The Weight We Carry Breaking the Silence on Police Suicide - Part 1

Every year, more law enforcement officers die by suicide than from all line-of-duty causes combined.

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Heroes Behind the Badge host Dennis Collins sits down with David Berez, Dave Howe, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd to confront the silent epidemic of stress, trauma, and loss inside police culture. They discuss why suicide remains the most painful taboo in law enforcement, what it means to carry invisible weight, and how small acts of connection and leadership can save lives.

This episode is not about statistics—it’s about the people behind them. You can listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the episode on YouTube by searching for the 'Heroes Behind the Badge Podcast'. Please like and share to help spread this very important episode!

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:

The true scope of suicide in law enforcement
How silence and stigma cost lives
Why awareness isn’t enough
The first steps toward real cultural change

Timestamps:

00:00 – Opening Story: The Final Call
03:30 – The Hidden Numbers No One Mentions
07:00 – Why This Conversation Matters
14:40 – A Plan for a Joyful Life
17:20 – Gratitude and the Grass Metaphor
20:15 – From Trauma to Purpose

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