82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill - podcast episode cover

82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill

First Responder Wellness Podcast
May 21, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 82
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Episode description

Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/

QUESTIONS: Please call: 970-306-7799 or send an email to Gary Miller at [email protected]

 

82 - Finding Purpose after the Trauma with Kris O'Neill

📝 Show Notes

Guest: Kris O’Neill Host: Conrad Weaver Podcast: First Responder Wellness Podcast

🔍 Episode Overview:

In this episode, retired officer Kris O'Neill opens up about the day that forever changed his life: January 28, 2017. Kris shares the harrowing experience of being forced to make a life-or-death decision while on duty in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He walks us through the trauma, the aftermath, the lack of structured support, and how the culture within law enforcement made it harder to seek help.

From his roots in a law enforcement family to battling PTSD after a second critical incident, Kris talks candidly about mental health challenges and the long road to recovery. Today, he’s not only found purpose in healing but also supports others as a peer counselor with Hakes Wellness Solutions.

🔑 Key Topics Discussed:

  • Kris’s critical incident and its lasting impact

  • The silence and stigma in law enforcement culture

  • Catholic guilt and moral injury after a deadly use of force

  • The slow, difficult journey through PTSD

  • The role of peer support and how it’s changing law enforcement wellness

  • Why culturally competent therapy is essential for first responders

  • Advice for departments on building trust and wellness programs

  • What Kris wishes he had in place during his career

  • The turning point in his recovery and finding purpose through sharing his story

🗣️ Notable Quotes:

“It added some purpose to the pain I’ve gone through.” “The brain is our most important tool, and it needs maintenance too.” “Peer support used to be going out for a beer… now it's structured, trained, and protected.” “I didn’t want to burden my wife, but I didn’t know who else to talk to.”

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