The SHIELD Armory

The Sleep Glitch: When the Lights Go Out but the Mind Won't

Sleep....it's a rare commodity in the Law Enforcement and First Responder World. Long shifts, overtime, special events, and many other things make it anything other than easy to get sleep. This is where our guest on this episode comes in! Meet Jennifer Boileau! She is a Mindfulness Coach who specializes in helping Law Enforcement and First Responders learn practical ways to help them start sleeping again, slowing down their minds, lowering stress levels and more! In this episode of the SHIELD Armory, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down with Jennifer to learn practical ways to help get to sleep, stay asleep and make that an everyday habit. Along with all the advice she's given us, she has also sent some resources to hopefully help you as you continue in your career. Simply click on any of the resources below to have full access to what she's shared. Progressive muscle relaxation: https://on.soundcloud.com/7lFWuz180UO937QW9d [https://on.soundcloud.com/7lFWuz180UO937QW9d] iRest for sleep support: https://on.soundcloud.com/pPQaYKle5dKOZHl6QB [https://on.soundcloud.com/pPQaYKle5dKOZHl6QB] iRest for sleep: https://on.soundcloud.com/8vWn9hokm9rffKYqjl [https://on.soundcloud.com/8vWn9hokm9rffKYqjl]

Lethal Force: The Moral & Biblical Case for Lethal Force

Let's face it...law enforcement officers are put into situations that others could never dream of or will never experience. One of the worst situations they could ever find themselves in is the moment that lethal force becomes necessary. The use of lethal force is something that every officer knows comes with the job. It's something they must work out in their mind and heart long before graduating the police academy and stepping foot in a patrol car. In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down to have a very candid conversation about the moral and biblical case for the use of lethal force. Join them now and take a listen as they process this in ways you might not expect.

When Duty Meets Detour: Two Careers Cut Short, One Purpose That Endures

Let's face it, most people who enter the world of Law Enforcement do so with the plans to retire from that career one day. While retirement may be a long ways off, it's still the plan and one that preparations are starting to be made for on day one. However, what happens when things don't go the way you plan? What happens when there is a detour and your long-term plan doesn't unfold the way you thought it would. For Patrick Perkins, that is exactly what happened. Law Enforcement, the military...those were his plans for a career. However, when unexpected and unplanned physical injuries showed up, it became apparent that finishing those careers and retiring from them were not possible. Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down with everyone's favorite photographer, Patrick Perkins. Hear his story about how he not only learned how to deal with the injuries, but how a new plan for his life has given him both hope and purpose. Maybe, just maybe, you'll see that the same thing is possible for you if you were to ever find yourself in similar shoes.

The Silent Battle Within: The Journey to Mental Wellness

Let's face it...in the Law Enforcement world, there has been a stigma for years when it comes to mental health. No one has wanted to talk about it....no one has wanted to deal with it...and everyone was afraid if they did, their career would be over. Those days are over! The world we live in now is much different. The resources available, the conversation around it and the willingness to get those who need it help is far greater than it's ever been. In this episode, Sgt. Stephen Foutz of the Roanoke County Police Department opens up about his journey with mental health, depression and his path to healing as a way to bring hope to others who may be dealing with this silent battle within. Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes for this episode and a very vulnerable conversation that could be the very starting point for the healing you, or someone you know, may need.

Serving Beside the Servant: An Interview with the SHIELD Chaplaincy Wives

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!! THE EPISODE EVERYONE HAS BEEN WAITING ON!!!! We truly believe that this will be our most listened to episode to date! While our Chaplains may not be officers, we work anything other than normal schedules, we spend countless hours in patrol cars standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who wear the uniform. We carry the weight of the world as we shoulder the needs of our families, as well carrying the weight of many others. And just like you, we have wives waiting at home for our safe arrival, who are making dinner that will be waiting for us when we get home, who are taking the kids from place to place. Join Chaplain Hughes as he sits down with Melanie Potter, Courtney Stephenson and Amber Hughes for a very honest and raw conversation. In that you will hear them talk about things such as: -The wives love for the spouses of officers, dispatchers and first responders. -The weight they carry as they walk beside of their Chaplain husbands -Get the inside scoop on what life is like for them -Much MUCH more! If you are serving and have a spouse at home, we want to encourage you to share this with them!