Sept. 5, 2025

GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 134: ONE CALL. ONE NOTE. ONE COP'S BREAKING POINT | POLICE TRAUMA & SURVIVAL STORY

GOLD SHIELDS EPISODE 134: ONE CALL. ONE NOTE. ONE COP'S BREAKING  POINT | POLICE TRAUMA & SURVIVAL STORY

We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did. "When the Call Breaks You" In this raw and emotional episode of GOLD SHIELDS, former undercover police officer, Navy rescue diver, and best-selling author Matt Griffin shares the unfiltered truth behind one of the darkest nights of his life. 🚨 Hear the harrowing details of a traumatic call that pushed him beyond the edge — one so horrific, it led him to write his own suicide note. But what happened next is a story of stre...

We hope you enjoy this episode of Gold Shields, let us know how we did.

"When the Call Breaks You"

In this raw and emotional episode of GOLD SHIELDS, former undercover police officer, Navy rescue diver, and best-selling author Matt Griffin shares the unfiltered truth behind one of the darkest nights of his life.

🚨 Hear the harrowing details of a traumatic call that pushed him beyond the edge — one so horrific, it led him to write his own suicide note. But what happened next is a story of strength, survival, and the hidden cost of wearing the badge.

🎧 This episode pulls back the curtain on what cops really face every night — the psychological trauma, the emotional weight, and the moments that never leave them.

If you care about mental health in law enforcement, veteran PTSD, and the resilience of first responders, you cannot miss this powerful conversation.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

A life or death call no cop ever wants to face

Writing a suicide note as an end

The emotional intersection between duty and personal traumaThe healing power of storytelling and purpose

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:02 Matt Griffin's Early Life and Navy Career
09:53 Challenges in Navy Rescue School
13:57 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
23:58 First Experiences as a Police Officer
29:56 The Impact of a Tragic Incident
37:38 Coping with Trauma and Moving Forward
40:55 The Journey of Faith and Doubt
43:38 Transitioning to Law Enforcement
44:35 The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic
48:26 Struggles of Identity and Work-Life Balance
51:33 The Cost of Law Enforcement on Personal Life
56:31 The Dark Side of Service: Coping with Trauma
59:27 A Turning Point: The Call That Saved a Life
01:16:05 Finding Purpose After Pain

SUBSCRIBE to Youtube.com/@GoldShields
Follow GOLD SHIELDS on ALL Audio Podcast Platforms

Visit us at https://thegoldshieldshow.com
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.instagram.com/thegoldshieldshow/
https://www.facebook.com/THEGOLDSHIELDSHOW/
linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-09676a22b