If you're someone who is currently struggling with your mental health, please know that help is available. If you’ve been affected by anything discussed in today’s episode, we encourage you to reach out. Support is just a call or click away: • PTSD Foundation of America | Camp Hope 🌐 ptsdusa.org 📞 +1 832-912-4429 • Samaritans Ireland 🌐 samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland 📞 116 123 (Free to call, 24/7) • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 🌐 nami.org 📞 Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 🕐 Available Monday–Friday, 10 AM – 10 PM ET 📱 Or text “HELPLINE” to 62640 for support via SMS In this powerful episode, we sit down with Colin Whittington, a former U.S. Deputy Sheriff turned recruitment entrepreneur and bestselling author. Colin walks us through his remarkable journey—from the intense application and training process to become a Deputy Sheriff, to the realities of life on patrol, getting pepper sprayed and tasered during academy training, and the emotional toll law enforcement can take on a person. We dive deep into the mental health challenges in the police force, PTSD, and the tragic fact that over 200 officers die by suicide each year in the U.S. Colin shares personal stories from the field, including the day he was promoted to Sergeant and named Deputy of the Year for the state of Virginia after saving both a baby and an elderly man. He talks about the shift from patrol to recruitment, navigating the unique challenges of hiring during COVID, and the surprising power of LinkedIn in law enforcement recruitment. We discuss: • The difference between police departments, sheriffs, and federal agencies • The 10-month training pipeline and what happens when you're suddenly on your own • Proactive vs reactive recruiting strategies • The contrast between recruiting Millennials vs Gen Z candidates • Why retention isn't just the recruiter's responsibility Colin also opens up about his transition out of law enforcement—being approached by a recruiter, entering corporate recruitment, and eventually launching his own business helping first responders transition into civilian careers. He’s the author of two incredible books: 📘 Beyond the Thin Blue Line – A guide to help first responders navigate career transitions 📕 The Thinning Blue Line – Addressing the law enforcement talent crisis and what agencies can learn from the private sector Whether you're in law enforcement, recruiting, or just love a story about resilience, purpose, and reinvention—this episode has something for you 💬 Want to connect with Colin directly? Reach out to him on LinkedIn: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAApRykoBYxOz9Q8k_p5uU38lxKtd9e2VbG8
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