Join former police detective and current certified drug and alcohol counselor, Michael Koch, invoking positive change and breaking the stigma of mental health issues among first responders.
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Join former police detective and current certified drug and alcohol counselor, Michael Koch, invoking positive change and breaking the stigma of mental health issues among first responders.
Moving through the Suffering: Episode 122 Guest: Erik "Smitty" Smith
Positive Connections Radio
56 minutes
1 month ago
Moving through the Suffering: Episode 122 Guest: Erik "Smitty" Smith
Positive Connections Radio (Podcast) Topic: Moving through the Suffering HALT and Call for Backup-Episode (122): With Guest Erik Smith Coast to Coast with Mike Koch and Jim McLintock
Erik Smith is a veteran of the fire service, having spent 30 years of public service-17 years with Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Like many who serve on the front lines, he has faced the hidden wounds of the job—specifically, the impact of post-traumatic stress.
After completing treatment for PTSD at the Center of Excellence in Maryland, he began an active journey of recovery—one that hasn’t been without setbacks. His ongoing struggle with alcohol has affected his personal life and marriage, but it also brought him to First Responder Wellness through a referral from the Emergency Responders Health Center in Idaho.
Since completing the program at First Responder Wellness and staying connected, he’s maintained his sobriety and shifted his focus toward helping others. Today, he runs a nonprofit organization called The Calm Seas Foundation, which supports veterans and first responders in their healing journey. He brings with him not only professional experience from two decades in fire service, but personal insight into trauma, addiction, and recovery.
“Be Strong, Stand Up, Speak Your Truth, and Break the Stigma.”
Join former police detective and current certified drug and alcohol counselor, Michael Koch, invoking positive change and breaking the stigma of mental health issues among first responders.
