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This week's episode is a chat with Katie Robert's, a LEOW who received a call no law enforcement spouse wants to receive and has spent the past few years fighting for her husband to not only get the care he deserves after a near fatal crash on duty, but for his disability to be approved. Contrary to what so many think...just because the medical retirement has gone through...the fight is NOT over.

This is a video of the crash her husband, Jeremy, was in on his department motorcycle...shared with her permission. It is hard to watch and will serve as a reminder that this job AND this life...could be gone in an instant.

Jeremy's life was spared that day and one day, the purpose of all the pain and struggle will be revealed.

Katie shares about not only getting the call from a civilian who stopped to help Jeremy, but how she had to find a place for her 5 month old, going to the scene only to find out Jeremy had already been transported, seeing him in the hospital, being judged for not crying enough, realizing the only family you have is the one under YOUR roof, seeing the man you love need help with EVERYTHING, and the BATTLE that is work comp/disability claims and medical retirement.

None of the stuff she shares is unique to their story. It is happening EVERY SINGLE DAY, across the country, often leaving those struggling feeling like they are alone. You are NOT alone.

This is a process that MUST be fixed, as it only adds insult to injury for these officers who so faithfully serve, yet feel forgotten about and left out to dry by the "family" they were promised in the academy.

Every state has their own work comp laws and oftentimes, departments feel their hands are tied when it comes to checking in on those who are off on injury. I encourage you to educate yourself of your state's work comp laws, find out if there is anything special regarding first responders, and if you've fought through the process...take the fight to your local representatives.

Department leaders...there is NO rule against checking in on your members while they are off. They are human beings, often facing a combination of mental AND physical injuries, due to the situation. A text, FaceTime, call, or visit can go a LONG way with letting them know they are NOT alone in their time of need.

Sergeants...these are YOUR people, no longer taking up a seat in roll call. You see that empty spot EVERY SHIFT. Reach out to check on your people and make sure you're checking on the ones still there...maybe struggling with the absence of their shift mate! ASK your people what they need and how they want to be supported. A little effort goes a LONG way!

You can connect with Katie on Instagram, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

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See you Next Shift