Bend Don't Break Delta Police Department

Watch our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VWYOjcfSfb4
 
Summary
Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.
 
Takeaways Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you Surround yourself with a strong support network Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation
 
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background
08:13 The Organ Donation Process
14:43 Support from Family and the RCMP
26:13 Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient
35:44 Returning to Work and Helping Others

Summary
Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.
 
Takeaways Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you Surround yourself with a strong support network Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation
 
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background
08:13 The Organ Donation Process
14:43 Support from Family and the RCMP
26:13 Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient
35:44 Returning to Work and Helping Others

Summary
 
In this episode of the Bend Don't Break Podcast, retired police chief Les Sylven and Garry Foster discuss the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM) for first responders. They explain that TM is a simple and easy practice that can help reduce stress and build resilience. They share research studies that show the effectiveness of TM in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the proactive nature of TM, highlighting its ability to enhance concentration, conflict management, and relationships. They encourage listeners to explore TM as a tool for self-care and mental wellness.

 
Takeaways Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, especially for first responders who experience significant trauma. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and effective practice for reducing stress and building resilience. Research has shown that TM is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. TM is a proactive measure that can improve job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Anyone can learn TM, and it can be practiced anywhere, making it a convenient tool for self-care.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction
02:45 The Importance of Taking Care of Our Minds
06:08 Transcendental Meditation: A Simple Tool for Stress Reduction
08:59 Research on Transcendental Meditation and its Benefits
10:52 TM as a Proactive Measure for First Responders
24:02 Improving Job Performance and Relationships through TM
 
Would you like to learn more about Transcendental Meditation? Contact Garry Foster at garryfoster108@gmail.com.

Summary
 
In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife Estelize covers a range of topics, including the importance of always having a plan, the role of physical fitness in their lives, Chopper's passion for tattooing, leaving a legacy, managing critical incidents, the power of love and support, finding hope in the face of adversity, the impact of a mentor, and the lessons they have learned.  



Takeaways Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. He battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story of resilience. Ryan discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. Always have a plan, whether it's in policing or in life. Physical fitness is important for both mental and physical well-being. Find a passion that allows you to leave a lasting impact. Support from loved ones and the community is crucial in difficult times. Hope is a powerful motivator in the face of adversity. Mentors play a significant role in shaping our lives. Focus on the present and make the most of each day.  

Chapters
 
00:00 Remembering Ryan Masales
03:56 Chopper's Early Career
10:19 Project Starboard
29:16 Glioblastoma and Realism
41:36 Managing the Condition
42:04 Always Have a Plan
44:08 The Importance of Working Out
46:19 The Art of Tattooing
50:19 Leaving a Legacy
56:50 Managing Critical Incidents
59:37 The Power of Love and Support
01:05:03 Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity
01:06:03 The Impact of a Mentor
01:19:21 Lessons Learned

Watch our video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4axm4Kd
 
Summary
 
In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife Estelize covers a range of topics, including the importance of always having a plan, the role of physical fitness in their lives, Chopper's passion for tattooing, leaving a legacy, managing critical incidents, the power of love and support, finding hope in the face of adversity, the impact of a mentor, and the lessons they have learned.  



Takeaways Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. He battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story of resilience. Ryan discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. Always have a plan, whether it's in policing or in life. Physical fitness is important for both mental and physical well-being. Find a passion that allows you to leave a lasting impact. Support from loved ones and the community is crucial in difficult times. Hope is a powerful motivator in the face of adversity. Mentors play a significant role in shaping our lives. Focus on the present and make the most of each day.  

Chapters
 
00:00 Remembering Ryan Masales
03:56 Chopper's Early Career
10:19 Project Starboard
29:16 Glioblastoma and Realism
41:36 Managing the Condition
42:04 Always Have a Plan
44:08 The Importance of Working Out
46:19 The Art of Tattooing
50:19 Leaving a Legacy
56:50 Managing Critical Incidents
59:37 The Power of Love and Support
01:05:03 Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity
01:06:03 The Impact of a Mentor
01:19:21 Lessons Learned

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Courtney Luxen from the Calgary Police Service shares her journey of overcoming functional neurological disorder (FND) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She initially joined the police service with a background in sports medicine but fell in love with the idea of becoming a cop after seeing a female officer in action. Courtney experienced various physical symptoms, including uncontrollable blinking, breathing difficulties, and loss of motor control. After a long and challenging recovery process, she returned to work in a part-time capacity and now advocates for mental health and wellness within the police service.
 
Takeaways
Seeking therapy and regular check-ins with a mental health professional are essential for everyone, especially those in high-stress professions like policing.
Maintaining physical health, practicing gratitude, and incorporating breath work and meditation can contribute to overall well-being and resilience.
Don't judge others and avoid comparing yourself to others. Each person's journey is unique, and it's important to focus on your own progress.
Recovery from mental health challenges is a lifelong journey, and it's crucial to have a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues.
Never lose hope. Even in the darkest times, there is always the possibility of a better tomorrow.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:12 Becoming a Police Officer
04:05 Getting Sick and Seeking Help
08:25 Diagnosis and Treatment
10:49 Recovery and Rehabilitation
27:00 Returning to Work and Advocating for Mental Health
30:29 Lessons Learned and Advice
34:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways