Still Answering the Call: From Firefighter to Mental Health Warrior

Retired, But Still Responding | Lt Randy Sutton

In this powerful episode of Dive Behind the Lines, I sit down with retired Randy Sutton, a law enforcement veteran whose career spans more than three decades of service, sacrifice, and resilience. After serving with both the Princeton Police Department and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Randy's life changed forever when he suffered a debilitating stroke while on duty. Rather than allowing that moment to define him, he transformed adversity into purpose by founding **The Wounded Blue>, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping injured and disabled law enforcement officers. In our conversation, Randy opens up about the physical and emotional toll of the job, surviving a life-changing medical emergency, the challenges officers face after being injured, and why too many first responders suffer in silence. We also discuss the importance of mental health, finding purpose after tragedy, and how resilience isn't about never falling—it's about choosing to get back up. Whether you're in law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, the military, or simply someone looking for a story of perseverance and hope, this episode is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a path forward. Topics Covered: * Randy's journey into law enforcement * Serving 34 years in policing * The on-duty stroke that changed everything * The hidden struggles of injured officers * Mental health and overcoming trauma * Building The Wounded Blue * Finding purpose after adversity * Advice for today's first responders If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder and military communities. Dive Behind the Lines is dedicated to giving a voice to the stories behind the badge, the bunker gear, and the uniform. https://thewoundedblue.org/

Still Answering the Call: From Firefighter to Mental Health Warrior

For more than twenty years, Kyle has answered the call—running toward emergencies, serving his community, and living the realities of the fire service. But some of the toughest battles he faced weren't on the fireground. In this episode of Dive Behind the Lines, Kyle shares the lessons, challenges, and experiences that have shaped his career, while opening up about the mental health struggles that so many first responders face behind closed doors. From the cumulative weight of trauma and stress to the importance of seeking help and supporting one another, this conversation explores the often-unseen side of the job. Along the way, we dive into stories from Kyle's career, lessons learned through two decades of service, leadership, family, and a few unexpected side quests that reveal the person behind the uniform. This is an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and what it means to keep moving forward when life presents challenges that no training manual can prepare you for. Whether you're a firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, healthcare worker, or someone navigating your own struggles, Kyle's story is a powerful reminder that strength isn't found in carrying everything alone—it's found in having the courage to keep showing up, ask for help when needed, and supporting those around you. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it.

The Job, The Accusation, The Aftermath

In this episode of Dive Behind the Lines, we sit down with Zach Merkle — a former USAF servicemember, current Lieutenant/Paramedic, and Flight Medic — for one of the most raw and emotional conversations we’ve had on the show. Zach takes us through his journey in the military, the fire service, and flight medicine, sharing what it’s like to operate in high-pressure environments where the expectation is always to perform, lead, and keep moving forward no matter the cost. But this episode goes far beyond the job itself. Zach opens up about being falsely accused in a military court martial case that changed the course of his life forever. He talks about the emotional toll, the damage it caused to his career and personal life, and what it took to keep going while everything around him felt uncertain. Despite the outcome ultimately being in his favor, the experience left lasting impacts that still shape who he is today — as a leader, husband, father, and first responder. This conversation is about resilience, identity, brotherhood, trauma, and the reality that some battles follow you long after the uniform comes off. If you’ve ever wondered what people behind the badge and uniform truly carry, this episode pulls back the curtain.

Forged by the Fire of the Job

Some experiences leave a mark you can’t shake. In this episode, we go beyond the badge to explore what it truly means to be shaped by the intensity, pressure, and brotherhood of the job. From split-second decisions to the challenges that push you to your limits, this conversation reveals the human side of those who show up when it matters most. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be forged by fire—both literally and figuratively—this episode gives you an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the courage, resilience, and lessons that define the life on the line.

First Responder, two different views

In this episode, we sit down with Armando Bucio. Armando is a rare breed — someone who serves as both a police officer and a firefighter. He talks about how he first became interested in public service and what led him down this path. We get into his early days in both careers, what those experiences were really like, and how they helped shape him into who he is today. Armando also talks about how he balances two demanding careers while still being there for his family. We also dive into the mental side of the job — what it takes to stay strong, handle high-stress situations, and how he decompresses from the weight that comes with these roles. Throughout the conversation we laugh, joke, and keep things light at times, but we also hit on the seriousness of the work and the realities that come with it. It’s a real conversation about service, pressure, family, and what it truly takes to live a life dedicated to helping others.