Dennis Cole: Building Lifelines for First Responders
At The End Of The Day, what it's going to take to really make a mark in the way that we do things is that somebody and some people are going to have to stand up and say: this is what happened to me, it's probably going to happen to one of you, and here's how we're going to address it.
Imagine being a first responder, facing intense pressure and trauma daily, yet finding little support when you need it most. In this episode of 'Rescue the Rescuer', host Michael Sugrue sits down with Dennis Cole, the founder of the Uniformed Services Peer Council (USPC), to discuss the crucial role of peer support in the lives of first responders. Dennis shares his deeply personal journey, from battling alcohol abuse and trauma to surviving a near-fatal suicide attempt.
His experiences led him to establish USPC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct assistance and resources to first responders. Dennis reveals how he identified glaring gaps in the support system and, with the help of friends who had similar struggles, created a network to guide others toward wellness. This episode sheds light on the importance of creating a culture where first responders feel safe discussing their issues and seeking help.
By sharing his story, Dennis hopes to inspire others to break the stigma and foster a more supportive environment for those who serve our communities.