After 26 years in law enforcement, Glen Williams has experienced the toll that bearing witness to violence and tragedy can take.

Williams, like many first responders, bottled up the pain and soldiered on.

Unaware that his PTSD was wrecking his life at home and on the job. 

Hello, this is Robert Riggs.  In this episode of the True Crime Reporter® Podcast,  we look behind the badge of the men and women in blue.

Glen Williams has written a book titled Bridging The Gap aimed at helping police officers and other first responders heal after years of trauma.

He speaks on the subject across the United States.

Glen Williams - Author of "Bridging The Gap"

In our interview, Williams opens up about the emotional damage he suffered from years of seeing the worst of the worst on the police beat. 

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of PTSD

In closing, here’s my Reporter’s recap and reflections.

I commend Glen Williams for opening up wounds in his personal life to educate us about the PTSD suffered by first responders. Perhaps we should start thanking them for their service as we do military veterans.

I became aware of PTSD after my embedded reporter assignment with the lead Army unit during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

And all of the men in my family were World War II veterans, and none of them would discuss the war.  Looking back, I recognize signs of PTSD they suffered many years later. 

I believe the prescription is to open up, start talking, and seek professional help. Now, that’s easier said than done. Many young men,  including yours truly, were taught that showing feelings was a sign of weakness. 

With the help of strong women in our family, we are trying to change that in future generations.

You’ve been listening to the True Crime Reporter® Podcast: Stay True. Stay Safe. And Stay Tuned for more stories from inside the crime scene tape.

Yours Truly, Robert Riggs.