and writer in the U.S. defense sector. She has written articles on a range of security and mental health topics and conducted interviews with military leadership, CIA officers, law enforcement, psychologists, filmmakers, and more. Jessica recently completed her memoir about her experience as an American woman struggling with mental illness while trying to get into Israeli intelligence.
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