Beyond the Badge: Finding Purpose and Joy After Policing - Part 2

What happens when the badge comes off? When the mission changes, but the heart that served still needs a place to go?

In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Heroes Behind the Badge host Dennis Collins continues his discussion with David Berez, Dave Howe, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd—exploring what comes after awareness: rebuilding purpose, identity, and joy beyond the uniform.

They share stories of recovery, leadership, and rediscovery—how faith, family, and service become anchors in a life that once revolved around duty.

This episode isn’t about what’s been lost—it’s about what can still be found.

Guests:

• David Berez (author, retired police lieutenant)

• Dave Howe (U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation)

• Bill Erfurth (retired Miami-Dade detective, filmmaker)

• Craig Floyd (Citizens Behind the Badge)

Topics include:

• Finding identity and purpose beyond law enforcement

• The power of life planning and gratitude

• Leadership as service, not authority

• Healing through faith, family, and freedom

• Building a culture that values wellness over silence

Timestamps:

00:00 – Shifting Gears: Life Beyond the Badge
03:45 – Stewards of the Badge
06:10 – The Power of a Life Plan
13:45 – Leadership Isn’t About You
16:40 – Leadership Is Service
23:50 – Faith, Family, and Freedom
27:15 – Learning to Re-Love
30:00 – Closing Reflections

To listen to this podcast and many more, you can also visit: heroesbehindthebadge.com

#HeroesBehindTheBadge #BeyondTheBadge #PoliceWellness #FirstResponderResilience #PoliceLeadership #LifeAfterPolicing #PositivePsychology #OfficerSupport #PoliceMentalHealth #LawEnforcement